Search - Jeff Berlin :: Crossroads

Arguably the most overlooked jazz/rock bassist around.

Dibrock@AOL.COM | The California Coast | 07/04/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jeff Berlin has been one of my all time favorites for years. I first discovered his work in '85 with the release of Champion. The guest list on this album is an amazing one with the talents of Neal Schon and Steve Smith (Journey), T. Lavitz (The Dregs and solo), and Scott Henderson on most of the guitar tracks. Jeffs second offering was the '87 album entitled Pump It. This equally impressive release features the incredible Frank Gambale on all of the guitar tracks along with Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big and Racer X), Tris Imboden on drums and Buddy Miles singing an inspiring rendition of Crossroads. The album that you are contemplating purchasing is a compilation of those two solo projects that were originally released on the Passport Jazz label and are currently out of print. The only deleted track is the title song from the first album. Highlights on this CD will be Jeffs' bass solo on 20,000 Prayers and Frank Gambales guitar on Freight Train Shuffle. Enjoy!"

Excellent Playing!

Dibrock@AOL.COM | 01/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first time I heard Jeff Berlin was on one of Bill Bruford's solo albums. I was blown away. I had heard Jaco Pastorius before (who I still think was the best bass player ever because he revolutionized the instrument), but I was really impressed with Jeff Berlin's tight, technical playing and melodic solos. When I got this recording I was not disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised to hear some of my favorite guitarists as well - Frank Gambale (Chick Corea Elektric band), Scott Henderson (Tribal Tech, Vital Tech Tones), Neal Schon (Remember Journey?) who I suspect was hanging out with Steve Smith. He is one of my favorite drummers in this genre, and plays on several of the tracks. There are two different groups of musicians on this album; I believe all the sessions were recorded between 1984 and 1985. In my opinion, this was a good year for fusion - the recordings were more polished than the early fusion albums by Miles and RTF, but not "overproduced" to the point where they would eventually turn into --uggh-- smooth jazz. All in all, this is a great album with some excellent bass solos, and plenty of top-notch musicians. Buy it!"

One of my favorites

Jon T. Pomplin | USA | 02/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an excellent CD and contains material from Jeff's earlier releases that I have been looking for in record stores for quite some time. A must have for any musician, jazz or rock fan and general listener. Just look at who is on this CD!! There is so much great material here that it is hard to go into any details other than to say it is one of my favorites. This one isn't leaving the CD player anytime soon..."