Ben Bernstein: News

Spligittyfidge, Studio Special, Gigs & More

Studio News
Wow!  Where did your summer go?  I spent mine finishing a record, as well as starting several more projects with some of the Bay Area's finest independent songwriters.  Furthermore, I completed a stint working in Michael Winger's fabulous mixing suite at 1340 Mission. 

What does the fall bring?  BIG NEWS!  Starting September 1st, 2010 I'll be moving operations to a bigger recording studio in Emeryville.  The new space is called, get this, Spligittyfidge.  That's right, Spligittyfidge.  Go ahead say it.  Take a moment... now say it again Spli-gitty-fidge.  It's catchy, huh?

The studio, curated by Producer/Drummer Kevin Weber, spans two decades of recording and engineering, worlds of music, and has become ubiquitous on the SF music scene.  Names like Trident, Otari, Neumann, U Audio, AKG, Vox, Marshall, Mapex, and Zildjian compliment the gear list.  And did I mention the piano?!

Studio Special
What does this all mean?  Ben Bernstein Music now has more space, more gear, and most importantly, more possibilities.  To kick things off I am offering 15% off to anyone who books a day at Spligittyfidge in September. Email me for more information.

NEW EP FROM BEN BERNSTEIN
Ben Bernstein's long awaited follow up EP to his 2006 "Petting Zoo" release took a step forward in August.  Ben tracked guitar's and vocals at 1340 Mission, as well as spent some time co-writing with his long time collaborator and BBM artist Deborah Crooks.  We anticipate more progress on the EP in the coming months.

Studio News, Gigs, Studio Tip, & New Releases

August finds me working out of both 1340 Mission in San Francisco and the Petting Zoo in Oakland. 1340 is a great room. It has a great vibe, awesome pre's, compressors, mics, burlap,  and monitors.  As a whole, it is a perfect place to work and is a hot spot for SF recording (and did I mention the espresso machine?).

 

In July, we finished mixing Kwame Copeland’s “Simple Things” (mastered by Mike Wells) there, and we’re currently in 1340 tracking vocals for Ryan Mintz. Contact me and we’ll see if we can get you in.

Also in July, we tracked piano for JL Stiles’ "Simple Faith" at Doug Ellington's Lama Box studio.

August will find me working with new and returning artists, both at 1340 and The Petting Zoo:

• Ryan Mintz will be tracking guitar and vocals for his 2nd album, "Love Letter"  
• Ian Franklin will be recording four new songs for an upcoming EP at The Petting Zoo
• Deborah Crooks will be @ 1340 completing tracks begun as part of the “It’s All Up to You” sessions.
• The March West Coast Songwriters Best Performance winner Anthony Bellow will begin work on a new EP at Petting Zoo.

BASS INSTRUCTION  @ Blue Bear School of Music

I continue to offer bass lessons at Blue Bear on Monday afternoons/evenings. Contact the school if you'd like to schedule a lesson.

PERFORMANCE

I’m taking some time offstage for travel and fun this month, but looking ahead, September will find me both on the road and at home playing bass and guitar

• 9/10 - 9/11 with The Drew Emmitt Band at the Nomad Theatre in Boulder, CO, on Bass
• 9/23 with Kwame Copeland, “Simple Things” CD release party at The Starry Plough  in Berkeley, CA, on Acoustic Guitar.

CLIENT NEWS, REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS

“Ben did a GREAT job! thanks man!” — Ian Franklin Wilkerson Hear “Baby I Got Your Fix,” by Ian Franklin

Check the artist interview I did for Deborah Crooks’ Bird in the Tree Blog Spot.

Another review for Deborah Crooks' Ep It's All Up to You ( 2010) on ZME Music :“...what [Izzy] Stradlin’s record shares with “It’s All Up To You” is an easy, summer road-trip, I’ve-listened-to-a-lot-of-Rolling-Stones-and-I’m-not-afraid-to-show-it kind of vibe.”

Studio Tip #1

Never Forgot your iLok!!!  
While completing mixing for Kwame Copeland’s “Simple Things” at 1340 Mission I made the notorious mistake of forgetting my iLok at home.  I made it all the way to SF from Oakland and didn’t realize it was missing until I fired up a session and Pro Tools just stared at me blankly, wondering where the Waves Plug-in authorizations might be.  Low and behold, I dashed out the door and caught a BART train back to the Petting Zoo while Kwame happily perused the local guitar shop.  I made it back in 1 Hr 15 min. flat.  Walking into the coffee shop to meet Kwame for the second time that day I had an overwhelming sense of Deja Vu.  It would all have been perfect if he’d been sitting at the same table.

