Reader Spotlight: Dywane Thomas Jr.
Meet bassist Dywane Thomas Jr., our player in the spotlight for October 20th, 2009.
Bio:
I started playing bass at 4 years old, playing a right-handed bass upside down (lefty). I grew up listening to down home blues and funk, playing along with songs on the radio and different albums was how I practiced. I taught myself how to play by listening and watching musicians.
Location:
Memphis, TN
Day gig:
Playing music.
Years experience:
Since 4 years old.
Bands & Gigs:
I play with anyone who asks me to play music with them. I have played with The Stylistics, Deniece Williams, SouthSoul, Rick Flanagan, World Soul Project, Kevin Davidson and The Voices, and others.
Gear:
- EBS Evolution Proline 2×10 enclosure
- EBS HD-350 Amplifier
- EBS BlackLabel pedals
- Ken Smith Design Jazz Bass V
- Lakland Skyline Series 55-01
- Cremona 3/4 sized contrabass
Why I play the bass:
Watching my father (Dywane Thomas Sr.) play made me decide to play bass.
My bass superpower/claim to fame
I really don’t know. I’m still searching for a new thang.
My influences
Annette McNeal, Elizabeth Pyles, Jackie Clark, Dywane Thomas Sr., Marcus Miller, Anthony Jackson, Calvin Barnes, Andrew Gouche, Jimmy Haslip, Jaco Pastorius, Rance Allen, Tyrone Davis, Zandra Morrow, DJ Brown, Lance Lucas, James Sexton, Victor Wooten, Dennis Chambers, Denise LaSalle, Tom Barney, Thaddeus Tribbett, Rufus Thomas, Rev. Milton Brunson and TCS, Johnnie Taylor, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Lenny Stallworth, David Fuiczynsky, John Coltrane, J.S. Bach, Matt Garrison, Gerald Harris, Ben Flint, Hadrien Feraud, and whomever im around.
More on the web:
Videos:
Dywane Thomas Jr and Vic’s Yin-Yang
More videos
- Dywane Thomas Jr and Vic’s Yin-Yang
- “Granddaddy Charles”- Dywane Thomas Jr. (Tribute to my grandfather, Charles Thomas)
- Gospelchops.com Presents: Bass Sessionz Vol. 1
- Dwayne Thomas Jr at the EBS booth, NAMM 2008
- “Peace Ain’t Too Far”
Want to be featured in an upcoming Reader Spotlight? Just fill out the interview questionnaire.
Dywane Thomas Jr superpower? playing the bass upside down… and kicking ass while doing so
Respectfully I must say I think that you are one of the most innovative voices in the world and oh yeah you play the Bass ok too! (lol) All jokes aside you are one of the greatest Bassist of the 21 century! I sure wish I could study under you!!!!!!!
I totally agree, Dwayne is a seriously impressive artist, that can play in any genre and do it with style, soul, and sophistication beyond his years, there are many bassist who play fast, but none of them have mononeons depth. He is getting his music out there and it won’t be long till the masses begin to recognize his talent.