22 questions with Steve Bernal
1- where were you born and raised,Steve? Come from a large or small family? anyone else in family musically-oriented?
I was born in Refugio, Texas, small town about 30 miles north of Corpus, maybe 20 miles inland from the coast. I grew up in Houston, been in Austin since '84. I have a younger brother, and about 10 years ago he took up blues harmonica, and he's really good! Larry & the Dukes, you should look 'em up. Other than that, no musicians in the family, although I've been trying to learn whether or not I'm related to the members of Conjunto Bernal, from Robstown,Texas, which is where my father was born.
2- at what age did you start playing a musical instrument,and what was it?
I got bit by the bug around the age of 9. I'm a natural drummer, and that's what I wanted. After much pleading, my mother said "no drums in the house, pick something else", so after a little while I noticed that there was always someone standing next to the drummer in bands on shows like "The Midnight Special". An uncle who played a little guitar told me that guy is playing bass, so I immediately went to my parents and convinced them that I could play that instrument. By the time I was 11, I had my first bass. It seemed to me that anyone standing next to the drummer must be cool. If only I knew then what I know now! haha...
3- play any other instruments?
I play the 'cello, and lately I consider it my main instrument. I'm a pretty good drummer, and can get around on guitar pretty well. Usually, if it has strings on it, I can figure it out pretty quick. And, as for bass, I like to say that I play 'em all - acoustic, electric, fretless, fretted, 4-string, 5string, and, of course, 'cello. Even a little guitarron!
4- do you write your own classical pieces, and do you write/ play other styles as well?
I compose a lot of my own stuff, and I'm always open to collaborate with a good composer. Stylistically, I have experience in Rock/Pop and Classical mostly, but I've played lots of Reggae, Caribbean, (within which are myriad styles), Country, Jazz, Ambient, Folk, Avant Garde, Blues, lots of different stuff!
5- tell me the types of instruments you play, who makes them, the tonal qualities you look for in an instrument. who works on them when they need repairs?
I play Fender Jazz Basses, and my 'cello was made by Theodore Gotthelf Pfretzschner in Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany in 1955. I like Robert Hacker @ The Custom Shop for bass work, and Frank Kammerdeiner @ Violins Etc. works on my 'cello.
6- what strings do you use, how often do you change them,what's the make,gauge,etc?
Bass strings are D'Addario roundwounds, medium gauge, I change 'em as infrequently as possible. I like a good 'thud' from a worn bass string. 'Cello strings are either Jargar handmade, or Pirastro Evah Pirazzi, whichever I can afford at the time. I change those about every six months or so.
7- do you give lessons, or whom do you recommend that gives them?
I am a patient and illuminating teacher. ;-)
8- what studios do you record in,who are your favorite engineers to work with ?
I've worked at most studios in Austin. Pedernales, Hit Shack, Cacophony, Premium Sound, Music Lab, Arlyn, Wire Recording, Mixorama, Congress House, and many more. Several home studios, too. I have 62 album credits so far, all of which were recorded in town. I like all of the engineers with whom I've worked. I learn something from each of them.
9- can you tell us about your recent musical cd release? and any before that?
"Decibels" is the culmination of ideas I've been working on the last couple of years. Stuff that, to me, is simply pure music. I've done a lot of music for commercial purposes and popular consumption in my carer, and I just wanted to do something that came straight from my own heart and mind. I think it's an unusual listening experience, but in a good way, of course. It's received great and insightful reviews, and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to release such a body of music. Please go to www.stevebernalmusic.com for more stuff.
I've done three solo recordings previously - "Solo 'Cello", "Night Brings You", and "Fractals". I only had 100 or so of each of 'em printed, and gave 'em to friends, etc. I was sort of 'testing the waters' as a solo artist. It took a while to get used to being in that position, as opposed to being more 'inside' a group situation. I think I'm pretty comfortable now!
10- name 4 early musical influences.
Hmmm, I'd say Jimmy Page, Elton John (the '70's period), Franz Shubert (as a kid, I was obsessed with his "Unfinished Symphony", and finally had the chance to play it with the U.T. Symphony a few years ago) and Jaco Pastorius.
