Writer, musician, nomad, student, thinker, youth worker, couchsurfer, photographer, filmmaker, activist...
Of the above, I'm mostly a writer and musician, born in London but lacking any strong cultural or political loyalty to the UK. I've spent a lot of time in New York City, which I regard as a second home, and Bristol - a close third, where I am currently studying Politics and Russian at university. In late 2008 I relocated to Moscow, a fascinating and wild metropolis full of cultural intrigue. I play tenor sax in an original funk/fusion band (see link below) and create music electronically with a few different instruments.
In terms of listening, I generally love jazz in all its manifestations and also enjoy reggae, Latin, chillout, world, blues, folk, funk and some rock and hip-hop. I strongly believe in the importance of being open-minded so will give anything a fair chance. Within jazz I am particularly interested by artists who explore new ways of fusion with other genres; there's a limitless gold mine of potential combinations out there, which is something I try and tap into with my own music.
From late 2007 to June '08 I hosted a radio show called Off The Hook on BURST, my university station. It featured all the above genres and I had lots of guests from the Bristol music scene coming into the studio.
I write for a number of other publications and am always looking to expand. A full portfolio of my recent work is available online at frederickbernas.blogspot.com. Interviews include Us3's Geoff Wilkinson (published on AAJ), Chris Potter, Pete Wareham of Acoustic Ladyland, Neil Cowley, the Mercury-nominated Portico Quartet, Omara Portuondo and The Blessing. Currently I am also working on liner notes for Hat Hut Records.
Home
Moscow, Russian Federation
My Desert Island Picks
- Chris Potter - Lift: Live at the Village Vanguard
- Julien Lourau - The Rise
- Michael Brecker - Pilgrimage
- Soweto Kinch - Conversations with the Unseen
- Eddie Palmieri - Listen Here!
- John Coltrane - Giant Steps
- Joshua Redman - Freedom in the Groove
- Maceo Parker - School's In
- Miles Davis - Milestones
- Kenny Garrett - Pursuance: The Music of John Coltrane
- Magic Malik Orchestra - 69-96
- Sonny Rollins - Tenor Madness
- Pat Metheny - One Quiet Night
- Christian Scott - Rewind That
- Roy Buchanan - American Axe
- Youngblood Brass Band - center:level:roar
- Courtney Pine - Underground
- Dave Douglas - Strange Liberation
- Biréli Lagrène - Gypsy Project and Friends
- Rosario Giuliani - Mr Dodo
- Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra - Security
- Besh o droM - Gyí!
- Dizzy Gillespie - Bahiana
- Jaga Jazzist - A Livingroom Hush
- Breakestra - Hit The Floor
- Nils Petter Molvær - NP3
- Keziah Jones - Black Orpheus
- Ponto de Equilíbrio - Abre A Janela
Favorite Web Sites
Favorite Columns
CD/LP Review
Extended Analysis
Interviews
Live Reviews
New York @ Night
New York Beat
Opinion/Editorial
Favorite Contributors
Frederick Bernas
Favorite Jazz Genres
Ambient
Beyond Jazz
Big Band
Blues
Brazilian
Classical
Electronica
Fringes of Jazz
Funk/Groove
Fusion/Progressive Rock
Jam Band
Latin/World
Modern Jazz
Straightahead/Mainstream
