Bands/Artists I've worked with since arriving in Austin:
Hal Ketchum, Cornell Hurd Band, Django's Moustache, Paris 49, T Jarrod Bonta Trio, Jim Stringer & The AM Band, Rob Roy Parnell, Brannen Temple 4-tet, Ephraim Owens, Abra Moore, Darin Layne, O Positivo, Soniquette, Tony Campisi, Jon Blondell, Leo Rondeau, Lucky Tubb, Dr. James Polk, Kevin Carroll, Tres, Aaron Lack Trio, Ernie Durawa, Ted Hall, more to come....
Here's a clip from a recent Phil Brown gig.
Here's some footage from a recent clinic that was shot on the sly, check out the new Lakland 4-94CS.
Here are some Youtube hits:
Influences
Bass Influences: Jazz: Scott LaFaro, Eddie Gomez, Ray Brown, Ron Carter, Niels Henning, Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, Jaco Pastorius, John Pattitucci, among many others.
Blues-R&B: James Jamerson, Jerry Jemmot, Chuck Rainey, Willie Dixon, Big Crawford, Mudcat Ward, Tommy Shannon, among many others.
Rock: Jack Casady, Jack Bruce, Phil Lesh, Lee Sklar, Tony Levin, among many others.
Country: Bob Moore, Roy Husky Sr., Harold Bradley, and all the great unnamed heros of country bass.
Miscellaneous Bass Heros: Michael Manring, Victor Wooten, Victor Bailey, Otiel Burbridge, Dominic DiPiazza, and many others.
I've become well known throughout the bass community as the author of many highly regarded instructional books and DVDs. My first book, "Building Walking Bass Lines" has been in print since 1993 and has taught a generation of bassists how to play walking lines. As a Bass Player Magazine columnist for many years, and as Senior Editor for the now-defunct Bass Guitar Magazine, I've written hundreds of articles on instructional topics, personality profiles and gear reviews. Currently laboring in obscurity as the only bass gear reviewer for Guitar World Magazine, I still have a hand in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of music journalism. But my recent relocation to Austin, TX has placed me in the middle of an active live music scene.
Based on my ability to write clearly and teach music, it has been a general assumption that I can also PLAY the bass. And so, this somewhat late entry to the world of Myspace is an attempt to further that assumption to it's logical end—that, being a gig.
With a long and checkered past in the world of jazz, I've had the opportunity to back up many top name artists like Lew Tabackin, Illinois Jaquette, Wycliffe Gordon, Eddie Daniels, Larry Coryell, Tierney Sutton, Bud Shank, Paul Horn, Robben Ford, Josh Breakstone, George Garzone, and many others.
But jazz is just one aspect of my musical capabilities and tastes. While having chops, education, creativity, intuition and a large memorized repertoire is a great help in high-level jazz situations - I've found that simple, groove-oriented bass playing is what activates my nirvana-gland (the experience, not the band).
I've spent a lot of time playing Blues, New Orleans R&B, Country, "Classic" R&B, Rock, Funk, Latin, and other assorted styles of music, and I do my best to approach them all with a sense of authenticity and respect. The last thing I want is to play a country gig and have people be able to tell that I'm a jazz player. What's worse than a bass player that feels compelled to let everyone know they can play "Donna Lee" on a blues gig? (rhetorical question)
As a bassist that wears many hats (literally, and ... uh ... the other way) I have collected a diverse arsenal of basses with the intent of having the perfect tool for any musical situation I might fall into. While I could just as easily own a Fender P-Bass and leave it at that, instead I have 3 set up for different types of playing. Add to that 2 Jazzes, a few 5 strings, a fretless, a 6 string, some unique axes for special color, 2 upright basses (one with steel strings, one with gut), not to mention a variety of great amps... Okay I have a problem with buying gear, that's obvious, but they all serve their unique purpose. You wouldn't want a surgeon with only one scalpel? A plumber with only one wrench? A dentist with only one hand? You get the picture.
This is supposed to be a bio—you want to know about my exciting life? Hire me and I'll tell you all about it on a break. In the meantime, check out the selections in my jukebox. I've edited together different "streams" with clips of various tracks in specific styles.
I spent the first 15 years of my bass playing career trying to blow people away with my soloing ability, playing lots of informed melodic stuff, technical wizardry, slapping funk, long serpentine excursions into thumb position on the upright, playing chords on electric bass, yadda, yadda... I can still get into that, but for the last 15 years, (hard to believe I'm at this for 30 years...) I've put more emphasis on groove, feel, playing the "right" stuff, and sticking out less in a band. I've come to really enjoy shedding the yoke of cleverness, just let me play something fat and stupid.
So, welcome to my myspace page. I've resisted this for some time, but what the hell... I'm 3 years behind the curve, right where I like to be!
I edited my profile with Thomas Myspace Editor V4.4 (www.strikefile.com/myspace)
Heya! Great to find you on Myspace. Like others have said, your articles and books have been a great tool for me! While I haven't followed everything to a tee (shame on me!), I've learned a LOT from you. Thanks alot!
While I'm here, I have a quick question. I was glancing through my May 2002 issue of Bass Player magazine, and in the Woodshed section you have some stuff that has drum tab with some bass line examples. I was wondering, do you happen to have a book out dealing with different varying rhythms to use between bassist and drummer (or even hand drums)? Maybe if you even know some good resources on the web that might have something. Anything to keep learning more hehe
Thanks for doing what you do! Your books and DVD's have been very helpful. Great Stuff! Now what's the bickering with you and Berlin? I studied a little with Jeff, crazy dude! Keep rockin' it, Barry
New track up called L!! (it's 12yrs old actually but someone told me they loved it so up it went!) Plus some amazing photos in an album called 'Marjorie j. Toro' who's from Canada. In one, she's standing almost at the end of a rainbow ~ Brilliant!!!
Hi there, we're stopping by to let you know that we're playing a big show in Austin on May 30th at Antone's! We're giving away a ton of free stuff including a private party invite, CD's, shirts, and more on Do512.com.
Just click here to check it out and click "I Like It" on the site to register for the drawing!
I just found your bass review videos on Youtube, did not realize you were out there as well. Thanks for providing solid quality analysis of these instruments.
Hey Ed, thanx for the friendship. Over the years the knowledge that I have gained from you is,incredible!! Iread what you said about your bass playing,blow everyone away ,then spend the next yrs playing it right and that mirrors myself.It.s an honor to have you as a friend. Barry
Hello sir n thx 4 da frienship. I appreciate ur musicianship n still thank u a lot 4 writing "Building Walking Bass Lines"...It opened my my eyes n ears then xpanded my mind about approaching bepop. God Bless u sir! Peace.
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