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Meet Reviewer Damian Erskine
Derek Frank
“Let the Games Begin”
www.dfrank.net
Derek Frank was the baddest bass player (bar none) in my high school. I haven’t seen him in over a decade (or two?) and I’m happy to report.. he still is!
He’s been keeping busy laying some very solid bass for many artists in the LA scene. A foundational player by nature, he’s also got the grease and has some of the tastiest licks you’re likely to hear in a while. Derek’s playing is his own, but stylistically (and for your reference) I’d have to say that he is reminding me of Rocco or Bobby Vega with his finger style sound and groove. When he slaps, Reggie Hamilton comes to mind.. I’ll let the comparisons stop there, tho because Derek very much has his own voice on the instrument.
He’s just as solid as it gets! He makes a statement with every bass line but NEVER gets in the way of the music. This is primarily a harmonically sophisticated groove album (ala soul live or Lettuce). While primarily original material, the covers are awesome. The coolest version of “I Can’t Go For That” that you’re likely to ever hear and a version of “Pusherman” that would make Curtis Mayfield proud. I’m very excited for Derek with this release! He sounds absolutely wonderful and (judging from his band) he is keeping very good company in So. Cal. Greasy, grooving and tasty… Just how I like it (and you will too)!
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:
- Recommended Listening With Damian Erskine: Ray Riendeau | “Atmospheres”
- Recommended Listening With Damian Erskine: Vail Johnson | “Come Together”
- Recommended Listening With Damian Erskine: Robin Verheyen | “StarBound”
- Recommended Listening With Damian Erskine: Yves Carbonne | “A Life”
- Recommended Listening With Damian Erskine: Bill Carrothers | “Joy Spring”
