Jeff Berlin on Jaco Pastorius

Jeff talks about how Jaco achieved his unique - and influential - sound.
See more at jeffberlinmusicgroup.com

[@no1shere710]

Powerful. "Jaco was such a genius that I extracted myself from that approach and didn't go there". Like Miles Davis saying "Do you know why I don't play ballads anymore? Because I love them so much".

[@terrywho22]

In this respect Jaco was like Coltrane, meaning many sax players end up in the situation where they have to "extract" themselves (great word for that) from playing like Coltrane to get back to themselves and their style.

[@jaco5187]

Jaco is still gonna blow people's minds 500 years from now.

[@ntesslafan]

I admire how Jeff Berlin shows respect for what Jaco Pastorius created. Well done Mr. Berlin.

[@dennisn.9583]

Jeff is a genius. The way he describes things shows this man knows about anything he focused on. Great guy!

[@paulsimmons5726]

Yeah, Jaco was a one of a kind player who is still sending shock waves through the music world 3 decades after his death. Jeff, thanks for sharing your insights!

[@lumpyjazz]

My pleasure Paul. I am glad that you liked the video.

[@timpenfield5]

very important to hear this guy talk, I was just watching an old vid of jaco. Comments were disgusting, Calling jaco crap, Claiming he did nothing for the bass etc....Metallica guys much better etc.... even the Metallica guy is a big fan of jp, . I guess they are better than Berlin. to. I am not a bass player but i read music, My low level knowledge+ears tell me, Jaco was playing some serious licks, original stuff even if played on a regular guitar, would be awesome, Octives+harmonics,CHORDS jaco did=JUST AMAZING

[@OutOfPlace0]

@@timpenfield5 so sad people are like that. Comparing metal and jazz bassists is just dumb and won't lead anywhere

[@normanhirschfeld3823]

@@OutOfPlace0 And even worse, judging Jaco from youtube videos filmed in his later years when he was a shadow of his former self. Even the Montreal video from 82' is a poor representation of who he was as a musician in my opinion despite its moments of brilliance. To get an accurate perspective on how brilliant he was at his peak people should watch Shadows & Light, Trilogue and the two Weather Report concerts with him that were filmed.

[@jrosner6123]

Jeff and Jaco were the two bassists that prompted me to learn harmony as a teenager. I still enjoy the music of both, and love Jeff's take on education, and music in general

[@wanderingchords]

Your right Jeff, I heard Jaco say in an interview, i think with Jerry Jemmott, "I was using harmonics to tune up one day, and it sounded like music to me" also its nice to hear some one as amazing as Jeff Berlin talk about other musicians with respect and even a little humility. Sets a standard for future musicians to live by as far as respect for one another.

[@lumpyjazz]

Great to hear Wanderingchords.

[@matcoddy6097]

Ya, he said it to Jerry Jemmott in the 1985 instructional video called "Modern Electric Bass" with Jaco Pastorius (obviously, lol). It's available on KZbin, & the KZbin video is called "Jaco Pastorius Modern Electric bass"

[@wanderingchords]

Mat Coddy thats right i remember now! Thanx!

[@gitaaa7740]

Jaco picked up the harmonic technique from watching guitarists he said it on his "instructional" video. Classical guitarists have been using harmonics on their guitars for centuries. Too bad classical guitar isn't a popular style anymore.

[@catboyzee]

Loved that JB recognized early that Jaco was such an original voice that he purposely disciplined himself to not pick up on JP's approach...no easy feat. I'm sure he lost a few gigs because he refused to mimic Jaco and instead insisted on being the best Jeff Berlin he could be. #respect

[@davidwebb091370]

i respect Mr. Jeff Berlin as a bassist. and for him to talk about Jaco's bass-playing in such high esteem makes me so happy! thanks, Mr. Jeff Berlin, for this vid!

[@nathanwalsh3028]

Being that I'm a drummer the one thing I notice from all of you bass players when you talk about Jaco is you all have a huge smile on your face. I don't think people notice that. Very cool. I think Jaco would be smiling too!!! ✌

[@terrywho22]

Great observation. Yes, listening to Jaco is always an enlightening experience.