11- what bass-cello players do you admire worldwide?
Well, there are so many, but here's a few. Bassists - Tony Levin, Bill Laswell, Chris Squire, Robbie Shakespeare. 'Cellists - Janos Starker, Anner Bylsma, Yo-Yo Ma (got to meet him last year!), Steven Isserlis.
12- once,I went to a house concert full of warm,friendly people.It was at your place [ I thank you ]. How often do you do this? any upcoming shows @ Casa Bernal ? What a creative way to support Austin music! More people should be doing this!
Yeah, that was a great time! No plans for another one at the moment. I'll let ya know!
13- ...and the main act you had was the incredibly talented P.Kellach Waddle.He's big news. Explain your relationship with him, and how it came to be you had him give a recital at your house concert.
Well, P.K. and Jessica had been invited to the annual International Society of Bassists convention to perform, and just wanted to try out their programs. Turned out to be a great night.
14- do you co-write with anyone ?
Sometimes, but usually I form my own ideas.
15- do you play in the Austin Symphony, or in any other bands/acts?
I'm not with the Austin Symphony, but hope to audition for them someday. I play with the Temple Symphony, and in the band at Grace Covenant Church, and most of my other gigging is freelance. Studio, weddings, private functions, City of Austin events, night clubs with various singers and band leaders like Aimee Bobruk or Graham Reynolds.
16- name your top 5 classical works ,no holds barred.
Six Suites for Solo 'Cello by J. S. Bach, Shubert's 8th Symphony, Beethoven's 7th, Samuel Barber's 'Cello Concerto, and Arvo Part's Te Deum.
17- when you write...how does it work...melody in head first, or maybe a lyrical thing,do you intentionally sit down and work,or is it "inspiration smacking you in head outta nowhere,gotta capture it somehow now" type of thing?..or all of the above?
Pretty much all of the above, it's always different. Sometimes it rolls out like a great Persian rug, sometimes it has to grow like a tree, slowly and with the seasons.
18 - name your favorite conductor,and why.
You're gonna get me in trouble with that one!
19- name 5 Austin restaurants you go to religiously,and the dishes you order.
Madam Mam's on Westgate, usually the Tam Ka coconut soup. Maria's Tacos - migas taco. Hut's - Richie Valens (messy!). Magnolia Cafe Congress - just about anything. Azul Tequila - absolutely anything!
20- I am a visitor to Austin,we run into each other at a cafe, and I ask you whom to go see musically in Austin, and where at.I want to know where the 2 best places to see jazz,classical ,and blues are at. Where do you send me? Name also your top 5 Austin musical acts,any style,and why.
I like John Dee Graham and James McMurtry @ the Continental Club. Dustin Welch is a badass up-and-comer. Can't go wrong with Monte Montgomery or Carolyn Wonderland @ the Saxon. Of course, Elephant Room is the coolest Jazz hang. And the Long Center for classical. Beautiful venue.
21- I run a classical pirate radio station... what 3 songs of yours do you want me to play, what key are they in,why you want me to play them,and what inspired you to write them?
"Dreams and Concrete", this cycles through a few key changes, but it's mainly in G minor. I think it's one of the best things I've done. Inspired by the hectic pace of modern life, and the need for balance and occasional solace in it. My arrangement of the traditional "Dona Nobis Pacem", for 3 'celli, in F Major. Just recorded that one, not released yet. Just something I wanted to do. And a new 'cello solo piece called "Pillars", which is in F Major and Bflat Major, also recently recorded but not yet released. Inspired by a recent nasty break-up with a woman.
22- you are on a desert island for 10 yrs with a solar-powered boombox...what 5 cds of any ilk do you have with you?...and lastly, you will need companionship there...Ginger...or MaryAnne [ circa 1967 ]?
Anner Bysma playing the Six Suites by Bach, Rostropovich/Richter playing the complete Beethoven 'Cello Sonatas, Bill Laswell's "Hear No Evil", Led Zeppelin "Physical Graffiti" and Pink Floyd "Animals"
MaryAnne!
