Jeff Berlin

[ole Jason]

I tend to agree with a lot of what he says in principle. I think the way he communicates can come off as pretty weird to most people.

Definitely agree with the comment above about casual players and the way he is perceived by them. So much of the online bass discourse, especially on social media platforms, has devolved into 'Here's a lick you can play over G!' and people get defensive when someone points out how dumb that is if you want to actually be a good player.

 

[57pbass]

Was reading a couple of his posts on Facebook, seems he gets a lot of static on how he teaches and his opinions. What’s the story here?

He is a very knowledgeable talented guy but he is often times brings his politics into the conversation and is sometimes abrasive. I left his room since some of those threads just degenerated into pure nonsense. This is pretty much public knowledge though.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

He helped me on FB with one simple yet profound observation:
"When rehearsing don't perform. It's rehearsal not performance. Your flying pinky will soon be under control once you absorb and apply this.".
He was right!
And it did.

That's right. Learning and practicing music is not about performance. That is a seperate thing as well.

 

[hieronymous]

I used to read his articles in Guitar Player magazine in the early/mid-80s - they were lighthearted and funny, with cool transcriptions and musical exercises. Then he seemed to change - grumpier and way more opinionated. Wasn't there something about metronomes being absolutely useless? I will say I loved his bass playing - I had Pump It! when it came out and listened to it a lot, also with Kazumi Watanabe on Spice of Life - with Bill Bruford on drums!

 

[DJ Bebop]

JB is serious about doing it by the numbers, sight reading, theory, etc., with no short cuts. Supremely gifted and accomplished, often when he was younger, we'll just say he didn't suffer fools easily, and could be notably cantankerous at times.

Like most of us, he's mellowing with age, and has always been very committed to musical education in the best way, if not a bit strident about it at times.

I think his 'difficult' rep has been far larger than his truth, and people being people, have painted him with it way past done . . . or fairness. A player's player, as good as they get, and an educator.

I think he deserves a break and a fresh appreciation.

Yup
He may not have gotten his point across clearly enough. While most took issues with his definitions of what is a professional musician is or what music education should be. The premise I feel holds true, to be good in your profession you need to have received the best education in that field and are able to apply it. I understand how some can disagree with this, until they have the need to hire a professional person for their needs.
Or don't get the position they were hoping for.

 

[Lesfunk]

I think Jeff Berlin is 100% correct in what he teaches.
If you do the work and buy in, you will see results.

the problem isn’t the message. It’s the delivery.
Berlin is not a bad guy, but he does rub some people the wrong way.
Such is the way of certain masters. They can be bristly and opinionated; but have no doubt. He is truly a master of music.

 

[Koshchei]

Was reading a couple of his posts on Facebook, seems he gets a lot of static on how he teaches and his opinions. What’s the story here?

He's a legendary virtuoso bass player with strong opinions about pedagogy. I agree with his approach, but think that he'd have more supporters if he were to couch it more tactfully.

 

[Artman]

People still use facebook?

 

[Joebone]

Just listen to him play. He is one of the greats.

OK, have been seeing Jeff Berlin flak, from a distance, for 30 years. Can someone please direct me to three recordings that exemplify the essence of his musical thing? Not being argumentative here - I really wanna know what's the what. Thanks!

 

[monkeyfinger]

There is a *LOT* of history and controversy with regard to Jeff Berlin's presentation and approach to music education in this forum. I respect the contributions that he made as a musician. However, revisiting this history does not offer any real value to this group. For that reason I am shutting this thread down.