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Rhonda Smith
“RS2″
www.rhondasmith.com
Fans of Prince know Rhonda Smith as a crucial part of the “New Power Generation” rhythm section (arguably, one of the funkiest and hardest hitting of Prince’s lineups!). Rhonda takes everything from the Prince school of production, writing and playing and makes it her own (just read the instrument credits.. she plays keys, often with multiple layers of bass tracks and laid all of the beautiful vocal tracks). This is not the CD release of a “sideman” (“side-person”?).
The writing is very strong, song oriented and soulful. My favorite thing about this album at first listen is her tone (man…. thick, round and articulate. Just the right amount of piano like clarity but still gritty and nasty). This is one beautifully recorded and produced album (not too much, tho!). I hear a beautiful marriage of Prince, Larry Graham and Marcus Miller in her playing. The entire disc is a musical journey and her playing is very tasty and impressive but always about the groove and making the head nod. Wonderful work!
Damian Erskine has written 160 articles in BMM.
Damian Erskine is not your ordinary bass player. While not touring, Damian hones his chops with some of the best jazz and latin musicians the West coast has to offer. Damian is known for his ability to fit into any musical situation and his extraordinary reading and improvising skills. Damian has played in the studio or on the stage with the likes of • Peter Erskine • Teri-Lynn Carrington • Gino Vannelli • John Ellis • Shawn Pelton • Sveti w/ Marko Djordjevic • Luis Conte • Brandon Ross • Les McCann • Jeff Lorber • Vardan Ovsepian • Charmaine Neville • Jessy J • Luis Perdomo • Tony Furtado • Kate Schutt • Bobby Torres • Alan Jones • Patrick Lamb • Dan Balmer • Klezmocracy and many others as well as being featured on the GospelChops.com "Shed Sessionz Vol. 1" DVD. Whether playing as a sideman or with his own group, he is known for his rock solid bass work, virtuosic solos and thoughtful chordal abilities.
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MySpaceRelated posts:
- Conversation With Rhonda Smith
- Maurizio Rolli | “Rolli’s Tones” : Recommended Listening With Damian Erskine
- Mike Stern | “Big Neighborhood” : Recommended Listening With Damian Erskine
- Ralph Bowen | “Dedicated”: Recommended Listening With Damian Erskine
- Spyro Gyra | “Down the Wire” : Recommended Listening With Damian Erskine
