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[color=black][font=arial, helvetica][size=2] [font="Times New Roman,Times,serif"][size="3"]Phoenix, AZ - The progressive rock community is buzzing with excitement about the news that prog trio Cushma/Cides/Leys will be performing at the famed Prog'Sud Festival in France in May 2012.[/size][/font][/size][/font][/color][color=#000000][font=arial, helvetica][size=2] [font="Times New Roman,Times,serif"][size="3"]Cushma/Cides/Leys is an exciting new ensemble comprised of three well-known international musicians. Linda Cushma (USA) is a seasoned international performer and will be returning to Europe to perform at the Prog'Sud Festival 2012 with close friend and collaborator Guillermo Cides (Argentina/Spain), and drummer Alex Leys (Argentina). “The Prog'Sud family remains in your heart long after you depart,” says Cushma. “I am fortunate to be reuniting with friends that I have greatly missed and to be sharing the stage with these gifted musicians at the lovely Prog'Sud Festival in May 2012, which launches our concert tour of France, Italy and Spain.” ([color="#000080"][u][url="http://www.progsudfestival.fr/"]www.progsudfestival.fr[/url][/u][/color]) The Cushma/Cides/Leys tour will also include Prognite Festival (May 26-27) in Villadeati, Italy and EnjoyStick Meeting, Erici-Trapani, Sicily-Italy.[color="#FF0000"] ([url="http://www.enjoystick.it/"]www.enjoystick.it[/url])[/color][/size][/font][/size][/font][/color] [color=black][font=arial, helvetica][size=2] [font="Times New Roman,Times,serif"][size="3"]Cushma and Cides both play the Chapman Stick, the original instrument of 10 strings, and they have a long background of concerts and international adventures. In 2009 they released a CD together with drummer Tim Alexander under the name CCA titled 'Not Different But Not The Same'. Alex Leys is an internationally known drummer and powerful solo artist. “It is my good fortune that Alex has been playing concerts with Guillermo Cides and graciously accepted this invitation to play in the trio,” says Cushma. “[color="#000000"]We are friends playing together, the most powerful way to make music,” adds Cides.[/color][/size][/font][/size][/font][/color] [color=black][font=arial, helvetica][size=2] [font="Times New Roman,Times,serif"][size="3"]Band leader, bassist and vocalist Linda Cushma, is best known for her work with experimental prog-rock ensemble Oxygene8 and her projects involving artist and drummer Tim Alexander. She has been described as “a rare and artistic performer, with her embrace around the world.” The new music from Cushma is rhythmic, poetic, evocative; it shows her special sensitivity in composition and interpretation, both elements appreciated by audiences in Argentina, France, Italy, Spain, Chile, Mexico, Japan and the US. [color="#000080"][u][url="http://www.oxygene8.com/"]www.oxygene8.com[/url][/u][/color][/size][/font][/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=arial, helvetica][size=2] [font="'Times New Roman"][size="3"][color="#000000"]Renown Argentinian stick player Guillermo Cides, whom legendary Vander Graaf Generator leader Peter Hammill describes as "an excellent musician. I've got his records in my collection," would cultivate his own style with the[/color][color="#000000"]Stick[/color][color="#000000"], his special mark of popular melodies combined with modern sounds and a style of playing that would characterize him in the future. The multiplicity of onstage sounds generated with the Chapman Stick turned him into a real [/color][color="#000000"][i]one-man band[/i][/color][color="#000000"]. From 1994 he began to experiment with[/color][color="#000080"][color="#000000"] loops[/color][/color][color="#000000"], [/color][color="#000000"]a technology based on recording sounds onstage at the same moment in which they are played and in this way generating complex sonic environments. He was to apply this modern technique in particular to popular and classic melodies (J. S. Bach).[/color]Cides offers Stick concerts sharing stages with California Guitar Trio, Jerry Marotta in duo, Trey Gunn, Roger Hodgson (Supertramp), Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Jethro Tull, Fish (Marillion), John Wetton (Asia,U.K), Rick Wakeman (Yes). Cides is currently collaborating in Mark Trueack's "The Hope Project," featuring Jon Anderson (Yes), Deborah Anderson, Steve Hackett (TBC) and John Jowitt among others. [color="#000080"][u][url="http://www.facebook.com/guillermocides"]www.facebook.com/guillermocides[/url][/u][/color][/size][/font][/size][/font][/color] [color=black][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=1] [font="Times New Roman,Times,serif"][size="3"]For over more than a decade, drummer/composer/educator Alex Leys has been writing, recording and performing solo drum music. