Crafted, soulful electric bass

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My setup is mainly set up to load other peoples tracks and provide bass parts immediately. I recently upgraded to Digital Performer 10 as my main DAW, and record directly from a Wayne Jones dual channel pre into a variety of other tone devices from a variety of basses, (both fretted and fretless), Most of my sound comes from my hands.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A big open mind and enthusiasm to my bass parts. I want to provide great support and serve the song. I also bring a great signature sound, and inventive sounding parts. The three T's also, time, tone, and taste !

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

A: A recent project from Germany, one from France that were very good. I can't name names because I do not have their permission to do so at this time. Also, another interesting project from Korea, and I travel too. I play whatever I've agreed to and give it my all.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I am definitely flexible in that regard. I have a pop, rock and jazz background, and that has served me very well. But there are some things that are better left to other players. I am not well versed in certain things such as bluegrass, and some types of latin music, so there are definitely things that are better suited for other players other than me. I just take it project to project, and if I am not the guy, I say so.

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

A: I seem to get called for my feel and tone, and to not overplay !

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

A: I play a great deal of pop and EDM tracks, rock, and some jazzier stuff too. My role is usually in the rhythm section, so I am very concerned about being in sync with the drummer rhythmically, and playing the right notes to compliment the melody or vocal. It really depends on the piece of music. The music doesn't lie, ever.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Right now I am based in Southern California and involved in various projects. Some smooth jazz, a childrens song, a hard rock song, an EDM track and some trance stuff.

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

A: Yes Jason Meekins. He's a drummer. Also Darrell Nutt, he's a great drummer too.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love to play and collaborate and see people happy with the music. I get a charge out of hearing the final product !

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

A: Just be honest, and forthright. Do what you say you are going to do, when you say you are going to do it, and communicate !

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I rely on my ears and formal/informal training mainly. After listening to a piece of music, I'll usually write a chart for the music as a roadmap. Then I'll try out different parts, and when I feel comfortable, I'll start playing takes. There really is no clear cut "one" way. It's all about the tone and feel. I typically like to try different ways.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I'd say there are several. A great tone, and a great attitude go a long way whether in person and remotely. I also have a knack for being able to get several ideas in several takes which gives the client/artist choices. Also, being able to read in between the lines of directions, and give more than what is asked.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: a clean, strong signal and sound goes a long way. The three T's, time, tone and taste !

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I think they both have their place. Nothing wrong with 2 inch tape with that great natural compression. Digital has become a standard, as it becomes easy to exchange tracks worldwide.

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

A: I'd probably just bring suntan oil, and sunglasses.

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

A: This has always been my career path. I've been doing this nonstop since I was 15 or so. Then Berklee, then the New York Metropolitan area, then the Nashville area, and now all over the place !

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's your vision, let's get it.

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

A: Good question. We'd be here years.....

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

A: My promise, is I always give it my best without fail. Everytime.

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

A: They mainly ask if I have time. The answer is, I always have time to play !

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

A: Can you earn a living from it ? The answer is yes, I do very well.

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

A: I greatly admire all the greats, the knowns and not so knowns. Anybody that plays and/or records great music has got my vote.