New solo album: In My Dreams I Can Fly !!!

I'm not sure who may see this since I'm not on here very often, but I would like to announce that I have finally finished my album of guitar instrumentals! The reason I set up this blog in the first place.

Rather than go the traditional route of finding a record label, I want to bring the music directly to you, but I need your help. I am now taking pre-orders on Kickstarter to raise the funds to get the CD pressed.

The album is called In My Dreams I Can Fly and features 12 brand new original instrumental works for electric guitar. Sort of in the vein of Joe Satriani or Eric Johnson perhaps, but with my own style and substance.

There are two videos on Kickstarter that feature sound clips from the album and a bit of a presentation by yours truly. The one down at the bottom seems to be getting the most interest, so please, stop by and have a listen. And, if you could, help me get the word out by sharing this link where you can… forums, music blogs, facebook, myspace, anyplace. The funding drive ends at Midnight, November 5th, 2012 so there isn’t a whole lot of time!! Thanks.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/billberends/1920478859/

This is an all-or-nothing proposition with Kickstarter, so your money is not at risk. I either reach my goal and the CD gets pressed, or I don't, in which case you won't be charged. I really hope you can help me bring it to fruition by placing a pre-order now. I think it’s a great album that Mastermind fans can enjoy, but it’s good for classic blues rockers as well, and certainly for guitar enthusiasts! For prog fans I am pleased mention I have Jason Gianni of the Neal Morse band helping me out on drums for this record and Jason kicks ass!

I really hope I can get the CD out to you THIS year because this is a very important record for me. After this album gets released there will be a new Mastermind album coming, possibly next year, but a lot depends on if I can get this new album funded, so I am asking for your help. Thanks for reading and go check it out!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/billberends/1920478859/

Thanks!!
Bill

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!

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)

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

Recent interviews 2010...

A selection of new interviews...

10 Questions with... Bill Berends

USA Prog Music interview

Virtuosity One interview

Ytsejam interview

Enjoy!

Outside Woman Blues

more home movies...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xw46_yZF04

See My Way

Berends Bros Band rehearsal home movie


http://www.youtube.com/v/cE7rh4FBW0A

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

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.

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.