[@MrMjp58]

Jeff remains the greatest bass player I have ever seen in a live situation. For him to elevate Jaco as he does, means so much. He truly was a genius of the bass guitar.

[@miltonhopper2932]

Love your explanation of Jack’s use of harmonics. I on the other hand gravitated towards learning everything I could about how he played and duplicating the sound. This took; time, a lot of practice, studying theory and learning to stand outside the group to listen to the whole of the sound of the group while playing within the group. Training myself to do that and differentiate between fretted and fretless bass was the most difficult part of the process. Every day I keep pushing to improve, been at it since 1981 and I see no reason for stopping now.

[@frankalfar]

That harmonic chord w the low note gives me goose bumps.....

[@artysanmobile]

Thank you, Jeff, for your insight. Jaco’s artistry deserves this kind of attention. We recorded some gorgeous harmonic ‘experiments’ in 1976 that you have made me consider releasing. They were done as part of an early writing session for “John & Mary” and I believe he would be proud of them.

[@RiveBassCovers]

I say release them!

[@WillXPower99]

please release them!

[@rodmac8358]

What a beautiful tribute from one great bass player to another.

[@jamescarlucci9867]

Jeff, you are definitely one of my top 5 musicians of all time, for whatever reason, you could talk about paint drying and put it into perspective.

[@lumpyjazz]

Haha! Now THIS would be an interesting video. Best regards, Jeff

[@63Baggies]

James Carlucci Jeff Berlin is as good an instructor as he is a player; I'm so glad he's still around.

[@jamescarlucci9867]

Jeff Berlin is beyond good, he's a genius, I played/sat in a room with him a few years ago and played some jazz standards..I learned quite a bit, but ultimately went home kicking a can. I did hang with him on my boxing knowledge to my surprise...

[@lumpyjazz]

What a fun story James. Thank you for sharing it.

[@lumpyjazz]

Hi Robert. I'll never die! I know people! :)

[@vincentm614]

As a young bass player in the 70s I remember first hearing Stanley Clarke and being most impressed by his speed and the fact that he was an equal soloist in Return to Forever then a year later hearing Jaco and being even more impressed. I remember reading about this Jeff Berlin guy in Rolling Stone and how great he was too but that was in the early 80s. Of course now I love Jeffs playing too. To this day I hear great younger players talk about how they are still influenced by Jaco's innovations. Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten talk of staying up all night to learn some tune Jaco composed on bass. I like rock bassist but its the guys with a jazz backround who tend to really know this instrument inside out.

[@timalan5376]

The big 3, Jaco, Jeff, and Stanley, are all innovators of early electric bass virtuosity, and all three should be in the jazz hall of fame.

[@RorroBass]

Thanks Jeff!, from Chile :D

[@kennethschweighardt4920]

Thanks for sharing Jeff, I deeply appreciate all of your offerings and comments. I may not agree with every single one, but you have my deepest respect and gratitude for your instructional genius.

[@davidturkos8502]

The respect has to go to Jeff as a musician and as a teacher. This has done so much , he never fully go the respect jeff deserve. A teacher respecting a teacher.

[@SIRONEDRAGON]

VERY COOL Jeff.. I think Jaco would have smiled watching this great video.

[@anthonyfelker1712]

Very good and simple. I will have to discipline myself to this, because I’ve always tried to pickup a piece of each player I liked. I just retired so now I will have time to get back to practice. Thanks Jeff, good timing on this one for me. I needed this!

[@chizmo7]

Thank you Jeff. Your bass playing is utterly amazing and original and beautiful as well.

[@paulleighton4639]

great overview of one bass legend by another legend

[@ds5621]

Aside from being an amazing bass player Jeff is also a superb narrator, who tells the story being friendly and honest at the same time. Great pleasure.

[@fabricetremblay9023]

Jeff Berlin, you're a motivater. Thanks !!

[@kevinmitchell4094]

A great musician and educator. Thanks for putting in laymans terms the technique of a brilliant player.

[@kennymcquinkiss8292]

Thanks Jeff .i have been a big fan for years

[@coolet5]

Thanks Jeff, Jaco still lives in our hearts.

[@lumpyjazz]

I hope that he always does.

