Let’s just say it was a bass-tacular two days. One could feel the presence of musicians who had stepped onto the red
A broad array of musicians who play, write, and arranged seemed eager to have an audience to share their deep filled talent. For example, Ricky Minor and Rhonda Smith interchanged time slots and both played in Clinic room B. While Chuck Rainey and Nathan East bossed it, out in Clinic room A. It was a, “had to be there to see it,” kind of situation. Each clinic was an hour mixing performances, questions, answers, and ear bending life lessons.
There were lots of gasms, awws, and whoooo is thumping that Bass shared by all who attended. As an added attraction, the Award Achievement portion of the event booked out at MIT (Musicians Institute) which was not far away and an easy get to from S I R. The honored three award recipients, Louis “Thunder Thumb” Johnson, Nathan East, and Lemmy Kilmister. Just in case you unknowing folk out there don’t know who these three are, here’s a brief rundown,
Louis Johnson, elevated the art of bass playing using slapping in particular while session gigging with Michael McDonald, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and the Brothers Johnson, and that’s just the tip of a list of lifetime memoirs. Lemmy Kilmister, the last name alone should suggest his kill approach to metal strings. Founder, songwriter, lead vocalist of Motorhead, Lemmy, had the circle of crowns mounted in place from then on. Don’t
Special guest two-time Grammy winner and all up on the “The Bass in You,” Jerry Jemmott sat onstage front and center while his ace, Chuck Rainey, spit wisdom from his three legged stool, mic and deep throat. Sound and recording engineer, Bruce Wulach owner of the iconic 105 year old, Steinway, B Grand Piano sat nearby looking forward thinking back to the time when fame meant a whole lot and the boys who played together, played hard and for keeps. The natural thing happened of course bringing all together under one roof in a contained hub of contentment without one artist necessarily knowing one another.
Alex Al, and “Ready Freddie” Washington were nice and tight on set as well as having being lifted by the doc, Memphis born, Saxophone player, Donald Hayes.
Nathan’s set left a deep imprint on the heart with drummer, “Felix the Cat” purring the sticks so sweet that even the finest ear had to bow down.
For more information on Bass Player Live 2015, Bass Player Live 2016 and Bass Player Magazine reference www.newbaymedia,com, www.forbassplayersonly.com, and www.bassplayer.com.
https://youtu.be/HuG55t3K3e0?si=3OwUQoRUIPfjRwbi You know, sometimes we meet fantastic and magical people, musician and visual artist Rick…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxHbkQ_WCjE&t=10s In a world that fights night and day to keep the dark out of…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu1odC82kxc One hundred years is a long time to be around and walk this beautiful…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlusfrECfO4&t=6s Hey everybody out there! How have the ups and downs of life been, and…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HwENh_MrU4&t=2s Well, London Bridge has fallen. Talk about Pluto, the planet that rules Scorpio, and…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9pmPPVWO38 The Oscars are always an interesting event, bringing people of all walks of life,…