I'm influenced by everything I hear, but some of the very many bassists who inspire me, are
James Jamerson (the greatest of all time)
Pino Palladino
Leland Sklar
Chuck Rainey
Sting
Paul Chambers
Ray Brown
Ron Carter
Paul McCartney
Stanley Clarke
Will Lee
Javier martin
Nathan Watts
Abraham Laboriel
George Porter Jr.
Michael Rhodes
Meshell NdegeOcello
Larry Graham
Daryl Jones
Marcus Miller
John Paul Jones
John Entwistle
Willie Weeks
Verdine White
Dee Murray
etc...
One of my greatest musical influences, however, is Miles Davis. He is one of the most important musical minds to come out of the 20th century. Nobody understood the value of a single note the way he did. His use of space and simplicity within a composition were and are unparalleled. He was the mastermind behind most of the significant changes and trends that took place in jazz music, and he was the catalyst for the success of many of contemporary jazz's greatest artists.
Eric Grossman is a dynamic and talented bassist who honed his craft in the busy Los Angeles music scene of the 1980s and 90s. Personally trained by bass legends, Stanley Clarke and Bunny Brunel, Eric worked hard to become a very busy recording and performing player.
After joining Alternative rockers K's Choice in 1997, Eric started an eight-year run that would take him to 15 different countries, playing thousands of concerts, and recording four Gold and Platinum selling records. Because of that exposure, his resume was able to grow.
Eric is the long time bass player for international singer/songwriter Sarah Bettens. He has also been blessed enough to gig and sit in with such artists as, the Indigo Girls, Danny LeMelle, Jason Falkner, Debra Cox, John Popper, Anouk, and back all-star jams featuring Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, the Dixie Chicks, the Indigo Girls, and Natalie Merchant.
In St. Louis, he can be seen and heard, playing with Javier Mendoza, Leslie Sanazaro, Auset Music Project, Caleb Travers and Big City Lights, and a growing list of talented artists.
Eric's playing has been heard on Party of Five (Fox), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Fox), The Crow (Crescent ent. series pilot), Zus En Zo (Oscar nominated film by Paula Van der Oest), The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS), In Plain Sight (USA), The "L" Word (Showtime), and a national Pepsi radio spot, just to name a few.
Eric can also be heard on tracks by Hip Hop producers Fala, DJ Beatz, and Versa, and remix producers Kraak and Smaak.
A Few Kind Words (and some not so kind):
"I've worked with Eric for so long now, I honestly can't remember what it's like to be on the road for an extended period of time or record a record without him. And that's a good thing. After going through 6 or 7 bass players, K's Choice found Eric in a little rehearsal studio in L.A. Aside from being one my closest and dearest friends, he's also the kind of bass player that lets the song do the talking. Over the years, he has consistently filled my songs with great unique parts that bettered the songs, without overplaying or in any way interfering with the essence of the song. He shows a dedication towards the music that's inspiring and I hope to be playing with him for a long time still (unless he turns into an asshole)." Sarah Bettens (Lead singer of K's Choice and International solo artist)
"Eric Grossman is the perfect player for my project. He is a chameleon adapting to all the styles that I incorporate in my music: rock, pop, funk, flamenco, latin and jazz and he does it well. Along with his great bass playing abilities he is total professional"... "sometimes a pain in my ass" ... "but even at that he's a pro". "I do love the guy". Singer/songwriter Javier Mendoza
I have been a fan of Eric's playing ever since I heard him play with a
band called K's Choice.
There is one record in particular that comes to mind called "Cocoon
Crash" (by K's choice) that is one of my favorite records.
Eric's parts, tone and musicality in this record are nothing short of
magic. His ability to sound unique, while supporting the songs without
over playing, is something spectacular.
Eric is one of the few musicians that can play different styles of
music and still sound authentic. Thinking he was already an amazing rock
bass player, I was surprised to hear him sounding so different while
keeping his unique style appropriate for each session.
Eric is one of my favorite musicians to play with and a joy to be
around! Karen Teperberg (Drummer with Sarah Bettens, Chris Botti, Jesse McCartney)
"Eric is one of those musicians who can play in any situation comfortably. I think Buddy Rich said it best, You should be able to play with The Count Basie Orchestra one night and the Beatles the next. I used that reference because he's so old.(haha) He has a great sense of pocket and really knows how to Serve The Song. That's the great thing about Eric G. He will play less and he will serve the song but if you need him to turn up the shred-o-meter he'll do it with the best of them. Besides his skills, he's very easy to work with, a great hang and a hell of a guy!! (Just don't book a gig with him if the Yankees are playing) Dan Thompson (Drummer with Scott Weiland, Sarah Bettens, King Straggler, the Mother Truckers)
"I credit Eric Grossman with showing me the way of the funk! Eric's bass playing is world-class - solid, tasteful, and tone for miles. As a proven professional, his playing commands a huge presence both on stage and on tape. His understanding and love of music oozes through every note he plays and his maturity shines in the notes he doesn't. Most importantly, though, he has a great face for radio." Thai Long Ly (Bassist/producer/engineer with Al McKay, George Duke, etc…)
"Eric is one of the most enthusiastic players I've ever met. Passionate and professional, positive and completely undeniable. Our's is a music style that can often require more space than notes, and for most players, that's a very hard thing to pull off. Yet Eric continues to understand the power of subtle nuance, while offering each note with melodic confidence. I have been even further impressed with Eric, however, while watching him play with others, like Sarah and Javier. His skill, attention to detail, and flexibility are above reproach... and he can sing... oh, and the stories, oh my, the stories. Really, it's the spandex that worries me". : ) Singer/songwriter Auset
"Hi, my name is Eric Grossman, and I'm a full time, professional bass player. Contact me here, for touring, gigging, and recording possibilities. I have tons of experience that I'd love to share.
I also have my own private recording studio. Equipped with high-end gear, a variety of excellent instruments, amps, and mics. I'm now offering my services as a player, to the world.
The truth is, the music business is changing, drastically. It is no longer necessary to have a record label shell out a huge budget to put an artist into an expensive studio, to record an amazing record. As a matter of fact, it's not even necessary to be signed to a label any more. Many artists are doing it themselves, with unbelievable results.
Thanks to the internet, the world is a very small place. Artists from all over the planet, can collaborate just as if they were in the same room, together. This has also made it possible to do great things, with not so great budgets.
This is where I can help. If you think I can make your song better, just send me an mp3. I'll record the bass part here, and send you a wav. file, that can be used with your digital recording platform. If we need to fine-tune it, it's no problem. We'll work on it until it's finished. It's really that simple. The entire project can be done on-line. What a beautiful thing.
JUST STOPPING BY TO SHOW YOU SOME LOVE AND SUPPORT TO YOUR PAGE AND ALSO WISH YOU ALL THE BEST IN WHATEVER IT IS YOU MAYBE PURSUING, SUCCESS COMES VIA HARD WORK. SO KEEP IT AT AND REMEMBER I GOT YOU IF NO BODY ELSE GOTS YOU, I DO AND YOU COULD CONSIDER ME AS A MEMEBER OF YOUR SUPPORT TEAM...SO BE SURE TO KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE AS LONG AS IT MAKES YOU HAPPY....BE SURE TO COME BY AND DROP ME A COMMENT/STAMP YOUR MARK/SHOW YOUR SOME SUPPORT OR WHATEVER IT MAYBE THAT YOU FEEL LIKE DOING ON THE PAGE..
Thanks Eric! Hopefully I'll get it right this time! He's a great guy and my future is looking bright! Update me sometime on your family, and what's going on in your world! xo Jaime
