Wednesday, March 28, 2012

2012 already?!

Wow... it's been a long time since I've even logged in here. Is it really 2012 already?! Damn. I have so many places on the web this one kind of got put on the back burner. Sorry about that. To keep up with my current activities, bookmark my home page which is easy enough to recall if you can remember my name... billberends.com

Go check it out now! Actually, check it out in a few days, I plan to do some news and updates in April. I am falling woefully behind on the virtual world I'm afraid. You can friend me on Facebook for quick updates and the odd joke or political rant, but I am trying to keep that in check these days. I really just want to concentrate on music now, but you can usually find me there... facebook.com/billberends

Anyway, thanks for stopping by! Lots more music coming in 2012. Also, believe it or not, 2012 is the 25th Anniversary of MASTERMIND (!) so I plan to do something special for that. Not sure what yet, but check in from time to time to find out. We do have a new album in the works, but it may be a while before it's completed. Perhaps later this year.

My own solo album of guitar instrumentals which I promised some time ago is finally in the final stages of mixing now. Everything takes longer than I'd like, but I think it was worth the wait. I am really very pleased with it and plan to get it out there somehow in 2012.

Below is some recent video from another band I play with that does a Mahavishnu Orchestra trip. Good fun. Lots more video on my youtube page which is (wait for it)... youtube.com/billberends :)



Otherwise things are okay. My health has been pretty good (knock on wood), I think my playing has improved, and I've written a lot of new music. Some of my best if I do say so myself! Now getting it recorded and out into the world is the primary goal. It's a different world now, but hang in there, I will get this stuff released somehow. I promise.

A couple of live shows coming up too. Visit my schedule page for when and where. I expect fewer live gigs this year as I concentrate more on recording, but anything is possible. Besides my own projects, I am also collaborating with some other folks. More about that soon. So, all in all, still kicking it out and looking forward to a productive year ahead.

Thanks for visiting!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Extended jams...

A couple extended jams from recent gigs...


Steppin Out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJ7CItgrGSY
A long time favorite jam w/ guitar & drum duet a la Cream
Another version playing the Firebird can be found here


N.S.U. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJ7CItgrGSY
Another favorite Cream tune (by Jack Bruce)

Friday, October 22, 2010

Old skool...

Recent bar gig video - Country Lakes Pub NJ (Oct. 9th, 2010)


Snowy Wood http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMHl9PC_KxQ
From John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers "Crusade" featuring Mick Taylor


Hideaway http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2I8Vax2g-c
A Freddy King classic

Monday, June 21, 2010

Saturday, April 24, 2010

1963 Gibson SG Junior

Someone sneaked a camcorder into a Berends Bro's rehearsal while I was trying out my buddy's gorgeous vintage 1963 Gibson SG Junior...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLIL89VZHZY

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Insomnia reviews!

Lots of nice reviews coming in for the new Mastermind album! Check them out here then purchase a copy in the Mastermind Store. Thanks!

I hope you enjoy it! Let us know.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

First Insomnia review

The first review of the new Mastermind "Insomnia" album is online... I was quite pleased! Hopefully others will notice this album and share some of these sentiments. Mastermind deserves a wider audience!

http://www.imhotep.no/?did=9095929&aid=9069486

Nice.

Friday, December 18, 2009

MASTERMIND signs with LION MUSIC!!!

Hey, today is my birthday! Yay me!! I have chosen this auspicious occasion to make a very big announcement…

MASTERMIND has signed with LION MUSIC (Finland) to release the long awaited INSOMNIA album!! The album will be released on February 19th 2010. Featuring Tracy McShane (vocals), myself (guitars, synths, bass), my brother Rich (drums), and Jens Johansson (keyboards), I am really happy to finally see this album get released properly.

Read more here: http://mastermindband.com/blog/?p=30

Visit lionmusic.com for more information about the release.

Happy birthday indeed! A wonderful way to start a new year!