Born: September 8, 1981 Primary Instrument: Bass, electric
As a bass player Lofoco possesses an enviable combination of agility, taste, groove and power, and it is no surprise that his claim to professional status has been quickly recognised with certification by the Registry of Guitar Tutors, acceptance as an endorser of Hartke amplification, Rotosound strings, EMG pickups, Evidence Audio cables and most notably, with a request from the renowned Tech Music School in London, to hold a masterclass on the 'double thumbing' and 'two-hand tapping' techniques which form part of his array of bass skills.
As a native Italian, Alex began his musical training at an early age studying piano. At seventeen he then realised that playing the bass was his vocation and went on to play with numerous local bands. Having followed a number of masterclasses including one in Brazilian music led by Irio De Paula's bass player Giorgio Fontana at 'Accademia di Musica Romana', he took up teaching posts in Rome in 2004 teaching at the 'Anton Rubinstein' music school and for a short period at the 'Staff Music School', both in Rome.
Having played in various styles from metal to jazz-funk with some notable Italian bands including Rock Circus, Invaders, N'Afta, Icon, and Quintessenza, which won a national contest in Italy, Lofoco has similarly collaborated with a number of UK artists since moving to London including Charlie Savigar, Cairo Son, rock singer-songwriter David Vaughan, Fadercane, and pop artist Vall. He has also done session work for Ignition Studios, Martha's Studio and Tech Music School.
Alex holds clinics and workshops in Europe and has toured Holland in spring 2010 with the Eurovision Musical and performed at the Euro Bass Day 2010 as demonstrator for Hartke. He also contributes to Bass Musician Magazine and Jazzitalia with lessons and articles.
Primary Instrument:
Bass, electric
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Credentials/Background:
Music teacher certified by the “Registry of Guitar Tutors”.
Clinician and demonstrator, endorsee for Hartke, Rotosound,
and EMG, has held masterclass and workshops in schools
and music shows across the Europe.
Beginners to Advanced welcome.
- Techniques:
Three and four fingers technique, slap,
double thumbing, tapping.
- Harmony & Theory:
Scales, arpeggios, modes, chords, sight
reading, jazz standards, improvvisation,
ear training.
Clinic/Workshop Information:
Double Thumbing and Two-Hand Tapping are two of the
advanced bass guitar techniques dealt with in the Alex Lofoco
Masterclass.
The piano and guitar are simulated using chords and
polyphonies thanks to the use of both hands on the fret-board
(Two-Hand Tapping). Percussive sounds generated with the
use of the slap technique imitate the drums.
Such techniques allow for a novel application of the bass in
providing a supplement to or even replacement of other
instruments. When applied to pieces of various genres, the
techniques see the bass guitar reveal a new dimension over
and above its normal role.
The use of the techniques focussed on in the Masterclass,
and applied to pieces such as Donna Lee and Billy’s Bounce
by Charlie Parker and ‘Round Midnight by Thelonius Monk,
bring out this new multifunctional aspect of the bass guitar.
The Masterclass is broken up into two sections, the first being
a performance of chosen demonstration pieces, and the
second being didactic in character where the ‘basics’ of the
techniques and their various combinations are analysed and
developed.
The duration of the clinic is between 1h30m-1h50m depending
on the needs of those taking part and the improvisations
performed.
Please note that this Masterclass can be adapted both in
duration and repertoire to meet the specific requirements of
the host organisation.
