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Currently playing solo but my CDs feature appearences by Michael McDonald on vocals, Amy McDonald on vocals, Chazz Frichtel on bass and vocals, Lanice Morrison on bass, Harry McCarthy on drums and Steve Leland on harmonica.
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Beatles, CSNY, Stevie Wonder, Michael McDonald, Sons of Champlin, Toto, Aretha Franklin, Poco, Dixie Dregs, Logos, Page One, Timmy, The Ravens, Buffalo Springfield, The Byrds, Beach Boys, Todd Rundgren, Marvin Gaye, Eric Clapton, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, Dean Martin, Heart, Seals & Croft, Steely Dan, Simon & Garfunkel, Ambrosia, Bob Dylan, Grieg, Spinal Tap ...did I say Beatles?
GUITAR HEROS & INFLUENCES: John, Paul, George, Jimi Hendrix, Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Dave Mason, Steve Morse, Eric Clapton, Steve Lukather, John Lovrien, Brian Marnell, Larry Carlton, Robben Ford, Mike Campbell, Nigel Tufnel...
These days I love Aimee Mann, Sean Lennon, Norah Jones, Dixie Chicks, Shawn Colvin, Kathy Mattea, Frou Frou, Michael Penn, Alison Krauss, Amy Holland McDonald, Beth Nielson Chapman, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, ... I know I'll think of more ... oh yes, BEATLES!
Bernie Chiaravalle (pronounced "shaira valley") is a California native now making his home in Nashville, TN since 1998. He has been playing guitar and singing with Michael McDonald since 1988.
Bernie grew up in Marin County playing in various bands sharing the bill with other Bay Area bands like Huey Lewis and the News, The Tubes, The Sons of Champlin and Clover.
In the early 1980’s he migrated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in songwriting. He soon met up with David Pack of Ambrosia and they began writing together. Bernie co-wrote “Sky Is Falling” which appears on Ambrosia Antholgy and “Light My World” which can be found on David’s Unborn CD.
When Michael McDonald was searching for a new guitar player in 1988, it was David Pack who suggested Bernie to his longtime friend. Bernie has been with Michael ever since and has co-written several songs with him as well. Blue Obsession, released in 2000, has 4 songs co-written by Bernie and he also produced 2 songs. One of those songs “No Love To Be Found”, was recently re-released on Michael McDonald: The Ultimate Collection on Rhino Records in 2005. Bernie has also played on several other McDonald records including Motown 2, which certified Gold.
Bernie scored top 10 hits on songs he co-wrote for Larry Carlton (“Till I Hurt You” on Fingertips) and The Waiting (“Speak” from Unfazed) as well as co-writing “On This Night” with Michael McDonald for his 2001 Christmas album In The Spirit which they perform every year in Michael’s Christmas show.
He recently finished writing and producing an album for Amy Holland McDonald released in 2008 on Chonin Records. Bernie co-wrote 10 of the 12 songs with Amy for the record and also played many of the instruments including guitars, bass, keyboards, drums and vocals.
Bernie has released 3 solo albums – Driven By Desire in 1996 – Life As We Know It in 2002 – and Mystery of Love in 2005 – as well as an album with friend Chazz Fritchel for album called Weddington Street under the name Slient Partner.
He has toured the world with McDonald on shows with Tina Turner, Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, Cher, Earth Wind & Fire and countless others.
Learn more about Bernie at these websites:
http://www.berniechiaravalle.comhttp://www.myspace.com/berniechiaravalle
Hi Bernie! Hoping you are finding the time to finish your new CD. I'm really looking forward to hearing all of your new tunes. Enjoy your time before you hit the road. jules
Bernie I just have to say that all of the McD fans just adore you. To watch you on that stage playing your guitar just rocks us!!!! We always look forward to that and then to get a wave from you....geez what can I say about that? The Boca show was awesome!!! We were so lucky...a beautiful night in Florida and all the fans dancing in the aisles. You guys just ROCK!!!!
Bernie, I'm so honoured you accepted my friend request! How is everyone in Nashville?? Have a wonderful Christmas and New Years, and G-d willing I'll see you in 2009. Lots of love, Sandy xoxoxoxo
AMY IS NOW AVAILABLE AT ITUNES!