[@mymixture965]

I feel the same when playing octaves, always hearing Wes Montgomery and so I keep my octave playing at a minimum:-)

[@Canyon2023]

Really excellent and informative, thank you!!!

[@KeithCopeland778]

Great assessment of the amazing Jaco!

[@lumpyjazz]

Thank you Keith.

[@falconismbot9370]

Great talk about one of my favorite bassists from another of my favorite bassists. Thanks for the great content on this channel!

[@lumpyjazz]

You are always welcome here Zack.

[@floydpattersonii4996]

Wow, this was amazing. Thanks Jeff !!

[@fitnessguru8012]

Nicely done Jeff, you sir are a genius too. I totally get what you said about not listening to Jaco too much because I do exactly the opposite when I want to think differently, such as listening specifically piano and horn players because their notes are arranged differently, which contributes to a different approach to phrasing than typically found in guitar and bass playing. It is because of Jaco and you that there are so many great players today. You guys took it to another level that had never been known to the masses before. I'm glad that at least one of you is still with us.

[@Datanditto]

Jeff, I appreciate your passion for teaching and you are a master at clarifying your point. I ‘ll be ordering your bass instructions.

[@lumpyjazz]

Reading is a beautiful thing Datanditto. You can do this and also keep playing and listening to whatever gives you musical pleasure, a total win-win. Good luck Sir.

[@lumpyjazz]

Great Datanditto. There is a lot of information there to practice. Keep in touch via jeffberlinmusicgroup.com if you have any questions.

[@matshanssen2070]

Yes I know, Jeff. I figured this out myself on my guitar and bass in the seventies.😎

[@albertlarroca1271]

Jeff is one of the few bassist players can say something from Pastorius, not only he played with him, also have a great endurance and musical knowledge.

[@blackarrow9072]

Very humble and brilliant bassist. Thanks for the inspiring elaboration on Jaco.

[@Larrymh07]

I always enjoyed reading your columns. So much so that I copped your writing style while I was writing for my ski club newsletter. Thanks for your help, Jeff.

[@lumpyjazz]

Great Larry. But be warned that my direct writing style also angered a lot of people for my lack of wiggle room in my views. I don't apologize nor take anything back that I ever said, except that I did learn to be more kind as I continued sharing thoughts about learning.

[@Ojb_1959]

Got to see Jaco twice, once on WR 8:30 tour at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans and with WoM a Tipitinas in NOLA. Just incredible live. 🎭

[@solodad001]

Thank you Jeff.

[@dividedwestand2467]

Fascinating.

[@kasunmaduwage2316]

Maestro,thank you very much ....!

[@johnnyb2799]

You’re Awesome Jeff. I wish I could take lessons from you.

[@3340steve]

Thank you Mr Berlin ...

[@girlinagale]

I saw Mr Berlin in a small town hall in Peterborough late 70s. In the break, at the bar he was there and I said, "You're brilliant!" but he just looked at me like the young stoned hippie I was. Fond memories.

[@BluesLicks101]

Thank you so much for this and for your insight Jeff, its so good to hear explainations of Jaco's playing from someone who actually played with him.

[@ramirry]

That was an excellent presentation.

[@jamesconraadtucker]

Nicely stated, Jeff.i know Jaco and his "place" will always be celebrated in this camp. He found beauty and power worked hand in hand. Today, there are 99.9% imitators.

[@rabbirelax]

Great video. Nice tribute to one of your contemporaries. You've both helped to shape modern bass playing.

[@lumpyjazz]

We both called a few of the very same people our best friends. But, in life, we only met once.

[@chrisgambaro-vega9504]

Of COURSE I'd run into YOU on this thread.

[@rabbirelax]

@@chrisgambaro-vega9504 HA! Great minds stink alike!

[@Frisbieinstein]

Jeff Berlin was the first speed slap bassist. He renounced that too. He had to do things his own way.

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

love it!

[@TheGurner1]

Great exposition ;-) Jaco was one of a kind for sure

[@vincentm3890]

Jaco was so ahead of everyone else and totally expanded the language of the bass. When I first heard him I was floored . though he will be forever known for his bass playing he a wonderful composer and arranger too.

[@glennsuckling217]

Thankyou Jeff

[@lumpyjazz]

My pleasure Glenn.

