Tom French

SEEKING

Band to Join, Trombone, Piano, Saxophone, Trumpet, Other Percussion, Drums, Acoustic Guitar, Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Vocalist, Vocalist - Bass, Vocalist - Baritone, Vocalist - Tenor, Vocalist - Soprano, Bass Guitar, Violin, Keyboard, Background Singer, Harmonica, Flute, Other, Banjo, Mandolin, Fiddle, Dobro, Vocalist - Alto, Bagpipes, Steel guitar, Upright bass, Cello, Accordion, Ukulele, DJ, Electronic Music, Clarinet, Harp.

ABOUT

At the age of 2 I was using the family record player for myself, so I don't remember a time I didn't live music. I taught myself bass at 14 listening to Jamiroquai and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Diving in at the deep end of funk grooves and fast riffs and loving it. I spent time exploring classic rock and indie sounds through out my early playing. Within 3 months I found myself gigging around South London in a rock covers band with a vast repertoire which helped form my playing and stretch my performing skills. I spent 18months gigging with a heavy rock band that allowed me to bring some funky undertones to the sound. It culminated in the recording of an album that I am nostalgically proud of. I was only 18 years old at this stage. I have since honed my playing by varying influences to include laid back surfer rock, ska, glam rock and even bringing out the double bass for some 20's river boat jazz. There is no music I hate –music is for loving as long as it's got a groove.

Screen name:: Tom French
Member since:: Jul 30 2010; Active over 1 month ago
Level of commitment:: Touring
Years playing music:: 13
Gigs played:: 50 to 100
Tend to practice:: More than 3 times per week
Available to gig:: 4-5 nights a week
Most available:: Nights

Influences

Red Hot Chili Peppers, Seu Jorge, The Doors, Dr. John, Jimmy Cliff, Finley Quaye, Fun Lovin' Criminals, The Beatles, Ronny Jordan, David Bowie, AC/DC, Ben Harper, Blur, Bob Dylan, Booker T. & the M.G.'s, Buena Vista Social Club, Curtis Mayfield, Donavon Frankenreiter, Easy Star All-Stars, Herbie Hancock, Jack Johnson, James Brown, Jane's Addiction, Jimi Hendrix, The Kinks, Pink Floyd, Primal Scream, Ray Charles, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Seasick Steve, Sly and the Family Stone, The Specials, Average White Band, Thin Lizzy, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Stevie Wonder, Sublime, Nina Simone, KC and the Sunshine Band, The Clash, Desmond Dekker, Flea, Stuart Zender,