Hi to all from Jeff Berlin

JeffBerlin · #1 02-22-2009, 07:59 AM

Good morning to All! I thought that we could discuss musical things again which is, of course, of a great interest of mine. If I can help guide you toward some better playing, please ask me your questions.

Best to all,

Jeff

RCCollins · #2 02-22-2009, 08:02 AM

Good morning Jeff! Thanks for sharing another Sunday with us talkbass folks.

edit: I have no specific question but I will be following this thread with open ears.

JeffBerlin · #3 02-22-2009, 08:05 AM

Clinics are sort of on the way out of how well known musicians meet up with people. I used to do a million clinics and had a chance to discuss and demonstrate musical ideas, but those days are waning. And so, an appearance every once in a while here is a good opportunity to chat about bass and music.

John Wentzien · #4 02-22-2009, 08:07 AM

Hey Jeff!

JeffBerlin · #5 02-22-2009, 08:07 AM

Let's see who checks in today because this is Sunday. It is early in a lot of places in the U.S. and if people are in church or sleeping, I will try this during the week, maybe later in the day.

fullrangebass · #6 02-22-2009, 08:07 AM

Hi Jeff

Any chance for Clinics in Europe?

marshmallow83 · #7 02-22-2009, 08:08 AM

Good afternoon from Wales Jeff. may I just say that I find your arrangement of Tears in Heaven is wonderful, as well as all your other compositions.

JeffBerlin · #8 02-22-2009, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fullrangebass

Hi Jeff

Any chance for Clinics in Europe?

Not likely. The economy is hurting retail and stores don't really want to lay out the money like they used to to have a clinic.

Tumeni Notes · #9 02-22-2009, 08:10 AM

Good morning Jeff,

I just wanted to send in a quick hello and hope all is going well with you and your family. I had visited your clinic several months ago on a business trip and am still looking forward to being able to attend one of your intensive workshops soon.

I still have the Crate 15" bass cabinet that you autographed for me when you were doing a clinic in Dallas many years ago.

Anyway, I will keep a close eye on this post and look forward to getting some more great information from you.

Dr. Cheese · #10 02-22-2009, 08:10 AM

Jeff, I played for years before I really learned the notes of the fingerboard. I have learned them about twenty years ago, but whenever I play, there is always a split second delay between naming the note and playing it. How can I improve that problem?

JeffBerlin · #11 02-22-2009, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marshmallow83

Good afternoon from Wales Jeff. may I just say that I find your arrangement of Tears in Heaven wonderful,as well as all your other compositions.

As of late, I've been avoiding doing bass solo pieces because my interest isn't in this area. I'm much more interested in soloing and comping on progressivly higher and higher levels. By the way, the best fish & chips I ever ate was ihn Wales.

mattygbass · #12 02-22-2009, 08:10 AM

what is the best way to learn and practice the circle of fifths

edit: meaning is there an easy formula for remembering them?

JeffBerlin · #13 02-22-2009, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tumeni Notes

Good morning Jeff,

I just wanted to send in a quick hello and hope all is going well with you and your family. I had visited your clinic several months ago on a business trip and am still looking forward to being able to attend one of your intensive workshops soon.

I still have the Crate 15" bass cabinet that you autographed for me when you were doing a clinic in Dallas many years ago.

Anyway, I will keep a close eye on this post and look forward to getting some more great information from you.

Crate made the greatest sounding 15 inch bass cabinet I ever played at that time until I heard Markbass. Crate dropped me from their list of endorsers because they put their eggs into Ampeg. When this happened, I discovered Markbass and consider myself an endorser of the best bass amplifer I ever played through, which is their 15 inch combo amp named for me.

Wilbyman · #14 02-22-2009, 08:12 AM

Hi Jeff. Thanks for coming back to chat today. I'm curious what your transcription process is like...do you typically go through a blow start-to-finish or will you pick out a few ideas and work through those? Are you an advocate of writing stuff out?

Oh yeah, very curious how you liked working with Bromberg on Aneurhythms! I thought you bass sound on that one was fantastic!

sowder · #15 02-22-2009, 08:14 AM

Good morning Jeff,

This is why I love TalkBass..the pros and manufacturers actually get interactive with the players. BTW I am a big fan of yours and will be checking this thread all day for any tips and advice you choose to dole out to us mortals!

Cameron

JeffBerlin · #16 02-22-2009, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

Jeff, I played for years before I really learned the notes of the fingerboard. I have learned them about twenty years ago, but whenever I play, there is always a split second delay between naming the note and playing it. How can I improve that problem?

I think that your problem is that you are learning the fingerboard instead of learning music. My impression is that you are trying to figure out the bass, when music will help you to do this with no problem. You just have to make sure that you learn the "good stuff".

Baryonyx · #17 02-22-2009, 08:18 AM

Nice to see you here again Jeff, I hope you're well!

The other day when I was cooking I had just been thinking about the last thread you had here and I was on a real Berlin kick so I put your "Champion" record on blasting loud in the kitchen Heaven knows what the neighbours though!

JeffBerlin · #18 02-22-2009, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattygbass

what is the best way to learn and practice the circle of fifths

edit: meaning is there an easy formula for remembering them?

One doesn't learn the cycle of 5ths. One learns certain musical principles in cycle 5ths. Cycle of 5ths is a term for the 12 key sounds in music (there are actually 15 different cycle 5th names). You take an exercise and you play it in the cycles.

If, however, you are talking about the actual root names, here they are. C F Bb Eb Ab Db (Gb-F#) B E A D G

My final comment is do not make a big deal out of any exercise. Simply regard them, practice them and you will learn them, just like you learned what you learned in school, through a little repetition.

LowDown Hal · #19 02-22-2009, 08:20 AM

Good Morning.
Regarding Markbass... What are your thoughts on the LittleMark II and the Traveler 151P separates as opposed to your signature combo? Specifically, I own the amp and am considering the cabinet.
THANKS

JeffBerlin · #20 02-22-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilbyman

Hi Jeff. Thanks for coming back to chat today. I'm curious what your transcription process is like...do you typically go through a blow start-to-finish or will you pick out a few ideas and work through those? Are you an advocate of writing stuff out?

Oh yeah, very curious how you liked working with Bromberg on Aneurhythms! I thought you bass sound on that one was fantastic!

I'm a lucky guy because I can transcribe practically anything I hear. Transcriptions are, hands down, THE best method for learning new music and developing your ear and musical sense all at the same time. It is THE perfect musical vitamin. I transcribe bits, or whole passages at a time. I don't know how I will transcribe until I actually do it. Frankly, I don't care about the time it takes to write out what I hear as I know that the only important thing is to finish the transcriptions.