Reader Spotlight: George Lacson
Meet George Lacson, a bassist based in San Francisco, California, and our player in the spotlight for June 21, 2011.
Bio:
I’m originally from St. Louis, Missouri, now based in San Francisco, California.
My sound blends groovin’ jazz, soulful funk, old school blues, bass inspired riffs and tinges of downtempo electronica.
I have performed internationally with world renowned artists such as John Lee Hooker Jr., shared the stage with Lenny Kravitz, ZZ Top, and recorded on Hooker’s 2008 Grammy nominated album All Odds Against Me.
I’m also a solo artist.
Location:
San Francisco, CA USA
Day gig:
About 5 years ago, I had a day job designing missiles for the government, but played bass on the side. I quit the day job and decided to pursue my dreams. Now I play bass full-time, and teach.
Years experience:
About 16 years.
Bands & Gigs:
I play with John Lee Hooker Jr., son of the late blues legend.
I also have my own group, The George Lacson Project, and we play locally around the San Francisco Bay Area… Jazz, Funk, Blues and Groove. This is where I get to really let loose and do a lot of fun bass stuff.
Gear:
- Warwick Streamer Stage I 5-string Bass
- Engelhardt Upright Bass
- Boss GT-10B FX Processor
- Markbass LittleMark II Amp
- Accugroove El Whappo Cab
Why I play the bass:
I wanted to be in a band and jam with my friends in high school. I played viola in orchestra and was jammin’ with that for a while, but a friend let me play his bass and the low-end thunder got a hold of me quick. I was set for life.
My bass superpower/claim to fame
I recorded on John Lee Hooker Jr’s 2008 Grammy Nominated Album, All Odds Against Me on track 3, “One Eye Open”. I’ve had the opportunity to tour the world, meet so many great people, and experience so many wonderful things all in the name of bass!
My influences
Victor Wooten, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, Larry Graham, Jaco Pastorius, Charles Mingus, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Barack Obama and Kelly Clarkson.
More on the web:
Photo: Kim Olson
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