Studio News, Gigs, & Press

Welcome to the July edition of Petting Zoo News. After a run of shows playing bass with Drew Emmitt, much of June was taken up with recording sessions for Ryan Mintz's upcoming release "Love Letters." This concept album will feature 11 songs about, you guessed it, love. We'll be completing overdubs in July and mixing in August before I get back on the road with Drew for a few dates in Colorado.

Amid the "Love Letters" sessions, Ian Franklin revisited the studio, this time in the guise of his acoustic hip hop duo "Cop the Idiom."

We're also putting the finishing touches on Kwame Copeland's "Simple Things." All said, stay tuned for a round of CD release notices later this summer.

SAN FRANCISCO SESSIONS
I'll be moving Petting Zoo operations over to producer/engineer Michael Winger's studio for a month of sessions at the esteemed 1340 Mission music facilities in late July. It's one of the Bay Area's more vital recording collectives, and this is an awesome opportunity to work there. Email me soon if you'd like to book your next session @ 1340.

BASS INSTRUCTION @ Blue Bear School of Music
I continue to offer Beginning Bass classes and one-on-one-lessons at Blue Bear School of Music in San Francisco. Contact the school if you'd like to schedule a lesson. Graduates of Beginning Bass and intermediate players can now take my Bass II Class, Monday evenings throughout the summer, to continue to build skills and learn new bass lines. Classes start June 12th!!

Blue Bear School of Music
415.673.3600

CLIENT NEWS & REVIEWS

More positive reviews are coming in for Deborah Crooks' Ep "It's All Up to You" (co-produced by Ben Bernstein, 2010). "Deborah Crooks makes the case for a return to the roots of rock in her latest record...It's All Up To You separates itself from the mainstream country pack and moves in a whole variety of unexpected directions." -- Consequence of Sound, June 21, 2010

HYIM's "Sex in the Morning" is now being distributed by Best Buy, both online and in stores througout California. "...hints of samba, reggae, and funk, and unexpectedly witty lyrics..." -- East Bay Express, 2009

Studio News, Gigs & Press

Welcome to the June edition of Petting Zoo News.  There's lots going on around the 'Zoo these days.  First and foremost I just returned from a brief tour with the Drew Emmitt Band.  We had a good run through Appalachia, hitting two Festivals and two clubs along the way. Needless to say, I had a blast!

STUDIO NEWS

We've had a steady stream of artists flowing through the 'Zoo lately.  In May, Ian Franklin completed two singles, "Baby I Got Your Fix" and "Don't Do Me Like That."  Look for those to be released later this summer.

Also, Billy Shafer stopped by to record "State of Mine," a single for his upcoming full-length debut CD to be released this fall.

In addition, we've had Season of Us, a wonderful Flute and Guitar duo, in to record a Jazz CD of standards, and Alex Walsh came in to record his next hit "I'm Great" with our old friend Zachary Morris on Drums.

In June, I'll be mostly busy recording Ryan Mintz's next full length record.  Please visit his website to make a donation if you'd like to help him realize his next musical dream.  We start production today!

Studio News, Upcoming Gigs, Press and the 

May Special

PRODUCTION NEWS
As the old saying goes, March came in like a lamb and out like a lion, and April showers bring May flowers.  The studio continues to hop like a spring rabbit with new and ongoing projects. April saw completion on several singles and EPs that you can listen to now online and purchase directly from the artists:

• Green Musician Ryan Mintz completed his new single "Welcome Home" and has taken it on the road.  Check out the video of Ryan Recording his song at the Petting Zoo.  That's Mike Stevens on Drums, and your's truly working the mix.  Nice Tats Mike!
• Memory Canvas completed mixes of their new EP. Check them out on Myspace.
• Ian Franklin Wilkerson was in last month for  "Don't Do Me Like That" and "Baby I Got Your Fix".  
  
• Billy Shafer tracked basics and overdubs for "State of Mine" which will complete his first full length CD, scheduled for a release this Fall.
• In May, Alex Walsh returns to the Petting Zoo to record the single "I'm Great."
  
• And finally, we're completing mixing and putting the finishing touches on Kwame Copeland's debut release, "Simple Things".

 

MAY STUDIO SPECIAL

Petting Zoo Studio May special: Book three days at the Zoo for $500. We're booking for the next three months and would love to have you in the studio.