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he studied classical percussion at the Buenos Aires Conservatory 'Manuel de Falla'. After winning the 'Drums and Percussion' magazine Drum Off, Leys received lessons from Argentinean master teachers Elias Heger, Daniel Volpini and Daniel "pipi" Piazzolla. In 1999 Leys composed and recorded 'Searches,' his first album of compositions for solo drum set. From that moment Alex was established as a Drum Solo Artist. In 2003, Leys recorded 'Lonely Traveller', his second solo CD and toured with it until 2005. He then relocated to Europe to work with artists such as Rut Marcos, Michael Harrer, Daiel, Pepe Bao, Todd Clouser's A Love Electric, Javier Alcalde, Dressing Trio and Tres Gatos Swing. Currently, Alex is highly requested for drum clinics, seminars and solo artist performances and has successfully toured and recorded with Chapman Stick master, Guillermo Cides. Alex Leys is an Educator/Clinician for the Zildjian Cymbal company, DW/Pdp drums, Remo Heads, Protection Racket cases and Wincent drumsticks.[/size][/font][font=Arial, sans-serif] [u][url="http://www.alexleys.itgo.com/"]www.alexleys.itgo.com[/url][/u] [font="Times New Roman,Times,serif"][size="3"][color="#000080"][u][url="http://www.facebook.com/alexleys"]www.facebook.com/alexleys[/url][/u][/color][/size][/font] [font="'Times New Roman"][size="3"][color="#000080"][u][url="http://wn.com/leysdrum"]http://wn.com/leysdrum[/url][/u][/color] [/size][/font][/font][/size][/font][/color]

[color=black][left]London, UK - Greg Lake, songwriter, poet, vocalist and founding member of Emerson Lake and Palmer and King Crimson, tours the United Kingdom in “Songs of a Lifetime,” an intimate, interactive and autobiographical show which will make its way through the UK this November 2012.The tour began in North America in the April and May, starting in Canada and moving across America to great acclaim. The great success of the tour has led to worldwide demand..[/left][/color] [color=black][/color][color=black] [font="'Times New Roman"][size="3"]Greg Lake has long been considered a legendary voice and musical powerhouse whose impact changed the landscape of rock and roll. The tour showcases Greg’s influence on music and those who influenced his music in an unusual, personal show consisting of songs, stories, and audience participation. The tour coincides with the pre-release of the artist’s autobiography, which will be made available first to those who attend the shows in audio book form, read by the author himself. The autobiography will be released in three parts, with the full print version available at the end of the year. Volume 1 will be available at the shows.[/size][/font][/color] [color=black] [font="'Times New Roman"][size="3"]The tour gives fans the opportunity to hear songs from Emerson, Lake & Palmer, King Crimson, and others in a storyteller format with a question and answer session. The unique format allows for a different and personal show every night, featuring stories of Lake’s encounters with other musical greats who influenced him.[/size][/font][/color] [color=black] [font="'Times New Roman"][size="3"]“The concept of performing an intimate and autobiographical show presents a huge challenge,” Lake said. “My experience of this format last tour (2010’s acclaimed collaboration with keyboard artist Keith Emerson) was so invigorating it still gives me a thrill every time I think about it.[/size][/font][/color] [color=black] [font="'Times New Roman"][size="3"]“The audience and I have created an intimate and unusual experience together,” he added. “However, at the end of the night the most important [thing] of all is that the audience always feels they have been entertained and enriched by the whole live experience.”[/size][/font][/color] [color=black] [font="'Times New Roman"][size="3"]More surprises are ahead for fans and each show promises to be both exciting and different. “This is not a boring show, with me strumming folk songs,” Greg promises. “There is drama and pathos,” he continues. “I hope theatre goers will feel that they have been part of an unusual and enlightening experience, as well as having been entertained.”