Photo by Scott Preston
Cincinnati’s own Freekbass leaves tomorrow to participate in the London Bass Guitar show and Cincy Groove is lucky enough to be receiving updates from Freekbass himself on his experience on the other side of the ocean. Be sure to keep checking back.
See the one and only Freekbass LIVE at the London Bass Guitar Show. Born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, Freekbass takes his inspiration from the likes of Zapp and Midnight Star to produce rich, bottom-heavy bass riffs.
After working in a music shop to pay off his first electric bass he had in lay-away, the young Freekbass began to study the classics of Larry Graham, Sly Stone, Stevie Wonder, Parliament and Bootsy with a bass in one hand, and an MPC2000 in the other.
Since then, Freekbass has released five full-length CDs, including the current “Concentrate” featuring a stellar guestlist with Bootsy Collins, DJ Spooky, Adam Deitch, and Steve Molitz.
Last year Freekbass connected with DJ Logic, and Particle keyboardist Steve Molitz to form the funktronica trio, Headtronics. He also tours with the bass and DJ livetronica duo, “FREEKBOT”, with DJ Tobotius from the group Science Faxtion, and winners of the DMC DJ Championships, the Animal Crackers.
Not only that, Freekbass has produced two instructional DVDs in collaboration with national music DVD instruction company, The Rock House Method. “Learn Funk Bass with Freekbass (Level 1 & Level 2)”, and “50 Freekbass Licks You Must Know” feature some of the best tips and tricks from this master of the bass guitar.
Want to see how he does it? Freekbass will be taking to the masterclass stage on Saturday 1 March 2014. Don’t miss out! Get your tickets today for just £17.50!
Freekbass will be playing in association with D’Addario, Kustom and Truefire.
http://www.londonbassguitarshow.com/masterclass/freekbass/
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LBGS – Day 1 – The Disco-Detr oit Tunnel
Hey folks,
So this is the first official day my journey begins to the London Bass Guitar Show. And it is definitely turning into a journey. I was supposed to already be on the plane to London out of Boston. But things got delayed ( never have heard that ever happening before…) so now I am in the Detroit Airport with a 4 hour layover. Was supposed to be in the UK at 6am London time, but now it is 11am. But there is a groovy silver lining … one I got to experience the disco-tunnel in the Detroit Airport (pictured ), and two I am able to write this while having a good cup of coffee. Also, I picked up Duran Duran bassist, John Taylor’s new autobiography “In The Pleasure Groove” to read on the flight . He is also speaking at the London Bass Guitar Show, I think about this book, so thought it would be good to check it out.
Hope everyone is good! Back with more in a bit… thanks again to Cincy Groove for putting this journey blog together! – Freekbass
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LBGS – Day 2 – I know what heaven looks like
Howdy again everyone,
It’s been a great first day in London. This time difference thing is kind of a strange one for me so far. It’s after 8pm and dark outside, but I am still feeling that 3pm daytime vibe. When I am looking at the hotel ceiling at 5am will let you know how it goes.
So, the flight from Detroit was great. It was pretty short for starters. Only about 6 1/2 hours to UK. I had my own row on the plane which was nice so I could stretch out. We pulled into London about 10:30am local time. Once I got through Customs at Heathrow there was a driver with a big ‘Freekbass’ sign (pictured)waiting to take me to the hotel. I checked in, grabbed a cup of awesome coffee at Costa (first chain type coffee place I have had that gives Starbucks a run for their money), and headed over to The Olympia Center where the London Bass Guitar Show is being held tomorrow and Sunday.
One of the shows’ organizers , Steve Harvey, met me and brought me around to meet some of the companies at the show, and the conference room where I will be giving my Masterclass tomorrow. So, so much wicked bass gear here and they were not even all the way set up. Bass, bass, and more bass…know I think I know what heaven looks like (at least the part they will probably put me hopefully). Both The Bass Centre of London and Anaconda Basses offered me their basses to use for my performance class which I am very grateful for. I am back at the hotel now and getting ready to hit the streets of London in search of some good vegetarian cuisine. Talk to you all tomorrow!
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LBGS -Day 3 – Showtime