| I was born into a musical family, so the genetics for enjoyment of and exposure to many different styles was definitely passed on. I remember informal jam sessions on occasion at my dad's parent's home, friends of the family stopping by with electric pianos and other things. I was also drug along to shows my dad played baritone sax or clarinet with a big band (well it looked big to me as a 4-6 year old). I went the usual route of school band starting in 4th grade, playing clarinet, bass clarinet, and tuba over the years.
In August 1981, I was handed a bass. Within a week of making the youthful smart mouth crack "I'll play that thing if nobody else will" I was doing my first show for the Southern Gospel quartet Policeman's Quartet near Richmond, KY. 1984 through 1985 saw things become more disciplined and serious for my playing, spending a year with international music group Up With People, performing over 90 shows in 10 months and countless acoustic shows during the days at schools, malls, nursing homes, and anyone else who would have us. It was an enjoyably crash course in the rigors of touring (no roadies either) and an education beyond compare about the workings of touring life. Darn good for the fingers, too. 1985 through 1987 was spent playing for various bands in Miami, FL. Nothing that ever hit big, but more education galore. In 1987, I moved to Nashville, remaining there until mid 2005. Played in band after band after band. I attended Middle Tennessee State University in their Recording Industry Management program, as well as working for six years at their public radio jazz station, WMOT. Played in some festivals, played in the dives, played in the legendary dives, played in a lot of garages, basements, and storage units. Played with people who went on to greatness, and the rest of us who did not. Learned a tremendous amount about how the business side of Nashville works. During my Nashville years, I got my feet wet with computer based recording. 2005 saw a move to Las Vegas, NV. A whole new world of bands to play with and also my getting involved with recording collaborations via the internet. A lot of that collaborating done with people who produce, mix, or play for a living, so there's no room for b.s. or faking one's way through. Tell me what you want on a track or mix and I would get there if humanly possible. No room for flopping in front of people who do this day in and day out. And it's been a ball ever since. My current arsenal includes the following basses:
As well, I use several different mics, bass and guitar amplification, and direct input recording. So there is a good chance I can get the sound you seek for your projects - growling bass, distorted bass, or straight ahead bass...and anything between). Also on hand are various acoustic (6 and 12 string) and electric guitars (Strat, Washburn, and an off-brand baritone) and keyboard at my disposal if there is something along that route you need. And I have been know to pick up a mandolin or two under great duress to get the job done. |
Copyright 2007-2011 Bruce Alan. All rights reserved.