[/size][/font][/color] [color=black] [font="'Times New Roman"][size="3"]The autobiography is NOT an audio recording of the show, but a narrative of Mr. Lake’s experiences from childhood to the present, including never before revealed details, funny and poignant moments, and colorful facts of his extraordinary career as one of the world’s leading and influential musicians, songwriters, vocalists and poets. The autobiography will be released in three audio book volumes, read by the author. The first volume will be available at the show; the complete print edition is anticipated at the end of the year.[/size][/font][/color] [color=black] [font="'Times New Roman"][size="3"]New editions of Greg Lake’s solo albums and DVDs are also expected to be made exclusively available to those fans in attendance.[/size][/font][/color] [color=black] [font="'Times New Roman"][size="3"]Lake also made headlines when he and his former band mates Carl Palmer and Keith Emerson recently signed with Razor & Tie Records for a full re-issue campaign of Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s material. The campaign, which will begin later this year, will start with the release of newly expanded and re-mastered editions of the trio’s first six albums.[/size][/font][/color] [color=black] [font="'Times New Roman"][size="3"][b]Greg Lake UK tour dates[/b]:[/size][/font][/color][color=black] [color="#000000"][font="Times New Roman, serif"][size="3"]November 15: [url="http://www.thequeenshall.net/"]The Queen's Hall[/url], Edinburgh, Scotland November 17: [url="http://www.secc.co.uk/"]Lomond Auditorium[/url], Glasgow, Scotland[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Times New Roman, serif"][size="3"]November 18: [url="http://www.millvolvotynetheatre.co.uk/"]Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre[/url], Newcastle, England[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Times New Roman, serif"][size="3"]November 19: [url="http://www.atgtickets.com/venue/New-Alexandra-Theatre-Birmingham/242/"]Alexandra Theatre[/url], Birmingham, England[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Times New Roman, serif"][size="3"]November 20: [url="http://www.liverpoolphil.com/"]Philharmonic[/url], Liverpool, England[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Times New Roman, serif"][size="3"]November 22: [url="http://www.cornex.co.uk/ccm/portal/"]Corn Exchange[/url], Cambridge, England[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Times New Roman, serif"][size="3"]November 23: [url="https://glive.co.uk/online/default.asp"]G Live[/url], Guildford, England[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Times New Roman, serif"][size="3"]November 24: [url="http://www.livenation.co.uk/venue/4054/southampton-guildhall-tickets"]Guildhall[/url], Southampton, England[/size][/font][/color] [color="#000000"][font="Times New Roman, serif"][size="3"]November 25: [url="http://www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk/"]O2 Shepherds Bush Empire[/url], London, England[/size][/font][/color][/color][color=#000000] [font="'Times New Roman"][size="3"]Greg Lake is managed by Stewart Young and the UK tour is booked by World Concert Artists, UK.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000] [font="'Times New Roman"][size="3"]More information can be found at [url="http://www.greglake.com/"]www.greglake.com[/url] or by contacting Ellie Schwartz at [email="[email protected]"][email protected][/email]or by calling (US) +1 347 678 1760. All US press inquires please contact Ellie Schwartz.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000] [font="'Times New Roman"][size="3"]UK Booking Agent: World Concert Artists, PH: [/size][/font]44 (0)20 3086 9993,[size=2] [/size][email="[email protected]"][email protected][/email][size=2],[/size][url="http://www.worldconcertartists.org/"]www.worldconcertartists.org[/url][size=2] [/size][/color][color=#000000] [size=2] [/size][/color][color=black] [font="'Times New Roman"][size="3"]European Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 828-350-8158, [email="[email protected]"][email protected][/email] [/size][/font][/color]

