Mick The Bass + Musician in London, EN

SEEKING

ABOUT

I have been playing Bass regularly since I was 14 years old and have also 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 try to play with a smile on my face and have fun. 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 the Maidstone based Band 'Fox Force 5', who tend to gig about twice a month.
I started out many moons ago playing jazz standards and have more recently become involved with big bands. I rehearse regularly with several bands, including the University of Greenwich big band.
I am able to busk and read chord charts quite proficiently. I can also read music, but my sight reading is definitely a 'work in progress,' although my big band work is helping me to develop this.
I do have some vocal ability, but would have to describe this as quite modest! However, I know my limitations and 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.basslive.co.uk
07477 580105

I'm always looking to help out where I can. 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.

Screen name:

Mick The Bass

Member since:

Apr 11 2010

Active within 1 week

Level of commitment:

Very Committed

Years playing music:

40

Gigs played:

Over 100

Tend to practice:

More than 3 times per week

Available to gig:

6-7 nights a week

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!!

Instrument experience:

Bass Guitar:

Expert

Vocalist:

Moderate

Acoustic Guitar:

Moderate

Background Singer:

Moderate

Upright bass:

Moderate

EQUIPMENT

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, a Fender Jazz fretless and an Overwater J5 with John East J-tone pre amp. For appropriate occasions, I use an Aria SWB-04 electric upright.
Eden, TC Electronic and Ampeg Amps (my current principal set up is an Eden 1205 with 1 \ 2 x 410 XSTs for larger venues and a TC Electronic RH450 with a 2x10 and or a 2x12 for smaller gigs).
Various FX used where appropriate (Boss GT10B 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.

MUSIC