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The Latin Pulse with Michael Lazarus: On Tour with Luis Enrique & Issac Delgado: An Interview with Bassist YORGIS GOIRICELAYA

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Yorgis Goiricelaya performs with Issac Delgado @ the 2008 San Francisco Jazz Festival

Meet Michael Lazarus

*as translated from a Spanish language dialog

Among the nominees for the Best Tropical Latin Album category for the upcoming 52nd Grammy Awards on January 31, 2010 are Así Soy by Issac Delgado and Ciclos by Luis Enrique. Both of these internationally acclaimed vocalists and band leaders have a key person in common managing the low frequencies
bassist Yorgis Goiricelaya.

Born in Matanzas, Cuba and then emigrating to Costa Rica and finally the U.S.A., Yorgis has performed with Issac Delgado for the last two and a half years. Highlights with Issac include the 2008 San Francisco Jazz Festival (click for photos), Miami’s Cuba Global Fest and festivals in Aspen and the Bahamas.

He joined Luis Enrique early last year where he is also responsible for writing all the sheet music for the band. The charts for the band cover the current line-up of piano, bass, two trumpets, trombone, tenor sax, percussion and guitar. Performance highlights include stadium shows in the US, Venezuela, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

BMM: Given the same four bar chord sequence, are you playing a certain way to differentiate your sound between both bands?

Yorgis: In most cases I’ve heard a song before we rehearse it and I adapt my playing to match the style of the song. Along with that I always find ways to insert my own signature. Other times the charts are handed to us fresh and we have to read it down. In those cases I listen to what the piano and percussion are doing and play what I believe best matches their movements. Now with Issac’s older material that is hard-core timba, which has more aggressive bass movement, I am at liberty to be more free. During the verses however I am playing in a very traditional style because that’s what the arrangement calls for. Luis also likes timba so I find myself using similar concepts in both groups.

Now it’s my opinion that the main factors differentiating those two styles -salsa and timba- are the piano and bass movements. That’s where the strongest difference lies. If you listen to a group DLG, which was developed by Issac’s producer Sergio George, a group that played commercial salsa, they have the percussion playing in a very similar way as modern Cuban music. However, by maintaining established patterns for the bass and piano, then that group remains categorized in the Salsa genre. The bass movement is more repetitive and stable. Timba has more movement but the ideas are more like loops -to play a rhythmic idea no matter what the harmony is. Then the bass can change when you get to the mambo or a new chorus. But in terms of structure, even though the bass moves more, it’s not that I’m doing whatever I want every measure or two measures.

Click here to listen to Yorgis sing this example

BMM: So you are making a short melody over two or four claves?

Yorgis: Yes that would be the approach for the chorus sections. Note that we are talking about when the chorus part begins in a timba song, because when the song begins, the bass palys in a traditional style over the verse (the “cuerpo”).

BMM: Many are aware that in timba there are many more changes in the arrangement. Are these type of effects or gears used in both bands?

Yorgis: I’m a bit more conservative with Luis but yeah we use gears in both bands. We use what we call the “mazacote”, which is the use of percussive glissandos over the piano tumbao, “pedales” or pedal tones and with Luis more we use “substitutions”.

BMM: Could you elaborate a bit more regarding these substitions?

Yorgis: These are ad-lib harmonic variations. For example if we are in C major, say a two bar pattern |C F|G F|, all major chords, then I make a movement in fourths to come back to the tonic. So then the four bar chord changes are |C F|G F|Em A7|Dm7 G7|. Let me play some piano so you can hear it.

Click here to listen to Yorgis play this example

Now the idea is that the pianist is in on this, so that he can provide support to the substitution. However if he misses the cues or decides not to play it then the bass is still in harmony and it does not clash.

BMM: Now, you call this cue or does the pianist call it? Who decides? What’s the signal?

