Reader Spotlight: Rick Reese
Meet Rick Reese, a bassist from Nashville, TN and our player in the spotlight for November 30, 2010.
Bio:
Born in Baltimore, MD in 1969, Rick has been playing bass for 27 years. His innovative style is a unique blend of jazz improvisation, funk punctuation with driving energy of rock and roll. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Rick spent over 12 years with Sonic Joyride, an innovative modern rock band that was quickly gaining notoriety for their unique touring style atop their custom school bus, “the Cosmic Sled”. The group played hundreds of impromptu concerts near a number of America’s most unique landmarks such as the World’s Largest Ball of Twine. Rick and Sonic Joyride were featured on CNN and MTV. Tragically, the band came to abrupt end when Singer/Guitarist Chris Hobler was diagnosed with ALS and eventually lost his battle. Rick moved to Florida, re-invented himself and flourished in the Florida Jam Band Circuit.
In 2006, Rick moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and currently plays bass for the John Sutton Band where his high energy style finds a perfect home.
Location:
Nashville, TN
Day gig:
No day job.
Years experience:
27 years
Bands & Gigs:
I play bass for the John Sutton Band. A high energy funky, blues, R&B, and soul trio. JSB music is influenced by people with soul and groove, old and new: Al Green, Mofro, Otis, Soulive, G Love, James Brown, Subdudes, Jack Johnson, Gov’t Mule, Big Head Todd… and the list goes on.
“We are true fans of Soulful music!!!” states Sutton. “We are all about getting the crowd fired up and involved in the show. The music performed in our shows is all designed to get folks dancing, singing, and having a great time.”
To quote a review in The Nashville Underground Music Scene, “Three guys who moved to Nashville to be apart of a thriving music scene that they are rarely part of due to their excessive road schedule. Their performances are fun, exciting, and full of great playing.”
Gear:
- Spector NS2 4 string bass guitar
- SWR 750x amplifier
- Yamaha GC2020 Compressor
- Gallien Krueger Neo 412 bass enclosure
- KORG rack tuner
- Roland PK5 midi pedal triggers
- Akai s5000 sampler
Why I play the bass:
The high school band department had an electric bass and I thought it was cool. Never before had I played an amplified instrument, I had began playing saxophone. When I heard Rush’s Moving Pictures I realized I was attracted to the sound of the bass and Geddy’s playing. I began taking the bass home every weekend and for my 14th birthday, I got one of my very own, which I still have to this day. As my identity on the bass was beginning to take shape, I realized just how much power the bass carries. I have been in love with it ever since.
My bass superpower/claim to fame
I am a high energy player, just as fun to watch as well as listen too. Recently I have developed a solo in the show where I play the bass on the floor like a piano. It is a crowd favorite.
My influences
Geddy Lee, Jaco Pastorius, Victor Wooten, Verdine White, Ray Brown and Stanley Clarke.
More on the web:
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