[left][size=4]London, UK - Greg Lake, songwriter, poet, vocalist and founding member of Emerson Lake and Palmer and King Crimson, tours the United Kingdom in “Songs of a Lifetime,” an intimate, interactive and autobiographical show which will make its way through the UK this November 2012.The tour began in North America in the April and May, starting in Canada and moving across America to great acclaim. The great success of the tour has led to worldwide demand..[/size][/left] [color=black][size=4]Greg Lake has long been considered a legendary voice and musical powerhouse whose impact changed the landscape of rock and roll. The tour showcases Greg’s influence on music and those who influenced his music in an unusual, personal show consisting of songs, stories, and audience participation. The tour coincides with the pre-release of the artist’s autobiography, which will be made available first to those who attend the shows in audio book form, read by the author himself. The autobiography will be released in three parts, with the full print version available at the end of the year. Volume 1 will be available at the shows.[/size][/color] [color=black][size=4]The tour gives fans the opportunity to hear songs from Emerson, Lake & Palmer, King Crimson, and others in a storyteller format with a question and answer session. The unique format allows for a different and personal show every night, featuring stories of Lake’s encounters with other musical greats who influenced him.[/size][/color] [color=black][size=4]“The concept of performing an intimate and autobiographical show presents a huge challenge,” Lake said. “My experience of this format last tour (2010’s acclaimed collaboration with keyboard artist Keith Emerson) was so invigorating it still gives me a thrill every time I think about it.[/size][/color] [color=black][size=4]“The audience and I have created an intimate and unusual experience together,” he added. “However, at the end of the night the most important [thing] of all is that the audience always feels they have been entertained and enriched by the whole live experience.”[/size][/color] [color=black][size=4]More surprises are ahead for fans and each show promises to be both exciting and different. “This is not a boring show, with me strumming folk songs,” Greg promises. “There is drama and pathos,” he continues. “I hope theatre goers will feel that they have been part of an unusual and enlightening experience, as well as having been entertained.”[/size][/color] [color=black][size=4]The autobiography is NOT an audio recording of the show, but a narrative of Mr. Lake’s experiences from childhood to the present, including never before revealed details, funny and poignant moments, and colorful facts of his extraordinary career as one of the world’s leading and influential musicians, songwriters, vocalists and poets. The autobiography will be released in three audio book volumes, read by the author. The first volume will be available at the show; the complete print edition is anticipated at the end of the year.[/size][/color] [color=black][size=4]New editions of Greg Lake’s solo albums and DVDs are also expected to be made exclusively available to those fans in attendance.[/size][/color] [color=black][size=4]Lake also made headlines when he and his former band mates Carl Palmer and Keith Emerson recently signed with Razor & Tie Records for a full re-issue campaign of Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s material. The campaign, which will begin later this year, will start with the release of newly expanded and re-mastered editions of the trio’s first six albums.[/size][/color] [color=black][size=4][b]Greg Lake UK tour dates[/b]:[/size][/color] [color=black][size=4][color=#000000]November 15: [url="http://www.thequeenshall.net/"]The Queen's Hall[/url], Edinburgh, Scotland November 17: [url="http://www.secc.co.uk/"]Lomond Auditorium[/url], Glasgow, Scotland[/color] [color=#000000]November 18: [url="http://www.millvolvotynetheatre.co.uk/"]Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre[/url], Newcastle, England[/color] [color=#000000]November 19: [url="http://www.atgtickets.com/venue/New-Alexandra-Theatre-Birmingham/242/"]Alexandra Theatre[/url], Birmingham, England[/color] [color=#000000]November 20: [url="http://www.liverpoolphil.com/"]Philharmonic[/url], Liverpool, England[/color] [color=#000000]November 22: [url="http://www.cornex.co.uk/ccm/portal/"]Corn Exchange[/url], Cambridge, England[/color] [color=#000000]November 23: [url="https://glive.co.uk/online/default.asp"]G Live[/url], Guildford, England[/color] [color=#000000]November 24: [url="http://www.livenation.co.uk/venue/4054/southampton-guildhall-tickets"]Guildhall[/url], Southampton, England[/color] [color=#000000]November 25: [url="http://www.o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk/"]O2 Shepherds Bush Empire[/url], London, England[/color][/size][/color] [color=#000000][size=4]Greg Lake is managed by Stewart Young and the UK tour is booked by World Concert Artists, UK.[/size][/color] [color=#000000][size=4]More information can be found at [url="http://www.greglake.com/"]www.greglake.com[/url] or by contacting Ellie Schwartz at [email="[email protected]"][email protected][/email]or by calling (US) +1 347 678 1760. All US press inquires please contact Ellie Schwartz.[/size][/color] [color=#000000][size=4]UK Booking Agent: World Concert Artists, PH: 44 (0)20 3086 9993, [email="[email protected]"][email protected][/email],[url="http://www.worldconcertartists.org/"]www.worldconcertartists.org[/url] [/size][/color] [color=black][size=4]European Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 828-350-8158, [email="[email protected]"][email protected][/email] [/size][/color]