[@benjroof]

What a nice guy.

[@chansfor]

What a terrific explanation, thank you!

[@spumpstein9374]

Great video, great player, great respect for a fellow master of the electric bass. 100% cool.

[@gitaaa7740]

Mr. Berlin you are one of my favorite bass players! I met you once at the Roxy in Hollywood, CA. You were playing with Bruford at them time. It was an incredible show! Jaco is also one of my favorite bass players. Thank you for posting this.

[@lumpyjazz]

How nice of you to share this message. And how cool that you recall us meeting all those years ago.

[@godu1111]

What a great story and explanation

[@lumpyjazz]

Thank you. :)

[@44thenazz]

Informative video, Jeff. Thanks.

[@rationalmuscle]

Spot-on Jeff!

[@lumpyjazz]

Cheers Rationalmuscle!

[@cyril_jq]

I wish for no matter what I learn, I can meet one teacher like Jeff Berlin.

[@lumpyjazz]

If you meet anyone that only teaches music based in jazz studies and reading etudes, this is the person for you.

[@gordiannot77]

I hope after you found your sound that you let Jacos music into you life! Jeff❤

[@ShangoDC]

Stanley Clarke used singular note harmonics on the ending of Lopsy Lu (1974) and the opening and ending of Journey to Love (1975) this was about two or three years before Jaco’s first album. The great Jaco wasn’t the only or surely not the first original on solo electric bass of that era. If I remember correctly Stanley absolutely dominated the electric bass universe of Jazz/ Rock during those days. Let’s spread the credit properly.

[@PAS86]

Stanley was, and still is amazing. I had the honor of attending one of his shows with Miller and Wooten, magical! In regards to the tune on display, it is something Jaco had been working on for many years prior to its release in 1976. Let us not forget that they were born in the same year (51). Also, kudos to Jeff for taking the time to present his take on the tune. We are all well acquainted with his jaw-dropping talents on the bass, but I also value his pedagogical skills and methods.

[@permjoback2580]

Hi Jeff! 👍🇸🇪😉

[@andymelendez9757]

Thanks Uncle J

[@fenderfetish]

Thanks Jeff. Excellent as usual =^)

[@humblegeorge]

Now I too know Cort Basses are wonderful.Looks and sound too Than you.

[@virgilrw]

Thank You for your brilliant musical analysis! ☆☆☆☆☆

[@laurobass]

this is awesome

[@lumpyjazz]

I am glad that you liked it Lauro.

[@whiskeyriver4322]

Cool Beans!!! Geez, I can't believe it's been almost 42 years since I saw you; I think you were with a few guys named Bill, Alan, and Dave. God bless you Bottom Man! ;)

[@bottleforty1]

Same here. That's about the last time I saw with that group at the Park West in Chicago. Alan wasn't with them though.

[@rhampton1914]

Thanks for sharing this Jeff..Enjoyed this a lot

[@samirish3331]

You’re very humble Jeff and as always, honest. A legion of bass players, including myself, we’re immediately pulled as if by tractor beam into a Jaco orbit. I’m sure sales of fretless basses went through the roof! Many of us got fretless basses or pulled frets out. I remember having little contests with various players over who could most convincingly play signature Jaco lines and compositions. At some point, thankfully, a guitar player asked, “so who have you been listening to, I mean, besides Jaco”? Wake-up call!

[@ChazJazzNY]

Besides being a very established player you are a good person to. Thanks for the melody.

[@ronchrisman]

I had the honor to work for both of you !!! ( I was Ron from Royal )

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Wonderful

[@trevorwhat]

Thanks, Jeff.

[@lumpyjazz]

My pleasure Trevor.

[@PatriotSteve]

I totally respect you for what you said in this video. Paying homage to one of, if not THE, premiere bass player of all time is very cool of you.

[@lumpyjazz]

Thank you Steve. :)

[@mr.wunderful4361]

I tend to agree, but the adjective phrase, regarding bass harmonic chords in my opinion is "more soul." I love the hip-pocket education. Thank you!

[@lumpyjazz]

In art or performance, soul or feeling are important. In learning, they aren't because the idea is to gather new information and learn it.

[@LeoTraversaMusic]

very cool, Jeff.

