Reader Spotlight: Jackie Clark

Jackie ClarkMeet bassist Jackie Clark, our player in the spotlight for October 6, 2009.

Bio:

Though gospel music is my first love, I was eventually hired to hold down the bottom for some of R&B biggest names beginning with Howard Hewett in 2001. That led to a few stints with other male vocalists such as Keith Washington and Glenn Jones. I’ve also held the house band bass chair for legendary artists like Dionne Warwick, Jerry Butler, The Emotions, Carl Carlton, Freda Payne, Candi Staton, Barbara Mason, Gene Chandler, Lenny Williams, Peabo Bryson, Deniece Williams, Russell Thompkins Jr and The New Stylistics, Bonnie Tyler, Dorothy Moore to modern day artists Deborah Cox, Mya, Oscar winners Triple Six Mafia. His biggest break, however, was landing a 6 week European tour with former J-Records recording artist, Angie Stone. This tour allowed him to be seen on the international stage and live DVD recordings with her. To this day, he can still be seen with Howard Hewett on many occasions as well as 80’s sensation, Shalamar. He also currently holds the bass chair for TV producer David Gest’s, “World Concerts Orchestra”.

Location:

United States

Day gig:

I’m blessed to say music is my full-time gig! I’m able to record bass tracks at home all day, everyday. I produce full music tracks as well at reasonable pricing! :-) I’m also available for live shows and tours if my schedule allows.

Years experience:

I’ve owned a bass for nearly 30 yrs. Didn’t start getting serious until about 12-15 yrs ago so I’d say 15yrs (long answer) :-)

Bands & Gigs:

I’m currently the bassist for TV producer, David Gest’s “World Concerts Orchestra”. David is best known for producing Michael Jackson’s 30 Anniversary special for CBS in 2001. . . and for marrying Liza Minelli! :-) We basically play behind all the artists on the shows he produces. I also play for R&B vocalist Howard Hewett.

Gear:

I play and endorse EXCLUSIVELY EBS professional bass gear of Sweden (6 yrs) along with Pavel Custom bass guitars(4 yrs) out of Dallas, Texas

My personal rig includes:

  • EBS HD350 amp
  • 3-2X10 EBS Evolution Proline cabs
  • 1-4X10 EBS Evo Pro cab
  • EBS DynaVerb, UniChorus, OctaBass, MultiComp, Stanley Clarke Signature Wahand BassIQ pedals
  • Mogami Cables

Basses:

  • Pavel Jazz Pro Deluxe 5 string(My main axe)
  • 1974 Fender Jazz(with Basslines Quaterpound jazz pickups) passive
  • Lakland 55-94 fretted and fretless
  • Lakland Joe Osborn 5-passive
  • Lakland Bob Glaub p-bass(passive) with flatwounds(D’Addario Chromes)(105-85-65-45)

I also use D’Addario Prosteel and Nickel XL strings 130-100-80-65-45

Why I play the bass:

After playing piano all my life, I was drawn to bass by a local player by the name of William Bell who eventually sold my mom his 1974 Fender Jazz for $200! She knew I wanted to learn to play bass and bought it as a surprise! I still play that bass today!

My bass superpower/claim to fame

Superpower? I’m not sure if I can answer this question!! haha! I guess I would say my ability to LISTEN and play the necessary part, not what I think is cool! I also take direction very well!

My influences

Some local heroes include, William Bell, James Kinard, Leroy Hodges (Al Green’s studio bassist). As for famous players, JAMERSON, Anthony Jackson, Marcus Miller, Will Lee, Geddy Lee, Jimmy Johnson, Pino Palladino, Oteil Burbidge, Willie Weeks, and countless others!

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