Reader Spotlight: “Monster” Mike Cobb

"Monster" Mike CobbSo here’s the thing about “Monster” Mike Cobb: he says that at the age of 7, he pledged his allegiance to the FUNK the whole FUNK and nothing but the FUNK. It worked… Mike just so happens to be Bootsy Collins’ back up bassist.

This is a great read. Enjoy this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight.

Bio:

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, I have spent most of my quiet yet productive early musical career as a first call performing and studio bassist around the (Cincinnati) Tri-state area performing with a plethora of bands with musical genres ranging from FUNK and Smooth Jazz to Rock, Acoustic, R&B and Neo Soul. In addition, I have dibbled and dabbled as a producer, arranger, composer and writer for aspiring artists in the Cincinnati music scene with influences ranging from trial and error to “Hmmm, let’s see what this button does.”

Anyone who knows me musically, my bass playing and style, KNOWS how much I idolized Bootsy Collins and his bass playing. His late brother, Phelps “Catfish” Collins would occasionally pop in to hear bands I happened to be working with and would always ask “Has my brother ever heard you play?” After sitting in last minute on a gig with Funk Unity guitarist (and former member of the R&B band SUN), Keith Cheatham, I had the chance to play a James Brown tribute show during a fundraiser for the Bootsy Collins Foundation and was given the opportunity to audition to be Bootsy’s back up bassist two days later… Well, I seized the opportunity and ASSASSINATED those JB tunes, making THAT show my audition. The next day, I received the call, was invited to join Mr. Collins on the road and the rest is “FUNKstory!” In addition to being a proud member of Bootsy’s Rubber Band, “Monster” Mike is also graduate of Xavier University (Cincinnati), loves exotic, old school and muscle cars, cooking (a self-proclaimed BEAST on the grill), living, learning, inspiring and helping others in need.

Location:

Cincinnati, Ohio USA

Day gig:

Owner/The Brooke-Eden Group, Entertainment Consulting & Contracting

Bassist, Bootsy’s Rubber Band

Years experience:

I pledged my allegiance to the FUNK the whole FUNK and nothing but the FUNK at the early age of seven!

Bands & Gigs:

I am blessed to have the opportunity to play beside my childhood Bass hero and the FUNKIEST Bassist in the universe, Bootsy Collins and along side the other three members of the “Core Four” (Gary “Mudbone” Cooper, Frankie “Kash” Waddy and Joel “Razor Sharp” Johnson ) in Bootsy’s Rubber Band.

Gear:

Road Gear:

  • 2 Warwick Bootsy Collins Signature Model Basses
  • Ampeg 8×10
  • Ampeg 1×18
  • Boss Octave OC-2
  • Boss Dynamic Filter
  • Boss Line Selector LS-2
  • Electro Harmonix Big Muff
  • MXR Bass Octave Deluxe
  • MXR Bass Envelope Filter
  • Beigel Sound Labs Tru-Tron 3x
  • Original Mutron Octave Divider
  • Snark Tuner
  • Seinheiser Wireless Unit

Home Gear:

  • Fender American Deluxe Jazz Bass
  • David Eden 4×10
  • David Eden 2×10 (2)
  • David Eden WT-400
  • Ampeg 6×10
  • Korg GA-30

…and a home studio filled with goodies!!!!

Why I play the bass:

I heard the Funky 4 string sound of Funk legend, Bootsy Collins, saw those star glasses and was instantly hooked! The low end groove, growl and the unique sound of his envelope filter… WHEW!!!! It just moved me to no end. In fact, as a child, I actually wanted to BE Bootsy when I grew up!!!!

My bass superpower/claim to fame

Hmmm…

My bass super power would have to be the ability to sit in the pocket for a very, very long time without losing the groove, needing to chop and rarely going above the 6th or 7th fret to add needless fills keeping folks in the audience with a bobbing head and the “Funkyface.” I have been complimented on my Funky triplet flair when I solo as well.

My influences

When asked about my influences as a bassist, that is an easy question… GOD’s sacred gift of the musical ear learning how to jam along with the recordings of anything Mr. William “Bootsy” Collins played on!!!! Other influences along my path have been his loving and supportive parents and older brother (#1 fans), [cousin] Kevin Wooten, Prince, Marcus Miller (ESPECIALLY the Grover Washington, Jr. “Winelight” CD), Stanley Jordan, Me’shell Ndegeocello, Victor Wooten, Terry Lewis, Levi Seacer, Jr., Mark Adams (SLAVE), Larry Graham, Verdine White, James Jamerson, Nathan Watts, Anthony Wellington, C.C. Thomas, Jr., Chris Walker & Carey Jaquish (RIP, my two bass brothers), Maurice Ellis, life’s humbling experiences, much creativity, and a vivid, endless imagination.

Video:

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Share your thoughts

  1. George Smith

    What a Beast…Great read..Thank You!

  2. Johnny Redtail

    Nice read and great to see another Cincy guy doing well! I live right across the river 8 minutes from downtown Cincy. The third concert I ever saw was James Brown at the newly opened Convention Center in the early 70’s. TO’ IT UP! Bootsy was on bass, I believe. Probably Catfish, too. Keep hot, my man!

  3. james owens sr.

    Helluva Bio Maan! Following your Dream paying off !! Ot shows thatThe Results of Hard work persistence and patience can be achieved !! I can dig it !!