Session Bassist/Guitarist

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

A: I simultaneously released 2 original albums in October 2016. One is a straight-ahead jazz project and the other is instrumental hip hop. With both albums I handled the writing and production of all the music as well as art direction, design, marketing and release. The sense of accomplishment from putting these projects out on my own is one of the best feelings I've ever had.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm currently working on a hip hop album with my band Native Sun. This will be our 3rd release. We're adding a lot of new elements to our sound and I'm excited to see our progress as a group.

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

A: My promise is I will give you quality work that exceeds your expectations.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The thing I like most about my job is that it's not a job. I love making music and it's just what I do. I most enjoy being able to provide for my family by pursuing my passion at the same time.

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

A: Customers most often ask if I can play the particular style they are looking for. I always say yes even if it means I have to do a bit of research to get a handle on what the music needs.

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

A: The biggest misconception about the work I do is that it's easy. This is understandable because professional musicians are supposed to make it look easy. Behind the scenes, to be a good session musician takes a high level of discipline even beyond that of a performance musician.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I usually ask for basic direction so I have an idea of the sound my client is going for.

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

A: If I were on a dessert island I would just need an acoustic guitar unless somehow the island had electricity. Then I'd have my MacBook, a 25 key MIDI controller, and audio interface and my bass.

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

A: I've been playing bass professionally since around 2000. I started doing a gig here and there in college and as my network grew and I gradually built a base of support large enough to earn a full time income with music.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is very soulful and rooted in the black gospel music and the blues. It's a combination of James Jamerson, Marcus Miller and Meshell Ndegeocello.

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

A: I would love to work with Stevie Wonder. He has so much depth and was a major figure in one of the most important movements in American music. There is so much I could learn from him.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Drums are everything. The key to having a good production is having a drum sound that is just right.

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

A: I usually work on pop, hip hop and jazz music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is listening. I'm able to dissect the music I hear and understand what needs to played on my instrument and how to make it interact with the other sounds that are happening.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring personality to everything I record. I play with a lot of conviction and I intend for my playing to inspire an emotional response in the listener.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When starting a new bass or guitar track, the first thing I do is listen carefully to the music and vibe to it. From there I'll grab my instrument and start jamming along to come up with ideas for my part. Once I have something that sounds cool I begin recording. After I have a take that I like, I listen to it a few times to make sure there are no mistakes. I also look for spots that I can improve before sending it back to the client.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use Ableton Live 9 with a MacBook Air. I have a Fender Road Worn 60's Jazz Bass that I record through a FocusRite Audio interface. I also have an Epiphone Dot Studio guitar for recording electric guitar tracks.

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

A: A few musicians that inspire me the most are Stevie Wonder, Raphael Saadiq, Q-Tip, Marcus Miller and J Dilla.

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

A: I mostly record bass tracks for my clients. Many times people will allow me to compose an original bass part for their music. I carefully study every song I receive in order to give the music just what it needs.