Grooving Session Bassist

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

A: I've worked on two live recordings as the main bass player - Hope of Nations and His Stripes by Gates Praise Music. For me the experience was almost too good to be true. I believe it was two to three years into my playing, I was already part of a live recording. It was scary yet challenging and one of the most daunting times of my life. Because of this big, hairy, audacious goal, I was forced to get better and to learn as much as I could because of my nature of being meticulous. Over time, I've grown my skill in this way, always thinking that I lack and still have far to go which has only helped me to go further. Nevertheless, it has brought me to have experiences of playing in overseas in many Caribbean islands such as Barbados, Grenada, the states Texas, Atlanta and in live shows all over Trinidad for various artistes.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: As a bass player I have a gospel foundation based on music from Tye Tribbett and Fred Hammond. I can be super groovy and swinging at times due to the music of my country, Soca but I combine that into all other genres when needed. My licks and runs are modern and connected to each song. I am also a big fan of country and afro beats which adds a complex flavour to my playing.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog because I feel more connected with my gear that way. There's something that strengthens me the way analog effects respond to my manipulation.

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

A: Come to talk to me. I'm open to working with you

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

A: My Wyn Bass, a PJ cabinet or Markbass cabinet, Aguilar or Mark bass amp head and my laptop and of course a solar panel to power it all

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

A: Eleven years

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

A: Jonathan McReynolds or Tye Tribbett. I love both of their lyrics and the freedom and encouragement that they give to musicians, especially Tye who I've been on stage with before. Being on stage with him was like entering a whole new stage of my playing and the most energetic I've ever felt playing.

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

A: Gospel, Soca, Alternative, Zouk, Reggae, RnB, Pop

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Typically, I would consider what the client has requested and approach the song in that manner. Listening a couple times first, I take note of the song progressions, the changes and phrases and then I begin to fit the bass groove. When I've found a good groove, I'll do a couple takes and return them to the client so that they'd have options to choose from.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Studio One Presonus Interface Mogami and Monster Cables MXR Compressor TC Electronic Tuner Wyn Bass - La Bella Strings

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

A: To be transparent and dedicated to capturing the sound that you want

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Finding motifs, production elements such as effects or atmosphere and spaces that creates a better song

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Pocket, groove and the elements and spirit that makes listeners close their eyes and really want to dance and feel the music.

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

A: Justin Raines, Thaddeus Tribbett, Thaddeus, Joe Dart, Alan 'Snoop' Evans, Maurice Fitzgerald, Joe Cleveland, Abraham Laboriel