[b]As a bassist Mark Clarke is not that well known, but he has done a lot in the music industry and he has a great new solo CD released - check out his press info:[/b] Legendary Colosseum, Natural Gas, Uriah Heep, Rainbow Member Mark Clarke To Release Debut Solo CD of 'New Classic Rock' Philadelphia, PA - The rock world is buzzing with the debut release of legendary Colosseum, Natural Gas, Rainbow, Uriah Heep member Mark Clarke called Moving To The Moon on Philadelphia record label ItsAboutMusic.com. Encompassing all the styles of music he has worked with the past 40 years, Mark Clarke's new solo album is a must for collectors and music enthusiasts worldwide. It's a masterful collection of extremely well recorded and performed tracks that rival any from the bands he's played in. “From the opening track right through to the closer this album begs to be listened to over and over again and even memorized note for note. I've had the pleasure of hearing it more times than most people would hear almost anything in their collection and it keeps getting stronger with each listen. We're very proud to be the exclusive distributor of this album from one of the nicest and most talented guys in the world.” Dean Sciarra – President / ItsAboutMusic.com Mark Clarke was born in Liverpool in the north of England, not a well known place except for its dock's and then, in the 1960's The Beatles came along and put it firmly on the map, forever! After seeing the Beatles and many other groups as a young kid at age 12 he knew what he wanted to do... play the bass guitar. Going from group to group until one day he met up with his first real band St James Infirmary (a blues band) with whom he gigged and built up quite a reputation, as one Liverpool news paper said he was " Liverpool's Joe Cocker" but after a year or so of local gigs, it was time to move south to London. There he met up with many of the Liverpool musicians who had moved down south for the work and was introduced to the guitarist Clem Clempson, who had just joined one of the most well known groups at that time, COLOSSEUM. Colosseum were really hitting well at that point but they had a small problem, they were quietly looking for a new bass player, and after Mark's band St James Infirmary opening for them at what was Mark"s biggest gig ever at a huge hall in of all places, Liverpool he was asked to come and do a session on their new album in a studio down in London. Mark walked in to sing background vocals on a couple of tracks and spotted his bass on a guitar stand. Jon Hiseman, whose band it was asked Mark if he knew a Jack Bruce (Cream) song called "Theme from an Imaginary Western"... He did, they played just that one song and Jon and Clem asked, "So do you want the gig.” Touring with Colosseum was harsh, very, very harsh, but truly amazing and for the rest of his career has been a constant part of his life… a true love. Whilst touring with them, such bands as Free (with Paul Rogers, Simon Kirke and Paul Kossof) became friends and still are years on. The same is true for Gentle Giant, Badfinger, (he later formed Natural Gas with Joey Molland) and many more. Not knowing what the hell to do Mark went to a club in London that was THE place to be... The Speakeasy! You would find the who's who of the rock world in that place, in fact The Speak (as it was known) is where Led Zeppelin were named by of all people Keith Moon of the Who. Whilst there Ken Hensley from Uriah Heep appeared and asked Mark to help out as they needed to replace their bass player, so the next day they rehearsed on the train to Scotland and Mark joined Uriah Heep. Mark recorded with them and co-wrote "The Wizard" with Ken Hensley, toured mercilessly again and then left the group to work with Dick Heckstall-Smith on his solo album. “In 1972 Colosseum folded and within just two days I had been asked to join Uriah Heep,” Mark recalls. “After recording and also writing (I co-writ 'The Wizard') and some of the hardest touring I've ever done in just one year we parted company. Although I have worked with Ken Hensley on many of his solo projects throughout the years Uriah Heep still follows me every place I go.” In 1972 