Hi! I'm Romain and I'm best known for being Scott Henderson's current touring and recording bass player. I've also been playing with french-vietnamese guitarist Nguyên Lê for the past 10 years. Mainly into jazz, fusion, funk & pop, I'm also very comfortable with soloing. I have a wide musical upbringing that allows me to fit in many genres.
I initially started out as a drummer, but steered myself towards the bass at the age of 14 after being introduced to Weather Report and Jaco Pastorius.
In 2011, I was admitted to the CNSM (highest conservatory in France) in the Jazz Department.
In 2012, I started working with Nguyên Lê, whom I've been touring a lot with in Europe and Asia, and still do to this day.
In 2016, I joined Scott Henderson's trio for all of his world tours and new recordings.
Over the years I've played or recorded with artists such as Tom Ibarra, Céline Bonacina, Jerry Léonide, Gergo Borlai, Dean Brown, Alain Debiossat, Paco Séry, Didier Lockwood, Mario Canonge, Karim Ziad, Omri Mor, Michel Fugain, Dhafer Youssef...
I've also played in major festivals and venues all around the world such as Jazz à Vienne, Jazz in Marciac, New Morning, Ronnie Scott's, The Baked Potato, Blue Note Beijing/Milan/Shanghai, Cotton Club Tokyo...
Want to know more about me? Go to www.romainlabaye.com
I'm eager to work on your project and add my touch to it. I play fretted & fretless bass, 4/5 strings in various styles.
For me, it's all about respecting the artist's vision and fit in the music. And if you want something more personal, I'll be glad to do that too.
Now, let's get to work! I can record at home and will send you high-quality tracks. I can't wait to make your music sound better!
- Romain
Send me an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.
3 Reviews
Endorse Romain Labaye
check_circleVerifiedSuperior musician. Received the parts very quickly.
Romain is hands down, the finest bassist I’ve ever worked with. He nailed difficult written parts and played open parts with fire and finesse. His solos transcended every expectation, weaving gorgeous lines and phrasing over complex changes. His pocket and time feel with drummer Archibald Ligonnière on the album, was DEEP. Not to mention his attitude. He could not have been a kinder, easier person to work with. Frankly, he’s a legend unfolding before us. I’m incredibly fortunate to have had him on my project.
Five stars for Romain Labaye! Given the difficult nature of my music, I’ve struggled getting even great players to do what is needed. But Romain knew what to do from very beginning, and he knows how to deliver. Written parts were flawless, and in the sections requiring his own interpretation, he took the music beyond what I had conceived of. And he did it all remotely! Aside from his incredible ears, chops, and musical intuition, Romain was pure joy to work with. He puts 100% into making sure his parts are perfect, and his clients are happy.
I will ALWAYS contact Romain Labaye first!
Interview with Romain Labaye
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Phonic Nomads. I was a composer, arranger, bass player and co-leader.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Archibald Ligonnière. A great friend and a phenomenal drummer and composer. www.archibaldligonniere.com
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Never try to negotiate the price musicians are asking, even if you "just need 1 minute". And please, be as precise as you can, by providing good charts as well as tempo information, frequency rate, etc...
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Jazz (from more traditional to fusion), pop, funk...
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I read the chart as I'm listening to the demo, then practice the track a few times and start recording.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I use a Mark Vintage Pre (Markbass) as a bass preamp that goes into Pro Tools through the optical input of my interface
I was the composer, arranger, keyboard & bass player in this production
- Bass ElectricAverage price - $250 per song
- Bass FretlessAverage price - $250 per song
I will send you 2 takes within a week, unless specified otherwise.
I allow 2 revisions for free. Extra revision costs $50.
- Fender Jazz Bass 1971
- Fender Musicmaster 1972
- Höfner 500/1 Violin
- Markbass GV5 (5 strings jazz bass type)
- Squier Jazz Bass Fretless
- I use Pro Tools and Logic Pro X
If you want me on your whole album, we'll discuss the total amount in private.
