Bassist and composer Del Atkins brings the heart and soul to music that gives it life.
He has worked with some of the most prominent musicians around, providing perfect bass tones, instruction and wisely crafted musical compositions. From Norah Jones, Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige to James Ingram, Seal and Jessica Simpson, Del makes the music and the performance unforgettable.
Del’s love for music was formed through the early exposure to his mother’s piano playing of gospel hymns at home and at church, in South Central Los Angeles. Although Del became a musician late in his high school years, his musical abilities flourished as he furthered his studies at Los Angeles City College. This was a time when he also studied and performed with USC’s guitar ensemble, further contributing to his influences.
Del began playing professionally early on with the great Latin percussionist Willie Bobo around Los Angeles. The work with Willie launched Del further into the music business and began a career that has kept Del busy touring, recording and writing with acts Jessica Simpson, The Pointer Sisters, Gladys Knight, Dr Dre, James Ingram, Lou Rawls, Les McCann, DJ Quik, and many others. Del’s work has also been heard on popular artists dance remixes like Whitney Houston, Richard Marx, and Duran Duran and in film scores for movies including Spike Lee’s "Get On The Bus".
Del has extended his musical abilities into scoring for movies and television, such as the theme song for the Showtime movie “Circle of Pain” starring Todd Bridges and source cues for the Bernie Mac show. He has done the score for the movie “The Return of Dolemite” starring Rudy Ray Moore, a documentary for BET entitled “To My Sisters, “A Gift of Life” hosted by Debbie Allen and several documentaries for the Discovery Channel.
His debut solo CD, “Bassic Instinct” encompasses his richly unique musical experience with the Latin-influenced tune, “Reflections” to the beautiful song, “Love’s Memories”, which was co-written with John Sims and sung by Alexx Daye. Del’s musical statement as a front man shows well-crafted brilliantly played melodies over interesting chord progressions.
The title track of “Bassic Instinct” is a funky bass and sax lead melody mixed with a hip-hop beat and melodic bridge section. Several song melodies are doubled with sax from Gary Bias of Earth, Wind And Fire, Ron Brown and Louis Taylor. Other guests on the CD include Phil Upchurch on guitar, Leslie Drayton on trumpet and Paul Humphrey on drums among other seasoned performers.
Monday, June 30th we kick off our 'Ask The Pros' series. Our first pro artist will be legendary bassist Verdine White of Earth, Wind, & Fire. Get your questions ready. When you see the 'Ask Verdine White' folder posted in the forum, simply click on it, then click on 'Reply' and type your question.
Once the folder has been posted for one week, he will begin answering the 10 most interesting questions. Good Luck !
EARTH, WIND AND FIRE ENDORSE CELEBRITY COUPLE ON RELATIONSHIPS!
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