Plus I've added some new gear including a UA 610M, Chameleon Labs 7602 Preamp and Chameleon Labs 7802 Stereo Opto Tube Compressor. 

SESSION WORK
Give me a shout if you need a bass player for live and studio sessions. In April, I recorded bass for a Star Stern EP, as well as on Ryan Mintz's "Welcome Home,"  Ian Franklin Wilkerson's "Don't Do Me Like That" and "Baby I Got Your Fix", and on Billy Shafer's "State of Mine."

BASS INSTRUCTION AT Blue Bear School of Music

I'm continuing to teach Beginning Bass Class and one-one-lessons at Blue Bear School of Music in San Francisco. Contact the school if you'd like to schedule a lesson.  Heads up for the Blue Bear Live V Benefit May 14 at Bimbo's with Trombone Shorty.  This should be a great show! Blue Bear School of Music presents Blue Bear Live V, Fri 5/14, Doors: 7pm/Show: 8pm

BEN BERNSTEIN LIVE

Speaking of more fun shows, I'm playing with JL Stiles band at the next installment of the San Folk Disco ,Thursday May 27th opening for The Eric McFadden Trio at Cafe Du Nord. Mark your calendar and buy your tickets!

PRESS: 'Student Success Story' on Pyramind.com.

Studio News and Spring Special

 New projects, artists and classes
It's been a busy month at The Petting Zoo, wrapping up the mixes for Memory Canvas's EP that were started earlier in the year.  Memory Canvas is an electro-folk duo combining classic song structure and guitar work with haunting lead vocals and harmonies.  Check 'em out!

I recently worked with two new-to-the-studio artists, songwriters Ian Franklin Wilkerson and Ryan Mintz. Ian, a Berklee Music grad with some great jazz and funk cred to his name, tracked two singles in March which we'll be mixing later this month. Ryan tracked an acoustic version of the song "Welcome Home" for a film in March.  He'll be stopping by the Petting Zoo in April to produce a full band arrangement of the tune.  You may know Ryan as the artist behind The Green Musician. 
 
APRIL RECORDING SPECIAL!

Through the month of April, we're offering Artists the opportunity to record at The Petting Zoo at a reduced rate. New clients will receive 20% off a day of recording. Write or call the studio for more information.

BEN BERNSTEIN MUSIC
In March, I continued work on my next collection of original material,  tracking drums at Broken Radio with drummer Mike Stevens behind the kit. Thanks to Matt Boudreau for having us in the studio as part of his Advanced Audio Concepts course taught through Pyramind.

 

BASS INSTRUCTION AT Blue Bear School of Music

I'm teaching three new bass workshops on Monday evenings at Blue Bear School of Music in San Francisco. Contact the school if you'd like to enroll in either Beginning Bass, Classic Rock Bass Lines, or Music Theory for Bass.

I'll also be teaching a short seminar with Mike Stevens called "Bass & Drums: Locking in the Groove."  The course will be Monday, April 5, from 6:30 - 8:30pm.  Click here for more information or to sign up.

These courses supplement the private lessons I currently offer at Blue Bear on an ongoing basis.

LATEST RELEASE

We were extremely happy to welcome Noa Sara Bernstein  into the world last month. She was born March 17, 2010 and weighed 10lbs 2oz

For more information about the studio or to schedule a meeting with Ben Bernstein, please email captain@benbernsteinmusic.com; http://www.benbernsteinmusic.com/  Become a fan at www.facebook.com/

 

Studio Special

To encourage artists to complete projects I'm bundling many of my recording services into some great packages. Clients who book three days of studio time or three-song packages during the month of February will receive a 15% discount off the usual rate.  Sign up for several days of basic tracking or a 3-song deal and be well on your way to completing a new album.

 

Contact pettingzoostudio@gmail.com for more information.

 

New Gear:  We just installed a Universal Audio UAD-2 Neve Card.  Classic sound and more mixing power in the box.

Live!

We had a great time at the Ho'Down Quartet reunion in January.  Although Mike couldn't make it at the last minute, we still brought the house down with special guest Alisa Rose (49 Special/Homespun Rowdy) steppin' in on fiddle at the last minute.  We had the crowd begging for more...

This Wednesday February 3, 2010 I'll be playing at the Red Devil Lounge in Hobo Paradise on a bill that includes Hyim and JL Stiles to benefit Haiti.  As you recall, Hobo Paradise is a brand new Ragtime and early Jazz Outfit that we recorded an EP for at the Petting Zoo last month.

