Multi-Instruments (Funk/Jazz)

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: I created the musical bed for Dr. Dre - Nuthin' But A G Thang (remix) ( Death Row Greatest Hits). As a remix, my name is not on this release and it's "out of print" (Suge put this album out shortly after the split with Dre). The remixers did a kick/snare/hat. I wrote and played the Moog bass part and 2 Rhodes parts. The rest was done later. I love how it came out. https://youtu.be/KnhF0eKmr0E

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Original material collaborating with some folks I used to work with in Cali (hip hop producers mostly), blend of jazz and hip-hop. Goal is to put out an EP within a year.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: Top quality work with love and the magic. I'll ask you what sound/part you're for and find out how I can get that sound in my ears then convey it on the instrument.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Since I was 7 and picked up guitar, I knew this is what I wanted to do. So it's been a real joy. Coming from the vinyl album and AM radio era, seeing my name on the liner notes or hearing myself randomly on the radio have been real high points. That and just being in the studio, living the life.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What kind of feel are you looking for? Do you know the part you want? The sound? How busy or sparse do you hear the part? Do you hear it in your head, what does it sound like.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: If you have a passion for funk, soul and jazz and an appreciation for real musical skills, hire me.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: Started as pro jazz bassist and guitarist as a teenager, about 40 years ago. At age 19, on a visit to Hong Kong landed up working there in live jazz and studio work. Went to L.A. to get into the studio scene. Connected with Skanless Records and worked with L.A. gangsta rap artist Hi-C (part of DJ Quik's crew) and many other artists through that label. Through the '90s, worked with many other artists and producers in L.A. in many styles, also in the Philippines, and on some Brazilian releases. Did some shows with Jeff Lorber in L.A. and played on several of his records. At the end of the 90's I moved to Portland, OR and led a jazz guitar trio. Since then have worked on projects here in the Pacific NW, also worked on Bebel Gilberto's 2014 release.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Marinated in the old school funk of groups like Ohio Players and Parliament-Funkadelic, with the influence of the fusion era (Herbie Hancock, Weather Report) BEFORE smooth jazz came a long. I am NOT in the smooth jazz vein. My 3 biggest musical influences on a deeper level are John Coltrane, Alice Coltrane, Marvin Gaye.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Jazzy hip-hop, funk, soul, R&B, Latin jazz and Brazilian. Proficient in rock, blues, all pop styles.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Grooves. I'm a multi-instrumentalist in the funk/jazz styles, and that informs my bass playing - laying down a solid bass line and understanding the role of the bass, plus adding that little subtle extra magic.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Funky/soulful feel, skill (jazz chops - have the technique but emphasis on feel), virtuosity and love.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Listen to the track, get a feel for it. Learn the part, or if I'm creating it, vibe/jam intuitively with the track until a part is created. I also roll "tape" during the process and often get keepers that way. I work with one of the top pro engineer/mixers in Portland, OR so I can focus purely on the musical side. Once I have the part down I just roll tape and get in the zone, typically 2 or 3 takes and it's done.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My engineer's gear list includes: Hot-rodded custom Mac Pro tower w/ dual monitoring & Lynx AES16 PCIe card Lynx Aurora 16 conversion Dangerous monitoring Rascal Audio Analogue ToneBuss mix summing 6x custom Hamptone JFET preamp channel 2x Distressor Chandler Limited EMI TG2 mic preamps 4x Universal Audio SOLO/610 mic preamps/DI Vertigo VSC-2 Quad Discrete VCA compressor Plugins: Soundtoys, Metric Halo, Sonnox Oxford, Softube, Fabfilter, Brainworx, Abby Road EMI TG12413/12412/12414, Auto-tune 7, iZotope Vinyl, Massey, NI Guitar Rig, Waves, Altiverb, Valhalla DSP

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: Adding bass lines to beats made by producers (either based on an existing idea or coming up with the line).

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: Nylon-string guitar, flute, Fender Rhodes, a drum set and an upright bass.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: April King, a hip-hop artist/composer/producer and jazz drummer in California. I had the honor of jamming with her a few years ago and really admire her skills. I feel like she's at the cutting edge of what's happening right now with positive/underground/alternative/jazz-hip-hop.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: To create a groove, know the roles of the different instruments. Space is as important or more important than notes.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: John Coltrane, Marvin Gaye, Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, the Steely Dan production team and musicians. Currently Robert Glasper, Alfa Mist, Quincy Jones. Tribe Called Quest's production team and musicians. Quincy Jones.