[@christopherrodriguez5207]

For fans of bass harmonics, I highly recommend Bunny Brunel. One of the most talented bass players around, his first solo album Touch, has some of the most beautiful harmonics i've ever heard. One track you can look up is Nani, named after his wife.p

[@lumpyjazz]

Lovely thought Christopher.

[@RiveBassCovers]

Omae wa mou shinderu NANI?!?!

[@franks.8189]

He is still alive !

[@stalestrings]

I will have a listen :)

[@fusionhar]

Beautiful Jeff

[@lumpyjazz]

Cheers Harry.

[@fusionhar]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIrPYoOrhcyWj7s

[@Shuzies]

Your Back.....this is the Jeff I like

[@RJRKM]

"Where we used our ears to tune our instrument" how true is this statement

[@steeleyes101]

Thanks much for this much needed tutorial. Please can you do a longer on sometime showing close ups of the exact fingering positions? Thanks again for this

[@lumpyjazz]

Hi S E E. I sincerely suggest that you listen to his recordings deeply and see how you, by using your ear, can figure out how to play his stuff. It isn't watching my hands that will improve your playing. It is by imitating, making mistakes, getting stuck and finding ways to unstick yourself that will help you to grow as a bassists. See what I mean? I wish you luck.

[@alanconrad8490]

Jeff, himself, is a fantastic bassplayer

[@wilfig]

I caught Jeff Berlin at the Baked Potato in LA back in the 90's. I had never heard him live before, and he went on a tear that made my jaw drop. I knew Jeff Berlin was a badass, but I didn't know just how badass he actually was! Funny that Jeff mentioned that he had to pull himself away from Jaco's gravity. I had the same experience with saxophonist Kenny Garrett. I had to stop listening to his music altogether, because people kept telling me I sounded just like him. I haven't bought a KG album in over 20yrs as a result. Sorry, Kenny....

[@jorgenroed6213]

Jeff is an absolute master of the bass guitar and for him to elevate Jaco Pastorius the way he did shows he’s a class act all the way. Interestingly, following this video was an ad for a guitar app that claims you can “master” the guitar in no time… ironic this ad follows a man who has stated millions of times years of practice and education is the only way to master a musical instrument…lol😂. Thanks Jeff Berlin!!!!

[@JohnSmithiuyytw]

Great interview!

[@gustavoheberle6265]

Mr Jeff Berlin also has a Master Degree in Bass playing !!!

[@starrynightguitars]

Great explanation. Interesting that he says he didn’t listen too much to Jaco because he didn’t want to be drawn in by his genius. I think that was more of a thing back in the day- finding your sound and own path. Seems like more musicians today mimicking what others have already done. I’ve heard Pat Metheny discuss that same idea about finding our own unique sound.

[@gastonlamarque4979]

Nice one Jeff👍

[@jarrilaurila]

Jeff i didnt know you have your own channel! I was and still are big fan of all 70s era prog rock/ fusion stuff you guys made. I pick up guitar about ten years ago and now try to learn from you Guys. Definetly sub from here.

[@connshawnery6489]

That’s the science of sound waves. Low frequencies vibrate slower and actually travel farther which is why high frequencies are always indiscernible when something is being heard from a distance.

[@garethmtbarnes]

That bass/amp combination has a beautiful sound! I saw you play up close in a bar in Boston about 79/80 where I could catch your technique up close. It was clear you weren't going down the Jaco route then - I think you use both pick ups as opposed to just the back pick up. And I can't remember any harmonics. Great stuff and an inspiration!

[@lumpyjazz]

You remember me well Gareth. The back pickup changed my musical life in an instance after Glen Quan put one in my bass as a replacement part while I was passing through San Francisco on a tour with Pat Martino in 1975. When I heard that bridge pickup, I was altered in my vision of bass for all time.

[@kish-river]

Jeff, I peed next to you at a little bar in Poplar Grove, IL like 10 years ago. You're a nice guy and a real class act. Thanks for that memory.

[@CooManTunes]

Lmao. ;)

[@pabslondon]

I read something in one of Allan Holdsworth's books about how he auditioned for bass players and everyone was trying to be like Jaco but he hired you because you had your own thing

[@lumpyjazz]

This was nice of Allan to say.