Jeff Berlin
Pump It

THE REVIEW

Are you familiar with the little voice of Magnum Pi that in some episodes advises him what to do? Well, I now have that little voice, and it's advising me to review this album by J. Berlin. Are great bassists born or made? Who knows... One thing is certain, Berlin is a great bassist, one of the tough ones! In this essentially hard-rock album, his skills are wonderfully expressed. Ah! I almost forgot, another great, F. Gambale, plays on this record as well, and in one track, J. Porcaro, a greatly gifted drummer, now no longer with us, also appears... Life goes on until it no longer does...

It starts with "Pump it" - 5.54 m, a rather lively and bouncy song, one could easily dance to it. -Little voice: "sure, the title suggests it too!". Then it continues with "Joe Frazier (round 2)" - 6:01 m. Here, some might think: "and where's round 1?", don't worry, it's there but was played years before with Bill Bruford. The only note on this track is that Bill isn't playing it now. The first major track, "All The Greats" - 6:40 m, dedicated to N. Peart, A. Lifeson, G. Lee, aka Rush. Here, Porcaro plays the Tom Tom solo and it's heard magnificently. I’ll say right away that this track already covers a good part of the album, Gambale's guitar is technically and tonally perfect. In the dazzling piece "Bach" - 4:45 m, Berlin unveils his exceptional technical abilities, capable of overshadowing dozens of bassists more famous than himself. Additionally, there’s a phenomenal keyboard solo by Clare Fischer. -Little voice "I’d like to see what kind of person she is!". A thrilling track, among my absolute favorites! "Crossroads" - 5:44 m, a slightly stretched vocal, but never exaggerated, here too another stunning bass solo by Berlin. "Freight Train Shuffle" - 4:51 m, vaguely jazz instrumental with a solo by Gambale, always in great shape. It closes with "Manos De Piedra" - 4:40 m, initially reminiscent of Bruford's late-seventies work. A fast enough piece where Berlin and Gambale once again showcase their musical talents. Certain music is timeless. I feel the little voice is moving away sadly, seemingly satisfied... Okay, I'm about to finish this second Dercension, thanks to Debaser and all the fans of good music.

P.S: "on the album cover the crystal spheres are thirteen".