Derek Frank: Billie Jean

Derek Frank leads off his bass-only intro for “Billie Jean” in this live performance of the bassist’s arrangement of the Michael Jackson tune. Recorded live in Studio City, CA in September, 2010.

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  1. ben

    definitely cool, but really self-indulgent, especially to go all the way through the first verse covering all the parts, kinda like “just want the audience to know i don’t really need you guys.” maybe the looper trickery would be more appropriate in a solo setting.

  2. Did it sound good? Did it groove? Do all the members of a band have to play at once? Define self-indulgent.

  3. Loudbottom

    Wow Ben… Way to completely miss the point.

  4. Billy Wooten

    It’s amazing how much talent exists that we never hear of. Thanks Corey, for hippin’ us to this young man and his group.

  5. ha! someone will always hate on another. Derek is a good friend of mine, and i think he’s an awesome bassist(coming from a fellow bassist). Check out his CD and the rest of his work..then you too will agree that he’s a killin bassist that deserves props for his style.

  6. ben

    don’t get me wrong, i’ve listened to “let the games begin…” and some of derek’s other work, he’s an incredible talent; certainly light years beyond anything i’m capable of. it’s very obvious why he’s such an in demand player. there’s just a certain smugness, in my opinion, to this particular arrangement and performance that rubs me the wrong way.

  7. crbeier

    Not to stir the pot any more…but there is a certain Napoleonic smugness to Franks. Perhaps because he looks like a ten-years-older Pete Wentz.
    In any case, I’m not particularly impressed by his playing or his cheesy arrangements.
    But to each his own.

  8. Bongo

    To be honest, despite the great groove the songs got the bassline isn’t exactly exhilarating! In my opinion Frank needed to spice it up or risk dying of boredom! Only joking ofc, but yea, I see what you mean Ben, I think we all need that self-indulgence when playing live so we don’t just blend in with the back walls but there certainly is a time and place for it.

  9. Jimbo

    How fun! I like to hear new twists on familar songs. Why not?

  10. jss

    Does anyone know of a transcription of this? got everything down but the slapped vocal melody annoying the hell out of me..