Reader Spotlight: Chris Davison

Chris Davison

Meet Chris Davison, a bassist who got his start at the age of 10, thanks to his parents who bought him a Fender Precision for Christmas. Chris is a busy bassist (and cellist) working with a couple of bands and doing freelance work. He’s this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight. Here’s his story…

Bio:

I’m a bassist of 24 years primarily in the NY/NJ scene with experience in many genres. The bulk of my playing is done on 6 string and electric upright. As for the roots of my musical career, they stemmed from southern rock but quickly moved to jazz, funk, fusion, and progressive metal. I was primarily self-taught until I met retired bass Professor Joe Macaro (Berklee, Rutgers) and have studied under him for some time now. I have a passion for all things bass and have been working hard to improve my skill and progress my career. I’ve had the pleasure of working with fantastic musicians and performed 100’s of shows around the country. I have also had the great fortune to get endorsements with some great companies in GHS Strings, Spectraflex Cables, Morley Pedals, Mooer Audio, and Wedgie Picks. Music is my life and I look forward to what the next 25 years may hold for me!

Location:

Highlands, NJ, USA

Day gig:

Freelance bassist, marine mechanic (during the warmer months).

Years experience:

24 years

Bands & Gigs:

I am the bassist of The Inversion Circus (instrumental jazz/fusion/prog rock), bassist and cellist for Zaritza (electro pop rock), and a freelance bassist as well.

Gear:

As a freelance bassist I have to have piles of gear to cover all bases, but here’s a bit of it:

  • Ken Smith Burner 6
  • Dean Pace electric upright
  • Amp head: Carvin B2000
  • Cabinet: Carvin BRX 4.10
  • Cables: Spectraflex
  • Strings: GHS Super Steels/Precision Flats
  • Effects: Assortment by Morley and Mooer Audio.

Why I play the bass:

I received my first bass (Fender Precision) and amp for Christmas at age 10 from my parents and a close family friend, Rick, who had introduced me to the world of music and bass. Rick was the former manager of The Outlaws and introduced me to a lot of southern rock greats at a young age including Hughie Thomasson of The Outlaws and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The Icing on the cake of that first bass was Hughie’s contribution to it by having it customized and airbrushed with a desert mural. I was hooked minute one and have never looked back.

My bass superpower/claim to fame

It’s hard to self-evaluate, but aside from generally fast hands, I would half to say my strength is playing what a song needs to sound its fullest. I’m a firm believer that just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

My influences

Victor Wooten’s “What Did He Say” album was largely the biggest single influence in my musical career as it set me on my path instantaneously. Aside from that, Oteil Burbridge, Steve Bailey, Anthony Jackson, Marcus Miller, and John Patitucci are probably my largest influences.

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