Jeff Berlin | Bass
John McLaughlin, Isaac Hayes, Bill Bruford, Billy Cobham, Yes, Allan Holdsworth, Toots Thielemans, David Liebman, Arturo Sandoval, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, Bill Frisell, Pat Metheny, Van Halen, Rush, Stanley Clarke, Kazumi Watanabe, Frank Gambale, Vinnie Colaiuta, Paul Wertico, Danny Gottlieb, Dennis Chambers, David Fiuczynski, T Lavitz
Jorge Vera | Piano
Miguel Bosé, Ara Malikian, Billy Cobham, Christian Gálvez, Carlos Figueroa, Lamonart, Martina Lecaros, Andrés Pérez
Michael Olivera | Drums
Richard Bona, Alfredo Rodríguez, Chucho Valdés, Dhafer Youssef, Aymée Nuviola
The Jeff Berlin Trio brings together three world-class musicians in a project dedicated to artistic integrity, musical depth, and dynamic interplay. Designed for festivals, concert halls, and series that prioritize substance and identity, the trio will be available in three separate touring periods: July 2025, October 2025, and March 2026, coinciding with the release of Jeff Berlin’s upcoming studio album scheduled for March 2025.
Jeff Berlin, born in New York in 1953, is widely regarded as one of the most revolutionary electric bass players in the history of jazz fusion. Originally trained as a classical violinist, he later studied at Berklee College of Music and gained global recognition as a core member of Bruford, the iconic fusion band led by Yes drummer Bill Bruford. Berlin’s career includes collaborations with legends such as Allan Holdsworth, Bill Evans, Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola, Scott Henderson, Billy Cobham, and Dennis Chambers. Known for his uncompromising musical vision and intellectual approach to performance and education, Berlin has influenced generations of bassists.
His discography features landmark albums including Champion (1985), Pump It! (1986), Taking Notes (1997), Crossroads (1998), In Harmony’s Way (2000), Lumpy Jazz (2004), Aneurythms (2006), High Standards (2010), Low Standards (2013), and Jack Songs (2022) — a tribute to Cream’s Jack Bruce featuring guests like Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Bill Frisell, and Marcus Miller. His next album, to be released in March 2025, is poised to be a culmination of his decades-long career and will be followed by a major international tour.
On piano, Jorge Vera offers an expansive stylistic range shaped by his Latin American roots and European musical development. Originally from Chile, Vera has become a vital presence on the Spanish jazz scene, blending jazz, flamenco, soul, and Afro-Caribbean traditions. He has performed with top-tier artists and ensembles such as Patáx, Alain Pérez, Noa Lur, Bob Sands Big Band, Mónica Molina, and De la Purissima. His playing is defined by its harmonic sophistication, rhythmic clarity, and a keen sense for group dynamics.
On drums, Michael Olivera contributes a unique rhythmic voice rooted in the Afro-Cuban tradition and elevated by his global jazz experience. One of Cuba’s most in-demand jazz drummers, Olivera has played with Richard Bona, Chucho Valdés, Dhafer Youssef, Alfredo Rodríguez, and Aymée Nuviola. His drumming blends energy and elegance, delivering rich textures, dynamic phrasing, and an unmistakable groove that elevates every musical setting.
The Jeff Berlin Trio presents a refined and highly developed repertoire consisting of original material and hand-picked reinterpretations. The group’s focus is not on sheer virtuosity, but on musical coherence, expressiveness, and collective dialogue. With a deep respect for structure and an openness to exploration, the trio creates a space where each instrument speaks with clarity and authority.
This is not a one-off all-star lineup, but a fully realized ensemble with a strong musical identity and artistic direction. The Jeff Berlin Trio is ideal for programs that value authenticity, musical architecture, and the kind of live performance that challenges, inspires, and connects.
LINKS
https://www.jeffberlinmusicgroup.com/
https://www.jorgevera.org/
https://www.michael-olivera.com/