Yorgis: Either one, whoever has it in their head at the moment. We can arrange it so that it happens in a certain spot in a song, but once you’ve done it more than once or twice, then you get into a habit of playing it there because you’ll feel the need for it. But it’s a fine line because you can’t over do it and significantly alter the arrangement. We do it in a way so that it doesn’t clash with the rest of the band or the percussion. Here check this out I’m going to play you another one with the regular chords first and then the substitution. This is for “Loco” from Issac.

Click here to listen to Yorgis play this example

So here we started with an 8 bar pattern |C |C |F |F |G |G#dim |Am |Dm G7| and then the second time around I play a G in the bass, throw in a substitution and then follow through with the original chords again. Like this: |C/G |F#13 |F |F |G |G#dim |Am |Dm G7|. And I play that G and then F#13 as pedal tones.

BMM: And how would you use the glissandos over this progression?

Yorgis: Then I would place a call by playing an inverted glissando (going higher in pitch instead of lower) on the bar before, in order to invite the coming mazacote, and then and play the mazacote effect starting on the first bar of the profgression. Like this:

Click here to listen to Yorgis play this example

BMM: Ok I’ve written out the basic rhythm. Is this right? (Click to view large)

Yorgis: Aha that’s it. It’s important to listen for the holes in the percussion and piano and try to fill those. These movements are derived from listening to rumba. It’s very much based on the feeling for that particular song.

BMM: Thank you Yorgis. Any final comments?

Yorgis: Yes. Please visit my official website www.yorgismusic.com and if anyone has any questions or wants more information please contact me at yorgismusic [at] yahoo [dot] com .

Thanks Mike.

Credits:
– Photos used by permission from Yorgis & Tom Ehrlich of TIMBA.com.
– Transcription by Michael Lazarus, author of the TIMBA Style Bass Vol.1 method book.
– All content ©2010 Michael P. Lazarus

Bass Videos

Interview With K3 Sisters Band

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Interview With K3 Sisters Band

K3 Sisters Band Interview…

It is very rare when I talk to a band where all the members play bass. The K3 Sisters Band is a perfect example of a group where Kaylen, Kelsey and Kristen Kassab are all multi-instrumentalists and take turns playing bass.

Hailing from Texas, these three sisters have been playing music since they were very young and have amassed an amazing amount of original music,  music videos, streaming concerts, podcasts, and content that has taken numerous social media platforms by storm. On TikTok alone, they have over 2.5 million followers and more than a billion views.

Join me as we hear the story of their musical journey, how they get their sound, and the fundamental principles behind these prolific musicians.

Here is the K3 Sisters Band!

Photo, Bruce Ray Productions

Follow Online:

k3sistersband.com/
TikTok
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook 

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Bass Videos

Interview With Bassist Danielle Nicole

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Interview With Bassist Danielle Nicole

Bassist Danielle Nicole…

Blues music has universal appeal. We all have our ups and downs and this particular musical genre often fits our reality. Just hearing that we are not alone makes us feel a bit better. 

Danielle Nicole writes and sings the Blues. She does an amazing job at delivering both exquisite smoky vocals but plays just the right bass line to drive the tune home. Danielle recently released “The Love You Bleed” last January and will be touring the album this upcoming year.

Join me as we learn about Danielle’s musical journey, how she gets her sound, her plans for the future and more.

Follow Online

daniellenicolemusic.com/
IG @daniellenicoleband
youtube.com/daniellenicoleband

Photo, Missy Faulkner

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Features

Bergantino Welcomes Karina Rykman to Their Family of Artists

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Bergantino Welcomes Karina Rykman to Their Family of Artists

Interview with Karina Rykman…

Karina Rykman…The high-energy bassist discusses her path on bass, her upcoming tour, how she came to find Bergantino through another Bergantino artist, and more!

A lifelong Manhattanite diehard New Yorker, Bergantino welcomes new Artist Karina Rykman. Jim and Holly had the privilege of meeting Karina and her band in Boston to see her perform. She lights up a stage with her charismatic passion as a bass player and singer – a true powerhouse of joy and energy. On stage, she smiles from ear to ear, hopping, jumping, and dancing; the entire room overflowing with positivity! If you don’t know this titan of bass yet, you will soon enough. Karina’s JOYRIDE 2024 tour picks up this month with the debut of her new album. We had the opportunity to ask Karina some questions about her career so far. 