IN THE NAME OF LOVE
February 3, 2010
A benefit for the victims of the Haitian earthquake tragedy
featuring at Red Devil Lounge in San Francisco
HOBO PARADISE
HYIM
JL Stiles

Min Donation: $10
Sugg Donation: $20
Doors open @ 8pm

In the Studio

Bucky

We are finishing up the long anticipated debut release of Bay Area artist Bucky.  This project has spanned 2 years and we are putting the finishing touches on the mixes this week
Deborah Crooks
We'll be back at Tiny Telephone finishing mixes for Deborah's new EP and tracking two new tracks for the future full-length release. (note Ben & studio engineer Scott McDowell breaking for some vegan 'compcakes' @ Tiny Telephone, left)

Kwame Copeland Ben had been busy mixing Kwame's upcoming release at the Petting Zoo.  
Ben Bernstein
Ben is also working on a new EP of new and unreleased material.  For this batch of songs, Ben is going for a more acoustic and esoteric sound than his previous work.  Stay tuned for more information and look for tracks on our website and Facebook page in the near future.

Follow BBM on Twitter. Need more info? Write me pettingzoostudio@gmail.com

& don't forget to fan the Zoo on Facebook.

 Studio News and New Year Special

Petting Zoo Studio Announces Special New Year's Production Rate to Artists

The studio is celebrating the New Year by offering musicians a chance to record in his comfortable Oakland production space, The Petting Zoo, at a reduced rate. New clients will receive a $150/day rate, a savings of 25% off the regular cost. We're booking for the next three months, now, and would love to have you in the studio.

Production News
The new decade has already begun in full production mode with new and continuing projects:

Deborah Crooks

The first part of January found Ben overseeing overdubs at Petting Zoo and Tiny Telephone for Deborah Crooks who is recording a follow-up to 2008's Adding Water to the Ashes. Mixing at Tiny Telephone allowed us to get a vintage analog sound, making for the best of both recording standards. Ben also contributed upright bass and synth lines to the production.

Hobo Paradise

The studio is excited about a new ragtime project, Hobo Paradise, featuring Ben Bernstein, JL Stiles, Zachary Morris, Mike Rinta, Doug Ellington, and Ben Doitel. Hobo Jungle is recording a debut EP at Petting Zoo, The six-piece ensemble includes rhtyhm section and horns (arranged by Mike Rinta).  Ben recorded basic tracks at the Petting Zoo on his Tascam 388 8-track and took them over to Pro Tools for overdubs.  To achieve a classic sound he relied on 1 Ribbon mic strategically placed to capture the sound of everyone playing in the same room, and some additional spot mics when necessary.

Kwame Copeland

Ben is mixing Kwame's debut release "Back to You" at the Petting Zoo.  Basic Tracks were recorded in May 2009 at Pyramind Sound by Ben Bernstein.

Bass Instruction at Blue Bear School of Music

Ben is teaching bass on Mondays at Blue Bear School of Musi  c in San Francisco. Contact the school if you'd like to schedule a lesson.

Petting Zoo

The Petting Zoo has under gone a major face lift with new Brazilian Rosewood floors I rescued from a warehouse so no trees had to die. Also, there is now 50 sq. feet of additional music making space. Check out the photos on the Studio page.

My song "Puesta del Sol" has been licensed for a To-Go Ware Documercial. Follow the link to learn more about To-Go Ware and here the track.

http://vimeo.com/2470580

It's a new year, we have a new President, and I am into new things. First off, I am now teaching Pro Tools Certification courses at Pyramind Sound (www.pyramind.com). Secondly, I am engineering the next CD for Bay Area World Musician Hyim (www.hyimvibe.com). I recently mixed a teaser for a documentary about the global economic Crisis, and I have several gigs coming up.

Stay tuned and check the calendar and music pages for new dates and songs.

Cheers!

