Mick The Bass

About

I have been playing Bass regularly for over 35 years and have more recently been studying sound engineering.
I have been involved with numerous genres over the years from jazz to progressive rock and have gained a broad experience of playing bass in a whole multitude of environments. I would not describe myself as a virtuoso player in the Pastorius type league; I do place a lot of emphasis on keeping in the groove, doing what he song calls for and trying not to overplay (I'm not averse however to cutting loose when the occasion arises of course). I have not specifically tied myself any one particular style of playing or type of work, as I realised quite early on that if you play an instrument like Bass, you have to be adaptable. I think my main strength is my flexibility and understanding of the fundamental technicalities of music theory and sound.

I have a long history of depping as well as belonging to some excellent bands over the years, including some playing original material as well as function type set ups. As well as deps, I currently belong to the North West Kent classic rock covers band 'Crosslogic' - (see www.crosslogic.co.uk if you want to check me out at a gig). I also still do the occasional gig with my old buddies from the Steely Dan tribute band 'Pretzel logic' as well as my duo / trio Decoy.

I am able to busk and read chord charts quite proficiently. I can also read dots, but I do have to be honest that I have less experience in terms of sight reading, as strangely I don't seem to come across many reading gigs these days.

I do have some vocal ability, but would have to describe this as quite modest! However, I'm quite happy to pitch in with some selected lead vocals, or just backing / harmonies as required.

Please feel free to contact me if you want to discuss anything:
mick.bass@live.co.uk
07777680170

I'm always looking for anything to fill gaps in the diary. I'm quite willing to learn a set for example even if it's just for just a few gigs. If it's something more permanent you are looking for, I'm also on the look out for challenges to expand my horizons as well. I do have transport for myself and equipment.

Please note the Drummer in one of my pix is the excellent Dave Chamberlain http://www.bandmix.co.uk/dave-chamberlain/ who plays alongside me in Crosslogic who I can highly recommend as a player and general nice bloke. If you are looking for a strong Bass / Drums combination and a non-overplaying backbone - give us both a shout!

Influences

Too many bands to mention them all, but favourites include Rush, Pat Metheney, Steely Dan, Ian Dury, The Police, Spyro Gyra, Jeff Beck, Pink Floyd, Acoustic Alchemy, 10cc, Leonard Cohen, Dream Theater, Thin Lizzy and Miles Davis.
Favourite players include Entwistle, Squire, Geddy Lee, Roscoe Beck, Marcus Miller, Jaco etc, although I feel I always learn something from every player I listen to....and not just bassplayers!!

Equipment List

A selection of 4,5,6 and 7 string fretted / fretless basses including Fender, Musicman, Yamaha and Overwater. Some midi capability if needed.
My current gigging instruments are a Fender Roscoe Beck signature V, Rickenbacker 4001, Musicman Stingay 5 and an Overwater J Vintage with John East J-retro pre amp.
Eden, GK and Ampeg Amps (my current principal set up is an Eden 1205 with 2 x 410 XSTs for larger venues and a GK RB1001 210 combo for smaller gigs)
Various FX used where appropriate (Boss GT6B is my current working tool, or a board with a selection of fx to meet specific needs)
I have a fairly decent 32 ch Mackie PA (up to 1.8K) and a 24 track recording workstation that I use for live sound and mobile recording.