Elite Session Bassist

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: With the current technology and availability through the Internet, it's easy to fall into believing that music is just "content" and I maintain it is not. Owning recording gear doesn't automatically make you an engineer any more than owning an instrument makes you a player. If you're a creative, you owe it to yourself and your music to present it in the best light possible and that often involves getting help from a more experienced player or engineer. Don't be afraid to invest in the music you believe in. When you're working with seasoned professionals, you really do get what you pay for and the relatively small financial difference makes a massive difference in the quality of your final product.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Yep. Serve the song, in whatever role you play in a production.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work in Sonar, and have a pretty extensive selection of outboard gear for the instruments I play, a nice selection of microphones for vocals, acoustic instruments and drums, and a great collection of awesome instruments, basses, guitars both acoustic and electric, keys, and specialty instruments, mandolin, bouzouki, etc. I have fine tuned a great 10 track drum protocol for the house kit and get massive compliments on the drum sounds.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is the mission? What do we hope to accomplish? Often a given project may have several objectives and uses, so I really want to know what the mission is and in what order. Again, communication.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Be sure you're being heard by whoever you work with. Music is the universal language and communication is the most important element.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: Well, I can't because he's gone, but Donny Hathaway. Just a monster talent, writer, player, singer, artist.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I cut my teeth on rock and roll and r and b music, but having been a session musician for nearly three decades, I've done a fair amount of everything. And, living in Nashville, all styles of Country and Americana.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Musical empathy, I think. I've always been able to communicate and understand. My goal is to help the client get exactly what they want, beyond their expectation.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Years of experience in many genres, a Grammy winning producer's knowledge and taste, even to a single track, and most importantly to me, a genuine love for music, the recording process, and those who step out to make their statement.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: There isn't one really, I work in live multi-player sessions and also do tons of tracks that I send literally all over the world. I receive projects in every phase from just the concept, to being the last guy to go on a track. I've pretty much dealt with every imaginable scenario.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I split my time between several roles. I'm predominantly a studio musician/session leader. I also do a lot of music production, both for artists and specialty projects, film, TV, etc. And I've had fairly extensive experience as a Music Director for live shows as well as television specials, etc.