Jon Hiseman and Mark formed Tempest and found a guitarist of some note, Alan Holdsworth. After two albums Mark left Tempest, played with Manfred Mann and the formed Natural Gas with Joey Molland (Badfinger) and Jerry Shirley (Humble Pie) moved to America, (he still lives there) and went on to record, and tour with: Billy Squier, Mountain with Leslie West, The Monkees,Davy Jones, Roger Daltry, British Rock Symphony with Alice Cooper and Peter Frampton, and sessions with Meatloaf, Mink Deville, Cher and Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. Along with Mark Clarke's 'Moving To The Moon', ItsAboutMusic.com has also remastered and reissued the Natural Gas album on CD. Mark recently embarked on the 40th anniversary tour with Colosseum all over Europe. He then tours again with Billy Squier in the summer of 2011. “He's still a great writer and also a great friend,” says Mark. Song samples: [url="http://www.itsaboutmusic.com/markclarke.html"]http://www.itsaboutmusic.com/markclarke.html[/url]

Check out the new Power-Prog Trio that Brand X bass legend Percy Jones is working with called Bang Tower. Their new CD comes out on Sept. 28. www.bangtower.com

6/7/2010 - Clearwater, FL – Musicians who want to learn how to play better will be pleased to hear that bass legend Jeff Berlin will hold a “One Week Intensive Music Program” from September 13 to 17, 2010. The event is widely regarded as one of the finest 5 days of music education available. Bass players, guitar players, drummers and keyboardists, beginners to advanced players will take private lessons everyday at their level to improve. Says Jeff, "I've said so many negative things about so much of music education, that my reputation is riding upon the very improvement that I promise to players who attend this event. 100% who attend MUST get better as players or I will have to answer for it! For this reason, I made sure that everybody on every instrument, on every musical level goes home better than when they first arrived!" The Players School of Music was formed in 1998. It is located in the historic Kapok Building in Clearwater, Florida. "I stated the school to make a living when I retired from playing bass when my son got cancer (he recovered and I kept the school)," Jeff Berlin explains. "The school offers musical content to beginners and advanced players - 100% of our students improve if they practice what is given to them. Pure beginners come here and learn to read and play and advanced players are offered lessons that they won’t find elseware. Guest lecturers included Mike Stern, Victor Wooten, Brian Brombergand Larry Coryell and this year will surely have excellent guests as well." Jeff Berlin is a legend of the electric bass, considered by many to be the finest electric bass playerin the world. A true master of the bass, Jeff Berlin has played with the likes of Bill Bruford, George Benson, Allan Holdsworth, and even toured with original members of Yes (Anderson, Wakeman, Bruford, Howe) on only three days' notice. Jeff has also been at the front of music education for almost 30 years. His column in Guitar Player and Bass Player magazineswere the most read columns due to their controversial content of music education. Jeff single handedly has re-vamped music education by dismissing popular methods of learning such as using electronic tuners, metronomes, handgrips, tablature, or any study method that does not include musical content. The Players School of Music second One Week Intensive Program takes place from September 13-17th, 2010! Contact Vicky Berlin for more information at [email protected]. Or call her at 727-725-1445 extention 13. Visit the website at www.playerschool.com Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, [email protected]

Bass legend Jeff Berlin has a new live CD out called High Standards - here's his press release: 4/29/2010 - Clearwater, FL - Jeff Berlin is a legend of the electric bass, considered by many to be the finest electric bass player in the world. A true master of the bass, Jeff Berlin has played with the likes of Bill Bruford, George Benson, Allan Holdsworth, and even toured with original members of Yes (Anderson, Wakeman, Bruford, Howe) on only three days' notice. Much to the anticipation of his fans, Jeff is releasing a new jazz trio CD on his own MAJ Records label titled 'High Standards'. Along with Berlin on electric bass, the CD also features Woody Herman alumni Richard Drexler on piano and upright bass, and famed drummer Danny Gottlieb (best known for his work with Pat Metheny). "It is a standard jazz piano trio led by a former rock bass player