Reader Spotlight: Poliana Magalhães

Poliana MagalhãesAbout a month ago, we featured a play-along video by bassist Poliana Magalhães. The tune was Jamiroquai’s “Runaway”, and we were impressed with how Poliana locked in on the groove, but made it her own, and with a killer bass sound too.

Since then, Poliana shared her story with us, and so she’s No Treble’s reader in the spotlight for the week of July 22, 2013.

Bio:

I became interested in the bass when I was 8 years old, watching my father and brother play. I then asked my dad to give me a bass, but he told me my hands were too small and that the keyboard was better for me. He took me to keyboard lessons, but I used to go to the other classroom to watch the bass lessons. Once he saw I wasn’t interested in the keyboard, he gave me a bass.

When I was 12, I started playing the bass in a show band and ever since I’ve played with bands and singers of many styles around the country. I also played at the Expomusic 2012 with the band Pink Revolver and I was part of the jury at festivals, such as the nationally renowned FENAC – National Song Festival.

Location:

Florianópolis/Santa Catarina/Brazil

Day gig:

I’m co-owner and musical director of ARKANJOS, a show, lighting and sound company, and I study Agricultural Engineering.

Years experience:

For 10 years.

Bands & Gigs:

I’m a freelancer musician, working with many bands and singers in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil, such as BlueRock (jazz, blues and soul), Máquina à Vapor (rock), Dezadoze (samba) and Gandaya (MPB).

Gear:

  • Fender Jazz Bass Marcus Miller 2006 4 strings
  • Warwick Corvette Proline 1998 5 strings
  • Hartke 350 Watt Head
  • Boss Loop Station RC-3

Why I play the bass:

It’s not something I can explain, I just felt it!

My bass superpower/claim to fame

Being self-taught, I’ve studied from video classes and I’ve acquired my experience on the road. I’m known for my versatility, my swing and my unique touch.

My influences

Nico Assunção, Jaco Pastorius, Pino Palladino and Victor Wooten.

Videos:

More on the web:

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Leave a Reply to David Stewart Cancel reply

  1. Great bassist! keep up the good work :)

  2. Very nice! Love her! Plus she plays a Marcus Miller Jazz Bass!

  3. What I love about you as a Bass Player (and or musician) is that you actually hear what you are playing (your tone is proof of that). Tone is first and foremost in my opinion, versus all of the flashy playing styles you see being executed. I may never see a person’s execution, but if played, I will be able to hear them, and a control of sound is the most important thing ever. I love your sound, and that is why I think you F…ing Rock, and that is only for lack of better words. And yes, you definitely chose the right instrument. If a person hears the bass and what it is doing and controls exactly what it is doing, then they are the Absolute Cause and Effect of something beautiful. Keep doing what you are doing. I love it, and thank you for sharing.

  4. Top shelf playing!

  5. I admit it! she is better than me xxxx.

  6. playing one of my all time favorite jazz tunes…spain!!..very nice bass work!!!