Bass Videos
In-Depth Interview with Derek Jones, Bassist for KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas
It use to be that, “What Happened in Vegas, stayed in Vegas.” But with the magic of technology and my most recent trip to Sin-City, what happened in Vegas is now on video for all to see!
What a thrill it was to sit down behind the scenes of KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, for an in-depth interview with bassist Derek Jones…
When Bass Musician Magazine launched back in August 2007, Derek was one of the first friends we connected with on Myspace. We chatted online, and as my wife and I had seen KÀ several years prior, Derek and I had something to talk about besides G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome). Derek commented that if we were ever in Vegas to, “look him up.” So this fall, we did just that, and Derek was kind enough to put us in conversation with Jeff Lovari from Cirque’s PR department. As KÀ performs twice nightly at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas (five nights per week) Jeff offered us a rare opportunity to view the show again from the audience, and then join the performers backstage where we could sit-in with the band and film live during the show, following which would be an interview with Derek. Who could say no to that?
For those that have not had the opportunity to see KÀ (yet), it is an unprecedented, gravity-defying production by Cirque du Soleil that takes adventure to an all-new level. Encompassing a colossal dynamic stage, 100 performers & musicians as well as 200 crew members, it is a captivating display of aerial acrobatics that envelops the audience leaving us asking the question, “HOW did they do that?”
The following are a series of videos of our time with Derek Jones and KÀ, the first being an opportunity to view clips of the show as well as Derek playing behind the scenes. As this is live, during the segments with Derek, you will get to hear the stage manager’s cues as well!
Behind the Score of KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas with Bassist Derek Jones
Interview with Derek Jones, Bassist for KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas
Derek Jones talks about the Bass gear behind the scenes of KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas
How he got to play Bass for Cirque Du Soleil’s KA
Derek Jones, summing it up…
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas… “You can see it. You can experience it. But, you wont believe it!” For tickets, visit online at www.MGMresorts.com/KA. For more information on Cirque du Soleil, visit online at online at www.cirquedusoleil.com.
For those interested in audition opportunities for Cirque du Soleil, click here.
CD for KÀ available at Amazon.com.
A special thanks to:
Jeff Lovari
Publicist Resident Shows Division
Cirque Du Soleil
Bass Player Health
Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz
Preparing for Performance…
This month we discuss how to prepare for a performance and easy strategies that go a long way.
Dr. Randall Kertz is the author of The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health. Click here to get your copy today!
View More Bass Health Articles
Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes
Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes…
It is always great to meet a super busy bassist who simply exudes a love for music and his instrument. Erick “Jesus” Coomes fits this description exactly. Hailing from Southern California, “Jesus” co-founded and plays bass for Lettuce and has found his groove playing with numerous other musicians.
Join us as we hear of his musical journey, how he gets his sound, his ongoing projects, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Bob Forte
Featured Videos
Visit Online
www.lettucefunk.com
IG @jesuscsuperstar
FB@jesuscoomes
FB @lettucefunk
Bass Videos
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
“These stories from the front are with real-life, day-to-day musicians who deal with work life and gigging and how they make it work out. Each month, topics may include… the kind of gigs you get, the money, dealing with less-than-ideal rooms, as well as the gear you need to get the job done… and the list goes on from there.” – Steve the Bass Guy and Shawn Cav
Bass Videos
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
Ian Allison Bassist extreme…
Most recently Ian has spent the last seven years touring nationally as part of Eric Hutchinson and The Believers, sharing stages with acts like Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Rachel Platten, Matt Nathanson, Phillip Phillips, and Cory Wong playing venues such as Radio City Music Hall, The Staples Center and The Xcel Center in St. Paul, MN.
I had a chance to meet up with him at the Sellersville Theater in Eastern Pennsylvania to catch up on everything bass. Visit online at ianmartinallison.com/
Bass Videos
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
Spector Launches Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II…
Spector Musical Instruments expands their celebrated Woodstock Custom Collection with the Volume II series – a breathtaking series of 12 handcrafted, one-of-a-kind bass guitars, each one masterfully designed by members of the Spector team. Crafted in the Spector USA Custom Shop in Woodstock, New York, these works of art go beyond musical instruments and expand the boundaries of Spector Bass design.
Spector’s iconic design lays the foundation for the Volume II collection. Each bass showcases a unique vision, including the selection of tonewoods, electronics, captivating finishes, and intricate design details. The collection highlights Spector’s commitment to craftsmanship and artistry and the individual people and stories that make up the team.
“The Woodstock Custom Collection was such a huge success, and we had so much fun with it that we couldn’t wait to do it again,” said John Stippell, Director – Korg Bass Division. “With Volume II, we’re expanding on everything we learned from the first collection, as well as pushing our design and Custom Shop team even further. These basses are a testament to the inspiring talent, creativity, and skill of every person on the Spector team. I’m excited for all of these basses and love how they tell the unique stories of all involved.”
Visit online at spectorbass.com/
Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz
Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Guy Pratt, Not Your Average Guy – May 2024 Issue
The Frank Brocklehurst 6-String Fretless Bass Build
