They don’t use the term vanity label for self-released albums like the vanity presses of book publishing, and with Ben Bernstein’s first solo release, Petting Zoo, he gives us more than mere vanity.  Petting Zoo is independent of spirit and free of self-indulgence.  Bernstein’s album is part of a growing movement of pop music born of an acoustic musician’s experience in traditional genres.  Bernstein, as bass player for San Francisco’s Ho’Down Quartet, helped produce a studio bluegrass album and a live Ho’down disc in 2005.  In late 2005, Bernstein signed on with SF jam band, New Monsoon, and started touring nationally.  During the few breaks from the road, Bernstein spent time in the Bay Area working on Petting Zoo with David Tweedie at Chocolate O’Brien studios. 

Petting Zoo opens with the textbook choice of a light and catchy acoustic pop song.  “Flipside” sets the wistful tone for the album.  Tone and songwriting are strengths of Petting Zoo and Bernstein really gets the groovy tone going on the opening cut.  Electric guitar and organ round out the acoustic instrumentation to excellent effect.  Bernstein’s Dead inflected vocals give the tune a nostalgic feel.

The second cut, “What am I doing here?” takes another step toward psychedelia but still keeps a tight song form.  The playing, mostly Bernstein with Tweedie on drums is great on the album and while the song writing is solid the lyrics have a limited range: from ennui to angst.  The tone of the instrumentation is a lighter version of Dylan’s 1966 Albert Hall electric set.  Sadly, Bernstein never cuts loose and rocks hard.  Perhaps the incessant touring with mostly up-tempo New Monsoon pushed Bernstein toward the tempos he chose.  Fortunately, the tight song forms, even on the instrumental cuts, keep the album from plodding.

The album has a nice midsection with two tasty instrumental tracks that really highlight Ben’s tonal sensibilities.  The melodies are ethereal but not wandering, and the rhythmic texture keeps the listeners attention without any harshness.  "Puesta del Sol", in particular, has a beauty that is world class and nicely sets up the exit of the album.  Bernstein’s duet with Toni Mattioli, "If" is a conversation with two mellowed out optimists.  Ben and Toni share a moment in the song that makes it clear these are two musicians with some warm history together.

Bernstein has not been a main vocalist in any of his gigging projects, but he does a great job of carrying the album’s vocals for the eight songs.  His vocal affect is a good match for his almost apathetic lyrics, “Maybe I’m holding back… perhaps I’m just a fool.”  In fact, when Toni Mattioli sings the duet, it seems that 2 years gigging with Mattioli’s Stolen Bibles was a formative time for Bernstein’s voice.

Petting Zoo is a singer songwriter album, but with Bernstein’s playing, Tweedie’s production and Toni Mattioli joining in, the album leaps over stilted singer/songwriter irritations.  Bernstein stretched himself and made a great album.
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Got your album a few weeks ago and it's been getting good airtime in our living room!
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PETTING ZOO rocks... I love it.  It's in my car for a long time now.  Good work Benny!!
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