BB

On Sunday May 18th BB and Bucky Dub set up in GG Park and performed an improptu set for the freaks along Bay to Breakers. Check out the videos below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkanmzgsu9k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pImGc5qlQoo

Ben Bernstein will perform at the Starry Plough in Berkeley, CA on June 6th with his band. Performing with him will be Bucky on Drums, and his former Ho' Down Quartet Band mates Jim Chomas and Jordan Klein, on Guitar and Banjo respectively. Ben and friends will be performing some of Jim's originals form his "Hard Willin'" CD, which Ben played bass on, as well as some of Ben's songs and some Ho' Down favorites. Also on the bill that night are The Porchsteps, and Culann's Hounds.

http://www.benbernsteinmusic.com/calendar.html

Ben Bernstein has been busy in the studio producing and mixing two projects. The first is the first full length release by San Francisco Singer/Songwriter Deborah Crooks. Ben has been working with Deborah for the past year on this CD that features many of the Bay Areas top musicians including Art Khu on Keys, Dave Tweedie on Drums, and of course, Ben Bernstein on Bass. The second project Ben has been hard at work on is mixing the debut release for Bucky Dub. Ben and Bucky have employed a multitude of Analog tricks and techniques to give this CD a truly old school vibe.

Starry Plough Irish Pub hosts a night of original Americana and Indie Pop, November 10.

Berkeley musician Ben Bernstein is set to open a night of original
music presented by The Starry Plough, 3101 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA, 94705, November 10, 2007, at 9:30pm.

More widely known through his work as the former bassist for New
Monsoon, Ben Bernstein goes solo to play a set of his own Dylan-esque Acoustic Pop. The Berkeley resident will sing selections from his recent CD "Petting Zoo" (2007 Ben Bernstein Music) as well as other oddities that draw on his vast experience playing the spectrum of musical genres.

The night continues with Kate Burkart and friends. Burkart was a
founding member of The Bay Area's Famous Last Words, which disbanded last winter after nine years of touring and two critically lauded albums. As a solo performer, Burkart's Americana-inflected songs reflect the influence of Lucinda Williams, whose material she often
covers.

Newly transplanted to the Bay Area, the winner of the 2006 Penn State Singer-songwriter competition, Ben Ross will close out the night with his band. Plumbing the Indie Folk genre, Ross has already won over a
California following with his captivating songwriting and a
breathy-velvet vocal style.

November 10th, 2007, Ben Bernstein, Kate Burkart and Ben Ross at the
Starry Plough, 3101 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, CA 94705; (510) 841-2082.
Valid ID required for Entry, Tickets, $8 general admission, 21 andover.

For more information:

http://myspace.com/bbernstein
Ben Ross:
http://benrossmusic.com/ http://www.myspace.com/benrossmusic

Our daughter Leila Rose was born 6/2/07 at 12:03 PM weighing in at 8 1/2 pounds. She is a beauty. I am off to by a shotgun, so boys be warned!

BB

http://bernstein.to/

BB will be joining The Drew Emmitt band on bass for 3 dates in March.
Check Calendar or click the link below for details.

http://drewemmitt.com/tour.asp
Purimpalooza!

We had a great time jamming for our friends of Chabad SF at 12 Galaxies. Stay tuned for more information on Jerry's Kosher Deli.

BB will perform with Jerry's Kosher Deli as part of Purimpalooza on March 4, 2007 @ 12 Galaxies in San Francisco, CA. The event is presented by Chabad of SF with whom BB has a long affiliation. Jerry's Kosher Deli, a band conceived for this event, will be a fusion of Garcia and Carlebach, with hints of Marley. Joining BB will be Greg Anton of Zero, Saul Kaye, Byron and Jordan of the Smokedaddies, and special guest Shaya.

Details are available on the calendar page

On this eve of Thanksgiving I am grateful for the very essence of life that I breathe in moment to moment. It is that moment that I have begun to focus on in the past weeks. It is all we truly have. In the presence of constant change we must always remember to focus our being on that which is directly before us, otherwise we might miss the very life we are living as it goes floating past on the ever flowing tide. As I watch the setting sun, it passes into tommorow, today. Feel the presence of the moment, breath it in, and live in it.

BB

Folks, please try my favorite Certified Organic Kombucha Brew, from the good people at Kombucha Botancia. Kombucha works with your body to boost its natural, innate ability to fight sickness and disease as well as bring a healthy balance back to your metabolism and organs. And it tastes good too!

http://www.kombuchabotanica.com

BB has some dates coming up in SF with his band of Federales. Check the Calendar for details.

http://www.benbernsteinmusic.com/calendar.html

...down the road.

To all my fans, friends, and family,

The winds of change have blown strange this past week. It is time for me to move on from my endeavor of the past three years. I've shared incredible musical peaks with all of you, and made many new friends and acquaintances. I'm not certain where my feet will land, but rest assured, when they do, I'll be rockin' as hard as ever before.

BB