You have quite the career that began at a very young age. You have so much going on!! Can you share some of your musical path highlights you are most proud of?

Oh man, thank you! What a long, strange trip it’s been. I’m proud of still being so absolutely enthralled by music after playing in a million bands and finally ending up at this current juncture: being able to make my own music and tour under my own name. It just seems completely surreal – every gig, every recording…I’m on cloud 9 being able to continue to do this, and we’re just getting started. I’m extremely proud of being so young and being able to learn so much from Marco Benevento, without whom I’d be absolutely nowhere. Being put up to a large task with enormous shoes to fill, and stepping in even though I barely knew what I was doing at the time. Every gig with Marco is extremely special to me. 

Tell us about your new album release Joyride and your 2024 tour.

Joyride is my debut record! It came out in August 2023, and we’ve been touring behind it nonstop ever since. You only make your first record once, and I’m so proud of this one – it’s fun, searing, lush, with chantable choruses and, of course, incredibly thick bass and infectious grooves. It was produced by Phish’s Trey Anastasio, who also contributes guitar parts to 5 of the 9 tunes. 

What makes the bass so special to you particularly, and how did you gravitate towards it?

There’s nothing quite like feeling the subs rumbling under your feet in a venue and being responsible for those sounds is thrilling. I played guitar first, at age 12, but essentially completely switched over to bass when I was 22 and got the gig playing bass with Marco Benevento. I haven’t looked back since, except for a few gigs on guitar here and there (notably in the house band on Late Night with Seth Meyers and on The Today Show backing up Julia Michaels). 

People hate this question, but: If you were constructing your personal Bass Mt. Rushmore, who are the four players that would make the cut and why?

Geddy Lee, Cliff Burton, Bootsy Collins, Les Claypool. The list goes on and on, of course, but those four have imprinted their unique styles upon my brain since I was so young, and I’m perpetually learning from them – even in the case of the deceased Cliff (RIP), going back and watching Cliff ‘Em All videos is something I do all the time. Endlessly compelled by these four players and their original takes on the instrument.

How did you learn to play?

I never took lessons, but in middle school and high school, I just surrounded myself with equally music-obsessed people. All we did was play music and go and see live music, which is wildly accessible when you grow up in New York City. I had a really tight-knit crew of amazing players as my friends, and everyone would teach each other riffs and licks. I was fearless – playing with people much better than me and saying “yes” to every cool opportunity that came my way. I essentially learned from playing in a million bands and playing along to Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin records. 

Are there any other instruments you play?

I started on guitar, and still love to write on guitar. I can get around on keyboards a bit, but you’d never hire me as a keyboardist. The same goes for drums – I LOVE playing drums but you’d never hire me as a drummer. 

Describe your playing style(s), tone, strengths and/or areas that can be improved on the bass.

I play both with a pick and my fingers, depending on the specific needs of / vibe of the tune. I love playing fuzz bass and writing bombastic “lead bass” moments, which are a staple of my live show. I’d say I’m about the least “traditional” bassist in just about every way – which is both a strength and a weakness depending on how you frame it. I play what I hear, what I like, and I adhere to very few rules. I’ve always hated rules, and I didn’t start playing rock n roll to follow them. 

How did you find Bergantino Audio Systems?

I’m pals with Mike Gordon, bassist of Phish, and his tech is named Ed Grasmeyer. Ed suggested he bring Mike’s Bergantino for me to try out at a show I was playing in Vermont, and I fell instantly in love. 

You have been using the Bergantino Forté HP2 head. How have you been setting the controls on this and what changes to those settings might you make as you plug into your other individual instruments?

