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 Since he was 8 years old, Jackie Bertone of Federation of Musicans Union - Local 47 (Los Angeles) has always tapped out rhythms. He started, as many drummers do, on table tops and pots and pans, until he discovered the bongo drums. Bertone was such a ferocious learner, you probably wouldn't have wanted to lend him your records - he had a reputation for ruining them, playing them many times over to learn the percussion grooves.
All that practice and worn-out vinyl paid off, though for Bertone has build a solid reputation as a professional percussionist. He is also a successful businessman, as well as advocate for those, like himself, who are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). He is a leading spokesperson for the MS Lifeline (www.mslifelines.com) and for the interferon drug Rebif.
Thanks to his constant practice and dedication, Bertone landed a gig playing with Tower of Power in 1979. At his very first solo, he recalls, he was amazed at how excited he could make the audience, introducing them to a percussion style like that of legendary Paulinho Da Costa percussionist Bertone emulated.
Aside from his live work, Bertone has been a session musician since age 19, joining the Federation of Musicans Union in 1985. He has continued to work as a studio musician for 20 years and has played with some top names in music. "It's amazing to have a lineage with the Beach Boys and Wilsons," Bertone says, looking back on one of his more high profile gigs.
Like Da Costa, Bertone describes himself as "not a busy player." "I listen for where the percussion needs to be thin and that's what I do," he explains. This unassuming yet complex style is what drew music's biggest names to Bertone. "I was given a chance on the Wilsons' album, Imagination; a chance I would've normally not had," he says.
Aside from his union membership, another help for Bertone's career has been his endorsements. However, he doesn't like to use his endorsements as just a way to get free stuff. "I'm not looking for free gear," he says. "In fact, I already had all the latest LP equipment when I approached them." All the acclaimed drummer was looking for when he approached percussion companies like Vater, Sabian, Real Feel, and Remo back in 1997 was respect." I wanted to get my name and face in more places to promote myself," Bertone recalls, "I wanted to be widely recognized."
Bertone has received exposure through his endorsements. "You have to build the foundation for a house, and I've done the same with my career." Bertone says, adding that the relationship he has with each company he endorses is rewarding, thanks to clear dialog between company and artist. "Let the companies know your performing schedule," Bertone stresses, "and earn their respect. Have an honest and open relationship with them. And let them know you're constantly working and what you're up to." As he knows from experience, you will be rewarded if the endorsing company knows you are a hardworking profession and a good ambassador for your instrument."
If Bertone receives from the percussion manufacturers, he gives back in the form of his advocacy for MS survivors. Since his diagnosis in 1998, Bertone has spoken at many MS symposiums. "If a can open doors with my voice and music, and get people laughing at an MS symposium, instead of focusing on their problems, it's a good thing," he says. Bertone has done well despite his MS, thanks in part to the flexibility and strength that drumming gives his muscles.
In fact, he hasn't let MS slow him down or dampen his joy of playing whatsoever. A paid ambassador for biotech firm Serono and pharmaceutical firm Pfizer, Bertone speaks to conference audiences about the future, and finds it quite rewarding. "I'm blessed to make music and will only rest when I retire," he says.
Used with permission by the Federation of Musicans Union - Local 47
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