12 Bricks Late To The Berlin Party

[Yngve J. Chapleen]

     Today I was going to continue exploring the funny side of the Rock music, but decided to postpone that post for later date and try something else. What would be a sensitive choice to present I won't do it, because I find it too depressive and quite honestly, I loathe to post such crap. Instead, we'll play nice and hey! there is an idea. Today's album can be summed up with one word... Nice.

     Best known from playing bass in Bill Bruford's band as well as other projects such as Patrick Moraz, Allan Holdsworth, Richie Kotzen among others, Jeff Berlin assembled a pretty admirable line up for his second solo album. The guitar was mostly handled by Frank Gambale (Return To Forever). Buddy Miles provided the vocals and Jeff Porcaro (Toto) a Tom Tom solo. However, probably the biggest credit goes to Berlin for recognizing a great talent before they hit it big. Notably, Tris Imboden (Chicago) on drums and Paul Gilbert on guitar prior to his Racer X stint.

     The material is pretty diverse consisting of vocal and instrumental tracks, a tribute to a classical legend Bach, as well as a cover to Robert Johnson's blues vintage Crossroads. And let's not forget the song he dedicated to the members of the band RUSH. These songs are all very accessible, melodic, and catchy, which I found strange (in a good way) since none of these trades are associated with Fusion Rock. I'm not complaining. In fact, it's highly recommended.

JEFF BERLIN - Pump It!

CD ℗ 1986

BASS ORIENTED FUSION ROCK

1. Pump It!
2. Joe Frazier (Round 2)
3. All The Greats
4. Bach
5. Crossroads
6. Freight Train Shuffle
7. Manos De Piedra

[Scott]

I've been a fan Imbodens since I first heard him with Kenny Loggins.  His album "Nightwatch" is one of my all time faves and his work is a big reason why... For my money, I like him better with Loggins...  Not that his Chicago stint isn't stellar, it is, I just think his style was more suited for Loggins jazzy side

[Yngve J. Chapleen]

I agree. Chicago's music doesn't give Imboden the space to show his skills to the fullest, but I'm sure it pays the bills.

I'm not familiar with Loggins' early work, so I can't comment on his contribution there, but the drums he laid down on this album and the few songs on Steve Vai's CD, certainly makes a fan of his work out of me.

[Jon]

This is really good. I mean, really good.

It's an eclectic lineup. Gambale AND Gilbert? That's just amazing.

Never heard of Rush so have no idea why there's a dedication to them. Maybe they're big somewhere?

It's funky, it's jazzy, it's proggy, it's rocky...and it all works!

[Scott]

[Jon]