Reader Spotlight: Dean Milano
Meet Dean Milano, a long-time bassist with a ton of gigs under his belt. We loved his story, and his 1966 Fender Precision gave us some serious GAS.
Here’s Dean’s story…
Bio:
I’ve played bass at one time or another in probably 75 bands over a 50 year long career that encompasses my love of rock and roll, folk music, country and western, bluegrass, jazz, Cajun music, showtunes and every other type of music I heard along the way. And I discovered early on – it’s all about the bass.
Location:
Elmhurst, Il.
Day gig:
Musician
Years experience:
50 years
Bands & Gigs:
I’m a jobber and play with any band that calls me, but I also put my own bands together when I get an itch to play the front man and do my own tunes.
Gear:
- 1966 Fender Precision bass which has been modified with additional EMG pickups.
- 1920s German double bass
- Gallien Kruger amp
- Hartke Systems cabinets
Why I play the bass:
Listening to jukeboxes back in the 1950s when my family would stop at various roadhouses on our way up to northern Wisconsin. I always connected with the big booming bass coming out of those old Wurlitzer boxes.
My bass superpower/claim to fame
I’ve got a good ear and I can hear chord changes before they happen, even in songs I’ve never heard or played before.
My influences
Rick Danko, John Entwistle, Phil Lesh, etc.
More on the web:
- Website
- YouTube
- CD Baby
- MySpace
- Reverbnation
- WGN TV interview with Steve Saunders
- The Secret History of Chicago Music – Chicago Reader May 31st, 2012
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