Enternational Session Bassist!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Sept 2020 I'm releasing a serious of singles for Smooth Jazz radio, and also on Itunes, Amazon, Cd Baby, Youtube as well Spring and Summer 2021. Also just published a few transcriptions of my bass lines and solo's from my Cd..(Stories) at (https://www.scoreexchange.com/tour), (https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/). with more to come. Also in the process of creating a bass grooves and samples package.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I mostly use Logic for recording, I like the fat sound and I love the Amp simulators which allow me to provide tones from the 60's to 2020. I also use Digital Performer. I can record at 44.1 to 96. I use Custom 4 & 5 string basses by Performance Guitars in Hollywood CA.

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

A: That's a tough one...there are many..I'll have to get back to you on that one😉

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Just getting started so not yet...Look forward to meeting and working with great! people and sharing recommendations..

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both! they are both useful.

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

A: Integrity, and commitment to do my best!!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Creativity, Hearing the fruit's of you labor in the end (great music!). Performing at the major festivals where you get to see and hang with all the musicians from the various bands.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: What do you charge!? 😄, It depends on the level of the project. I'm reasonable. Some projects pay double sale, some do daily lock out's, some have very small budgets (for instance new Indi's who are self financing)..It's all good...Whether it's $150 or $1500 I bring it all to the table...

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: That it's Easy! 😄, Sometime i will play a track one once down and it's a wrap.., and sometimes it's a couple takes, and sometimes it's labor...( it may take a couple hr's to pull it all together)..

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: If not stated, I will ask, do you want exactly whats on the demo or how much freedom do I have to create?. Do you know how you want the bass to feel (energetic or laid back on the beat?.).....and depending on the song or project other questions may come up.

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

A: Know what you want and be able to express it clearly. Provide solid tracks to be recorded to..(everything in good time, quantized or live and don't get to married to programed demos, sometimes live tracks even though great and tight wont feel like the machine generated, quantized tracks and sometimes one can be so used to that feel and can't adjust to the nuances of human live feel.

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

A: I didn't have a definitive path when I drove across country from DC to LA as a 21 year old 😮😄, I just wanted to play music. Fortunately I was led to the right people at the right time and my career took off almost overnight and for 30 years now I've been blessed to work consistently on a high level.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My reputation is one of Smooth, Solid and Funky..

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

A: James Taylor I love his simple but profound songs.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: "Great songs are usually simple"

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

A: Most of my recording gig's tend to be in R&B, Smooth Jazz, Genre's, However I have and still do record everything from Hip Hop to Singer Song Writer to TV sitcoms..

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Solid Groove!! Whether it's finger style, muted or thumb style's.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: 30! years! of experience record and touring with Grammy Winning, and Legendary Artist. Ethic's (I treat 'All' projects with upmost respect and bring the full scope of my talent and ability to each). Guaranteed!!!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Once I set up the session (tempo etc.) and import reference files, I listen down a couple times making note of key point's, melody, feel, dynamics. I usually set up 4 bass tracks. Track 1, I will record the original demo part is written, Track 2, I will record it again with more of my own interpretation (my natural reaction to the song)., track 3, I will add a few fills, slide, pops, (Nuances) to choose from, I sometimes will do a 4th track with a completely different approach to the song ...( depending on the song).

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

A: Most inspired by Bassist, Writer, Producer 'Marcus Miller'