I love my Forté HP2! The versatility and headroom are incredible, and I’ve been having a lot of fun dialing it in at home. The real fun will begin this weekend when I take it out for 2.5 weeks of tour – dialing something in an apartment just isn’t the same as on a big stage with a PA and subs and all that good stuff. I like to roll my highs a bit and I keep “punch” on all the time. So far, it’s been a dream.

You are the inspiration behind Bergantino cab the new NXT410-C. Can you tell us more about this cab and your experience so far?

Firstly, I’m beyond touched to be the inspiration behind, well…anything! But this is truly insane, and such an honor. I love this cab. Not only is it light and extremely good-looking, it can handle all my loudest, most abrasive and obnoxious effects. My old amp didn’t come close, and could just fart out or I’d have to turn down to appease it. I’m a big fan of playing at earth-shattering volumes, so this is going to be a match made in heaven. 

We all love your custom-made Goldie Hawn bass guitar! Can you share more with us about this bass design and why it is so special to you?

Thanks! That’s made by “Zeke Guitars” – it’s the second custom bass he’s made for me! He reached out in the summer of 2019 and asked what my dream bass would be, and I said it was basically my 1978 Fender P-Bass, but lighter, whiter, with Lindy Fralins, gold hardware, and shorter scale. And, well..he did exactly that! I love that bass so much. And the gold, which is referred to as Goldie Hawn, was born in December of 2022, and has the same specs. I just love it, it sounds amazing and looks, arguably, even better. 

Jim and I were lucky to get to meet you in person when you came to Boston with the band. The members of the band are such a great group of people! Can you share more with all about the band and crew. 

I’m so lucky to keep such incredible company. My bandmates, Adam November and Chris Corsico, are not only unbelievable musicians but also incredible humans. We just laugh and laugh, and we’re there for each other when the road gets tough or we’re exhausted or whatever life throws at us. It’s the joy of my life to get to tour the world with these guys. And the crew! That night was Connor Milton on sound and Nick Koski on lights – we have a rotating cast of people who play those roles based on availability, and everyone who works for us are absolute consummate professionals and the sweetest humans. They are my team of experts and I just adore them so much. Shout out to Zach Rosenberg, Jeff Volckhausen, Dylan Hinds, Dom Chang, for being the best rotating crew a gal could ask for!  

What else do you do besides music? 

Not much! I love going to the beach! I love eating dinner! 

Because I am a foodie, I always ask people what their favorite food is!

Oysters, caviar, sushi. I’m a raw bar fanatic. 

At a very young age, Karina is a diligent hard worker. She juggles many balls managing her business and is savvy beyond her years. We are very happy to be working with Karina and are excited for her continued success!

Follow Karina Rykman:

Instagram: @karinarykman
X (formerly Twitter): @KarinaRykman
Facebook @karinarykman/

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Bass Videos

Interview With Bassist Ciara Moser

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Interview With Bassist Ciara Moser

Bassist Ciara Moser…

Ciara and I sat down for this interview a few months after the launch of her debut album, “Blind. So what?”

Blind since birth, she is a powerhouse of talent; she is not only a professional bassist, but also composes music, and is a producer and educator. I am just blown away by her talent and perseverance.

Join me as we hear about Ciara’s musical journey, the details of her album, how she gets her sound, and her plans for the future.

Visit online:

www.ciara-moser.com 
IG @ moserciara
FB @ ciara.moser

Photos by Manuela Haeussler

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Bass Videos

Interview With Bassist Travis Book

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Interview With Bassist Travis Book

Interview With Bassist Travis Book…

Bluegrass music has had a very solid following over many years and I am always happy to hear from one of the pioneers in that genre.

Travis Book plays bass for the Grammy award-winning band “The Infamous Stringdusters” and has recently released his first solo album “Love and Other Strange Emotions”. As if he wasn’t busy enough, Travis also hosts a podcast, Plays a Jerry Garcia music show with Guitarist Andy Falco, and is constantly gigging locally in his neck of the woods.

Photo, Seyl Park

Visit Online:

www.thetravisbook.com
www.thestringdusters.com
FB @ TheTravisBook
IG @ travisbook

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