Today is International Jazz Day as declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2011 “to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.” To celebrate, here’s a clip of my bass cover of the crossover Latin jazz song “Mi Tierra” (My Homeland) by Gloria Estefan. This song was first released in the United States and took Gloria to the Hot Latin Tracks top position. The song was also a hit on other markets (like the dance market), where it became Gloria’s first Spanish single to ever reach the Top 5 of the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.This song was also Gloria’s first No. 1 in Spain, which led the album to become the most successful album released in the country for its sales of more than a million. The song was one of the first Spanish-language songs to reach the Top 40 on some English language countries like the United Kingdom, a record-breaking honor which would set the tone for the success of future Latin-American and Hispanic artists. You can watch the full-length video on my YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/CmD1kvyW2dk
Category: bassplayer
Three of my basses have a one-of-a-kind custom pickguard made by Alper from @alperiouspickguard.
Three of my basses have a one-of-a-kind custom pickguard made by Alper from @alperiouspickguard. I couldn’t be happier with how they have turned out. These pickguards help to transform each bass into a unique work of art. Alper is currently crafting a pickguard for my brand new @fender Precision 5-string bass. I look forward to posting the unboxing when it arrives. I can’t wait to show it off!
The bracelet I’m wearing is made from repurposed, used bass guitar strings.
The bracelet I’m wearing is made from repurposed, used bass guitar strings. Much thanks to my long-time friend and former work co-hort David Kohler for such a thoughtful gift from @retunedjewelry.
Because of the various alloys used to make guitar/bass strings, they are extremely difficult to recycle. Over 700 tons of strings end up in the dump every year. Retuned Jewelry works with music shops and musicians to collect used strings that would have otherwise been thrown away and instead make a variety of jewelry that are works of art in their own right.
My buddy David is an amazing artist as well. Check out the beautiful exotic wooden bowls and vessels he spins at https://dgkdesign.com (hit the link in my bio).
Thanks for the killer gift, David! I miss giving you all my money in our weekly poker games. 🤘😎
Over the years, I’ve owned and played several different makes and models of basses.
Over the years, I’ve owned and played several different makes and models of basses. I’m not really a collector by any means, and I typically sell or trade any of my gear that I don’t use on a regular basis. The @ernieballmusicman Stingray 5 HH is my go-to bass for it’s versatility, and I love the way it sits in the mix. I also own a few other basses as well for specific needs. They all qualify as my ‘dream gear’ for different reasons.
What’s on your list of ‘dream gear’?
Truth!
Truth!
This chart was inspired by a post I saw on @bassmagazineonline, but I adjusted it to include the results from my own experience. I have developed a love/hate relationship with the “I Love You, Man” movie.
Depending on perspective, this is a great era for independent musicians and artists to shine — those who can make recordings and videos without a big team.
Depending on perspective, this is a great era for independent musicians and artists to shine — those who can make recordings and videos without a big team. I’m so proud of all of the projects I work with for keeping up the momentum and finding new ways work and collaborate when everything felt so futile.
Photo capture from video by @red_hareimages
It’s now been a year since my last out-of-town road gig.
It’s now been a year since my last out-of-town road gig. I’m thankful that I’ve carried on and stayed busy, but I definitely look forward to getting to see a little more of the world again as soon as it’s feasible.
Where was the last place you visited before all the quarantines started?
I’m fine, really!
I’m fine, really! This is just how I change my bass strings and get a little extra iron in my diet. 🤘😎
Photo by @red_hareimages
Getting started on a fun new project with all these fine peeps.
Getting started on a fun new project with all these fine peeps. This band is going to focus on dance music from the 70s-Now, from Donna Summer to Dua Lipa. Can’t wait to share more 🤘😎
Just finished post-production on the music video for the new @werenogentlemen song being released this month.
Just finished post-production on the music video for the new @werenogentlemen song being released this month. We look forward to announcing the release date in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, you can check out our other videos from https://melonheadmusic.com or directly on https://melonheadmusic.com