Reader Spotlight: Mario Sangermano

Meet Mario Sangermano, our player in the spotlight for April 27, 2010.

Bio:

I started playing electric bass at age 11, and he played in many high school neighborhood bands, performing rock and jazz. I studied theory with my grandfather who was a professional violinist in Italy, and later studied Jazz and Commercial Music at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, IL. I’ve also studied Double Bass with Warren Benfield, Principle Bassist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, in the 80’s.

Location:

Nashville, TN USA

Day gig:

Full time bassist and composer.

Years experience:

34 years

Bands & Gigs:

I currently play with a group called the Steve Palmer band. I do session work, and teach privately, when I can. I also substitute teach at Belmont university and Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville TN and work with Michael Obrien and various other Christian artists.

Gear:

• Carvin Basses, Amps, and Speaker Cabinets since 1992 (I am one of their official endorsers since 2006).
• Boss Pedals
• Peterson strobo stomp tuner
• Mogami and Monster Bass cables
• Christopher series 200 Double Bass 3/4 size
• Upton Bass Bow (Brazilwood)
• Fishman full circle pickup

Why I play the bass:

I wanted to play guitar in my brother’s and my friend’s band, but they both played and said if I wanted to join I would have to play bass. I didn’t want to until I saw a Beatle bass copy hanging in a local music store, and when I saw how fat and big those strings were, I thought “Wow, that’s so cool”. So from there the rest is history as they say and I LOVE playing bass.

My bass superpower/claim to fame

I have worked with drummer Chester Thompson (Genesis/Phil Collins) and producer Michael Omartian on two records with the Annie Moses band. I’ve made many T.V. appearances with the Annie Moses Band on Fox and PBS stations nationwide.

My influences

James Jamerson, Stanley Clarke, Chris Squire, Abe Laboriel, Jaco, Lee Sklar, Brian Bromberg, Scott Lafaro, Ron Carter and Ray Brown, to name a few.

More on the web:

• Facebook
• Nashville Music Pros