playing jazz tunes, and soloing nothing like bass players usually solo," says Jeff. "Keith Jarrett is huge influence on me. I transcribed his solos and practiced them on bass. I wanted to try my hand at recording tunes that I have played for many years, which inspired me to record three guys in a room and let the session remain as they eventually turned out." Jeff Berlin's resume reads like the who's who of the higher echelon of music artists. Jeff Berlin was even asked to join Van Halen, an invitation that he actually turned down. "Eddie Van Halen was a fan of the band that I played in with Bill Bruford," Berlin recalls. "We met and started to hang out and jam together. He was a sweet terrific guy. One day he saw me play a gig with my group and then asked me if I would like to join Van Halen. After this, we rehearsed at David Lee Roth's house a couple of times. Ultimately, I said no to his gracious offer because when you join a band, you join the entirety of it, the life philosophy of its members and also the habits that they may be involved with. I felt that, in terms of activities and attitudes, I didn't mesh with their vision of things. I didn't wish to be mercenary and just take the job for money because it wouldn’t be fair to the band members. So, I just said no to the offer." Not only is Jeff Berlin a bass phenomenon in the jazz field, but rock players are constantly referring to him as one of their major influences. Jeff was voted Number 1 Jazz Bassist by the readers of Guitar Player Magazine. Carlos Santana called Jeff the "best bassist in the world", while Rush's Geddy Lee used the phrase "best bassist on the planet!" Members of Metallica call Jeff the number one bassist on Earth, and Slash considers him a "bass god". Actor/bass player Gary Sinise, of "Forrest Gump" and "CSI NY" fame called Jeff’s playing "unreal!" Even the late George Carlin was knocked out with Jeff's playing calling him a "great musician." Jeff is known as a major innovator through his incisive playing through recordings and performances for the last thirty years. The late legend of bass, Jaco Pastorius regarded Jeff as a better soloist than he was, and Miles Davis' bassist/producer Marcus Miller told people that he wanted to be the "Black Jeff Berlin". The founder of The Players School of Music in Clearwater, Florida Jeff started the school when his son got cancer at 5 years old. Jeff retired from playing to stay home with his son, and started The Players School of Music to make a living. (P.S. His son, now 17, was totally cured of the disease.) Jeff has also been at the front of music education for almost 30 years. His column in Guitar Player and Bass Player magazines were the most read columns due to their controversial content of music education. Jeff single handedly has re-vamped music education by dismissing popular methods of learning such as using electronic tuners, metronomes, handgrips, tablature, or any study method that does not include musical content Jeff has released six highly acclaimed solo records, Champion, Pump It!, Taking Notes, In Harmony's Way, Lumpy Jazz and Aneurythms. The Dean Guitar company builds a Jeff Berlin signature model electric bass, and Markbass amplifers built an amp that so impressed Jeff (who regularly turned down endorsement offers for years) that Jeff only plays through their amps in concert. In support of his new CD release, Jeff will be touring with his band that has featured Danny Gottlieb, Othello Molineaux (the greatest steel drummer in the world), Randy Brecker and Richard Drexler. He also tours with BX3, a bass conglomeration that includes the great bass players Stuart Hamm and Billy Sheehan. "Because instrumental music isn't popular anymore, not like it used to be, the amount of people interested in hearing players play simply to enjoy the music is less than it was in the past," Jeff explains. "This is an era where you will never hear another Jimi Hendrix, because, in a great part, the music industry won't allow it. This contempory music era is not interested in allowing a great player be hear or promoted. For this reason I jokingly refer about my shows that when I play, 'The Audient will always be on his foot!' and also regarding my CD, if Michael Jackson's CD's always went "Platinum", my CD will surely go "Wood!" Jeff Berlin's playing continues to influence a new generation of bass players. His teaching continues to inspire and advance players wishing to know about the language of their art. Jeff Berlin is a Master. 'High Standards' is available on CD Baby, Amazon, iTunes, www.audiophileimports.com and other online retailers.