Reader Spotlight: George Radai

Meet bassist George Radai, our player in the spotlight for July 6, 2010.

Bio:

Born on the planet. In 1960. I’m about 5 foot 9, and I’m average, physically. Among the things I used to do or have done, and things I know a lot about or have a special interest in, are the following: Animals in general, zoos, dogs, cats, tropical fish, oceanography, marine biology, scuba diving, fencing foil and epee, coaching fencing, competing in tournaments, martial arts philosophy, science-fiction book collecting/reading, cosmology and astrophysics, modern art appreciation, art galleries, writing skills, and humor of all kinds.

Location:

Winnetka, CA, USA

Day gig:

Currently I am a staff instructor at the Los Angeles Recording School where I teach Advanced Digital Workstations, emphasizing Pro Tools proficiency.

Years experience:

Over 30 years

Bands & Gigs:

I’m currently between bands, but I have been in a lot of them, most recently a blues/R&B cover band. I’ve been in about a dozen original bands over the years, been on several independent releases, and worked with a bunch of cover bands playing all sorts of songs.

Gear:

• Peavey Grind 6-string bass
• Carvin 6-string fretless
• Ergo 8-string EUB
• Chapman Stick
• I also have about 10 more 4&5 string fretted and fretless basses I only use in the studio…
• Moog Taurus pedals
• tons of effects both rack and foot pedal
• Variety of cabs and amps from small to OMG THAT’S LOUD!!!

Why I play the bass:

I had a friend in high school that was really into the idea of learning to play the bass, and he fostered my interest in the instrument. He never ended up learning it, but I did.

My bass superpower/claim to fame

I’ve been playing so longs that I think I can play pretty much any style, and I spent many years in improvisational bands, so my ear is really good for picking up tunes very fast and figuring out grooves and “in-the-pocket” parts. I have a lost of gear and sounds at my disposal, and I can fit in almost any ensemble. I’ve got very good chops and I can solo or groove, be busy or simple, depending on the role I have in the band.

My influences

Too many to list. Some major ones: Yes and Chris Squire, John Entwistle, Jack Bruce, Jaco Pastorius, John Wetton, Frank Zappa, Genesis, Gentle Giant, ELP, Steely Dan, Jethro Tull, Victor Wooten, Steve Bailey, Dave LaRue, although I really don’t play much like any of them or their bassists.

More on the web:

Visit my website, it has links and info to all sorts of stuff, videos, songs, etc.