Arnaud B.

Session bassist & pianist

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5 Reviews
Arnaud B. on SoundBetter

Professional session bassist & pianist with a strong background in classical harmony, arrangement and jazz

I’m a professional bassist and pianist with a strong background in classical music and jazz.
I studied harmony, composition, orchestration and music analysis, and over the years I’ve contributed to various recording sessions and music projects as a performer and arranger.

As a session player, my priority is always the song: finding the right tone, feel and part to support the artist’s vision. Whether you’re looking for a solid pocket bass line, a melodic approach, or tasteful piano parts, I focus on groove, clarity and musical intention.

I deliver high-quality recordings, clean DI tracks when needed, fast turnaround, and clear communication throughout the process. I enjoy working closely with artists, producers and songwriters to help bring their music to life.

Feel free to get in touch and tell me about your project — I’d love to hear what you’re working on !

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Languages

  • English
  • French
  • Italian
  • Spanish

Endorse Arnaud B.5 Reviews

  1. Review by Dennis Holt
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    Arnaud is a pleasure to play for! He is very talented, kind, patient and quick to respond.
    Songs are good and well performed and recorded! All smiles here! Santé!

  2. Review by Dennis Holt
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    What a pleasure it is to play for Arnaud! Good songs with clear guidance and he allows the freedom to create. So fun! Communication is quick and pleasant, even thought he is in France! All smiles here!

  3. Review by Dennis Holt
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    I truly enjoy playing for Arnaud. Every time it’s easy and fun! Quick response and very open it ideas!
    All smiles here! ;)

  4. Review by Dennis Holt
    starstarstarstarstar
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    Playing for Arnaud is such a pleasure. Fun song, well played and recorded. Communication was quick and clear... and he gave me total freedom to create.
    More please.. ;)
    All smiles here!!

  5. Review by Stefan Olofsson
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    Excellent experience working with Arnaud! He has great ideas and is very open minded and friendly. I would highly recommend working with him.

Interview with Arnaud B.

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

  2. A: I’m especially proud of a recent film project that pushed me creatively and challenged me in new ways. The challenge was managing both playing bass and piano while also composing and arranging the music. I hold myself to very high standards when performing my own music, and collaborating on a film is very different from live performance or studio sessions, as it requires constant adjustments between the music and visuals, as well as patience and guidance with non-musicians. It was a unique experience, and I learned a lot while feeling great satisfaction seeing my music contribute to a collaborative project.

  3. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  4. A: I’m working on my first solo project, covering composition, arrangement, and writing, while also performing as a bassist in live bands and remote sessions for different projects.

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

  6. A: I wholeheartedly recommend Dennis Holt, one of the best drummers I’ve had the pleasure to work with. His sense of groove, rhythmic precision, and musicality on the drums are truly exceptional. On top of that, Dennis is a really cool person, making communication and collaboration enjoyable and easy. If you’re looking for a drummer who can take your tracks to the next level, Dennis is the one to turn to.

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: I use both analog and digital tools to get the best of both worlds. Analog provides warmth and roundness — I often track through a Neve 1073 preamp to capture that classic tone. Digital allows flexibility, easy editing, and re-recording when needed. In general, I like to work “old-school,” focusing on finding the most direct and authentic bass sound and capturing final takes in just a few passes. This approach preserves the authenticity of the performance, which I consider essential in my playing.

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

  10. A: I promise to give each project my full energy and passion, working to find the bass line that truly brings the song to life. I use all my experience and skills to ensure the best result and client satisfaction.

  11. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  12. A: What I enjoy most about my work is finding creative solutions for my clients. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a client’s reaction when a bass line truly enhances their song and brings something extra to the music. This work also allows me to collaborate with other artists, explore new artistic worlds, and share my love of music. Above all, I love playing my instrument regularly and putting it at the service of other musicians and new projects.

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

  14. A: Each project is different, but the question I get most often is: “Can you send me a bass part by tomorrow?” I always try to deliver as quickly as possible and then the creative part comes in refining and collaborating with other musicians to achieve the sound they’re looking for — and that’s what I enjoy most.

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

  16. A: Many people think music is just a hobby or not a “real job.” In reality, it’s a profession that requires years of training and skill to create performances that truly move listeners.

  17. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  18. A: I ask clients what they want to achieve with the track, which reference songs capture the sound or vibe they’re aiming for, and most importantly, what emotions they want the song to convey. This helps me understand their vision fully and create bass or piano parts that truly serve the song.

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

  20. A: When hiring a session musician, it’s important to provide clear guidance on phrasing, tone, and feel. Giving references — for example, tracks that capture the sound or groove you’re aiming for — helps the musician understand your vision. Clear communication and building a relationship of trust are essential, as they make all the difference in achieving a result that truly serves the song.

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

  22. A: If stranded on a desert island, I’d take my Fender Precision Bass, my Neve 1073 preamp, and my Audient iD44 interface — really, that’s all I need to make music anywhere!

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

  24. A: I started music at a young age, with the bass as my first instrument. As a teenager, I played in a hard rock band, which allowed me to cut my teeth on technically demanding material and perform my first concerts. At the same time, I attended the conservatory, studying piano, music theory, harmony, composition, and jazz. Over the years, I have built a career as a live and session bassist, mainly in the Paris area, working with various artists and projects while also pursuing my own personal projects. I have gained experience in arrangements, productions, and orchestration for other musicians. Today, I continue to develop my personal music projects while offering my services as a bassist in different bands and formations. I particularly enjoy collaborating with other musicians to create unique artistic works and striving for musical excellence.

