I like to think that I'm influenced in some way by every bit of music that I hear. That being said, some bass players who I feel have influenced me the most are: James Jamerson, Pino Palladino, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, John Paul Jones, Anthony Jackson, Marcus Miller, Larry Graham, Jaco Pastorius, Bernard Edwards, and Rocco Prestia.
Derek Frank’s journey as a professional bass player began around the age of 15 in Cleveland, Ohio, where, while attending high school, he earned invaluable experience (and a few extra bucks) by playing in jazz clubs and for local musical theater productions. Early formal training at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, along with 4 years in the University of Miami’s music program helped him further develop his skills as a musician. Starting at the age of 17, Derek gained some more “real world” experience by playing on cruise ships, which is how he spent his summer vacations following his senior year of high school throughout his senior year of college. Upon finishing up his 4 years in Miami, and after a brief stint in Boston, Derek loaded his basses into his car and drove to Los Angeles, where he has been living and playing for the last several years.
Since his arrival in LA, there has never been a dull moment in Derek’s musical life (well, not many, anyway!). Over the years, he’s enjoyed balancing his time between touring, studio work, local gigs, and the occasional TV show or music video, with a variety of artists in a variety of musical styles. Derek prides himself on being a “musical chameleon” of sorts, able to fit comfortably into any musical situation. Always stylistically authentic, his bass lines ring with passion, conviction, taste, and groove. Citing main bass influences such as James Jamerson, Pino Palladino, Stevie Wonder, Marcus Miller, Anthony Jackson, Rocco Prestia, Paul McCartney, John Paul Jones, and Jaco Pastorius, Derek has lent his low-end prowess to an eclectic collection of artists, across the board of musical genres.
Touring credits include: Hammond B-3 organ legend and Acid-Jazz pioneer Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express (2002-present), teen pop sensations Aly & AJ (2006-2008), and the "Dancing With the Stars” tours, a live arena show spun off from the hit ABC television series (2007-2009). Other live performance credits, including television performances, include: Siedah Garrett, Lari White, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Paige, Alejandra Guzman, Bonnie McKee, and Rachel Yamagata. Recording credits include: artists such as Jonatha Brooke, MoZella, and Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express, producers such as Todd Rundgren, Neal Avron, and Greg Poree, and sessions alongside such legendary musicians as Vinnie Colaiuta and Joe Sample (click here to view a complete discography) . Derek’s bass lines have also been heard on several TV shows and commercial jingles.
Currently, Derek is in LA working on material for his own album project, an instrumental funk record that brings together musical influences such as Curtis Mayfield, Jamiroquai, Pleasure, Groove Collective, Marcus Miller, etc. Currently in the writing and pre-production phases, he hopes to have the album released before the end of 2009. Derek is trying to fit in as much writing and recording as he can, while balancing tours with various artists and keeping himself busy with performances and recording sessions as a freelance musician. A new band, “Wonk”, which he recently started with several friends, is currently completing their debut album, which they plan to release in June. He has also developed a website called "Bass Tracks Online" , offering budget-conscious singers, songwriters, producers, and composers, who may not otherwise have access to a studio bass player, a way to obtain custom bass tracks for their songs online. Click Here to Check it Out! Derek passionately thumps away on 4 & 5 string fretted and fretless basses, expands his tonal palette with the use of synth bass and various effects, and he plays & endorses Lakland Basses, Celinder Basses, Aguilar amplifiers, Seymour Duncan pickups, and DR strings.
so if you missed my big birthday show a couple of weeks ago, have no fear, we are doing it again!!! i need your help filling up this show at Hotel Cafe...June 8th..its really really important that i have a crowd there...so can you come? can you bring 50 people? can you bring birthday present? haha, j/k, i just need a crowd, so hoping you can come! xoxo lelia
ps. i am on at 8:00PM (www.hotelcafe.com for more info)
Hi D .. Hey do you know a Mike Brunner , he says he knows you , he saw you on my facebook from my friend Kelly's , he is a friend of hers .. She said he kind of looks like Mike Myers .. Thanks for all the good stuff yesterday too . L
Awwww I feeel so bad!!!! I'm sorry!! I had to leave. But Y'all did a great job out there! My boss was sitting behind me and she was like " wooo!! Yeah!!! " it was funny. But y'all did a great job. I'll miss ya. Have a great summer too, thanks for keeping in touch. :) you'll always be my favorite bass player and our course mark Lyon too, he's my favorite Lyon ha ha ha
Just can't Thank You enough for the great Birthday I had last night . Had a great time , Rain was awesome ! And dinner was amazing too .. Thanks again .. Rich & Linda
oh derek, just because i wasn't alive when that song was made doesn't mean i totally seclude myself from the classics and never listen to them haha<br />sweeet.. i work like a slave so i'll be working whenever you're there; and if i get off early i'll stick around. it's my birthday week so that makes it even better :) planning on taking the mic again? haha gotta see what else you can do.<br />see you then!
whip it! whip it gooood... haha totally didn't know you could sing! i was surprised seeing you take the mic.. that was really good. when are you going solo? ;)
good seeing you again! looking forward to next time
Well - I look forward to your new CD! Things are crazy here. Just working on some music/the acting thing as usual. Tell Annette I say hello - I miss you guys.
i just noticed you're performing with Tomasina at disneyland next month... that's awesome! i work at Tomorrowland Terrace so i guess i'll be seeing you! she's the only act that plays there that i stick around to watch haha but yeah im pretty stoked. had no idea you play for her
