Bass (Elec/Fretless/Double)

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

A: Playing bass at Eric Clapton's 2010 Crossroads festival with guitarist Earl Klugh.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A new album (my 11th). I hope to have this completed sometime in 2018.

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

A: I haven't been on SoundBetter long so I have to admit that I'm currently unaware of the amount of talent here. I hope to be able to make a recommendation in the near future.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. I love the ease of digital, but having and using analog gear, tubes or speakers allow for real "air" to move. Using the best of both the analog and digital domains can provide a great workflow.

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

A: That I will deliver the best possible track, both in style/feel/groove/tone and overall production value and usability.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The ability and freedom to work and meet artists/musicians/producers from all around the globe.

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

A: What bass should we use...My answer is it depends on the character of the song and the vision of the artist/producer.

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

A: That I'm just a "jazz guy". Sometimes because I've worked with artists such as Earl Klugh, Bob James and others people define me as a jazz bassist. The truth of the matter is I feel comfortable in most styles and my personal music collection ranges from Reggae to BlueGrass and all points in-between. My first band was a rock band and we played Heavy Metal and rock covers.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: The overall goal of their song. Their style, what equipment they would like me to use and if they have a reference track of something already released that they want me to get ideas and inspiration from.

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

A: Communication is key, reach out and get the dialogue started.

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

A: Double Bass, Electric Bass, Piano, Amp and a way to record ideas (such as a phone with a recording app).

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

A: I started playing saxophone and drums at an early age (6 years old). I was in the school band (orchestra and marching). I switched to bass in my sophomore year in High School (age 16). At the completion of High School, I entered college with a full scholarship majoring in jazz/classical performance. Since my college days, I've been touring, recording, writing full time as a profession. My career path has had many twists and turns and I've been fortunate to work with many known and unknown artists through-out the world.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: As a freelance musician, I've had to develop my own style. Working with diverse artists, musicians, songs, producers, tours etc. etc. = has given me a full spectrum of and scope of being open-minded. My motto is, "serve the music".

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

A: I like to work with artists that allow the freedom for me to create. At the same time, I also like it when the artist has a vision for what they want out of the song. It can be helpful if the artist, has a song to reference of a sound or specific part.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Record a DI and cabinet (mic). Blend the two together for a thicker fuller bass sound.

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

A: All styles. I love it all and my AllMusic Credits should reflect and demonstrate the diverse artists that I've had the pleasure to work with. Typically I work with Singer-Songwriters, Producers, Composers from every genre.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Recording Bass.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My spirit, soul, vibe and lifetime of musical experiences.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical process usually first consists of listening to the song and getting an overall feel and vibe. I like to talk to the client to get their take on what they are hearing and wanting from my studio work. From there, it depends what I'm being hired for (recording bass, songwriting, track production, producing). Depending on that, dictates my process.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup consists of an acoustically controlled mix room and a "live recording room". I have multiple basses to choose from. I typically run a DI and Cabinet and deliver two files. I use Brent Avril Pre-Amps, into Universal Audio and an assortment of other gear.

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

A: Too many to list...However, a few are Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, Led Zeppelin, Herbie Hancock, Imogen Heap, Van Halen.

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

A: Recording Bass (electric/fretless/upright), Composing, Track Production, and Producing.