  25. Q: How would you describe your style?

  26. A: I’ve been playing bass since I was young, and throughout the years I’ve drawn inspiration from a wide range of artists across many styles. One of my earliest revelations was discovering Motown bassist James Jamerson — his incredible bass lines completely shaped my understanding of groove and song support, and inspired me to get my first Fender Precision Bass and switch from roundwound to flatwound strings. I was also deeply influenced by session bassist Carol Kaye, whose unique approach to crafting melodic, chord-based bass lines led me to experiment with different muting techniques and develop my own voice on the instrument. Over the years, playing in various live bands and studio sessions has allowed me to adapt quickly to different styles, but I have a particular affection for rock, blues and soul. My style combines groove, melody and musicality, shaped by these influences and my background in classical music and jazz, always aiming to create bass and piano parts that serve the song and enhance the lead melody.

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

  28. A: I would love to work with Paul McCartney for his incredible ability to write endlessly original and inspiring songs. His innovative approach, combined with his talent for creating bass lines that are both simple and highly effective, always serves the song perfectly.

  29. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  30. A: Through my experience working on studio projects across different styles, I’ve realized that the success of a production relies first and foremost on the song itself. A clear structure guides the listener’s ear, the harmony must fit the mood, and every instrumental part should be precise and serve the song. I firmly believe that 90% of a production’s impact comes from the musicians’ musicality and their ability to play the best possible parts. While high-quality equipment and sound capture can enhance a recording, they can’t replace solid musical preparation. That’s why I focus on getting the song right before the mix: ensuring the structure, harmony, melody, and lyrics are all solid. A strong foundation allows the final production to shine, both musically and sonically.

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

  32. A: I mainly work on rock, blues and soul projects — styles I’ve explored in depth, allowing me to quickly find the right bass tone and feel for each song. I also have a strong background in classical music and jazz, which brings additional musical depth and originality to my playing when appropriate.

  33. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  34. A: My strongest skill is my musical ear and my ability to quickly identify the right bass line for a song. Thanks to my academic training in classical and jazz harmony, combined with my experience as a bassist in various musical settings, I can navigate harmonic progressions with ease and adapt quickly to the style and feel of a track. This allows me to propose bass lines that are both supportive and musical, always serving the song. I’m often told that my playing approach — with its focus on tone, groove and melodic support — is reminiscent of players like Lee Sklar, in a very humble and song-first way.

  35. Q: What's your typical work process?

  36. A: I start by carefully listening to the client’s demo multiple times to fully understand the style, groove and overall feel of the song. When needed, I map out the song structure and chords before recording. I then track my Fender Precision Bass (flatwound strings) through a Neve 1073 SPX into an Audient iD44 MKII, focusing on capturing a strong first bass line. After reviewing and refining the part to ensure it best serves the song, I record a final clean DI take. The client receives this clean version, along with a more processed option (amp simulation, compression, EQ) upon request.

  37. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  38. A: My studio is built around a reliable, professional signal chain focused on high-quality DI recordings. I record a Fender Standard Precision Bass (2008–2016) through a Neve 1073 SPX preamp into an Audient iD44 MKII interface, ensuring excellent tone, headroom and conversion quality. All sessions are recorded and delivered using Studio One Pro 7, providing clean, well-organized and mix-ready tracks.

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

  40. A: I’ve long been inspired by producers and musicians who pushed the boundaries of sound while maintaining strong musicality. Brian Wilson’s intricate pop harmonies, Gus Dudgeon’s rich orchestral touches in classic rock, Carol Kaye’s impeccable work in funk and soul sessions, Quincy Jones’ mastery of jazz and pop arrangements, Queen’s theatrical and bold rock production, and George Martin’s pioneering studio techniques with The Beatles have all left a deep impression on me. What unites them is their ability to craft distinctive sonic worlds that are both innovative and emotionally compelling — an approach I strive to bring to my own projects. Their work inspires me to experiment with texture and arrangement, pay close attention to detail, and always aim for a balance between technical precision and emotional impact in my own music.

  41. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  42. A: I bring carefully crafted bass lines that serve the song with intention, groove and musicality. My approach is shaped by a strong background in classical and jazz harmony, allowing me to go beyond simply playing root notes. I often explore chord tones and inversions to create bass lines that are more melodic, fluid and singable, while still supporting the harmonic foundation of the song. I pay close attention to the interaction between the bass line and the lead vocal, choosing intervals and movement that complement the melody. Alongside this, groove and feel are always central to my work, ensuring the bass part remains deeply musical and fully in service of the song.

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

  44. A: Most of my work is focused on remote studio sessions, where I primarily work as a session bassist and pianist for artists and producers. I record clean, musical bass DI tracks and tasteful piano parts, with a strong focus on creating original bass lines built around harmony and groove to elevate the song. In addition to performance, I also contribute to song arrangements when needed — including string and horn parts, rhythm section slashes voicings, and overall song structure. This allows me to approach each session with a broader musical perspective and to create parts that fit naturally within the arrangement. Clients typically send a demo, references and tempo information, and I deliver well-organized, high-quality recordings that are easy to integrate into a mix, with an emphasis on feel, musical intention and reliability.

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Woman

I was the bassist, pianist and arranger in this production

Terms Of Service

2–3 business day turnaround.
Clean DI bass tracks (processed on request) and professional piano recordings.
Up to 3 revisions included.
References, tempo and chords info appreciated.

GenresSounds Like
  • Leland Sklar
  • James Jamerson
  • Carol Kaye
Gear Highlights
  • Fender American Standard Precision Bass (2008 - 2016)
  • Audient iD44 MKII
  • Neve 1073 SPX preamp
  • AKG C414
  • Studio One pro 7
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