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Derek Frank

The Artist:

Bass player Derek Frank’s affinity for all that is low and funky has recently manifested itself in the release of his long-awaited debut album, “Let the Games Begin…”. This mostly instrumental, bass-heavy funk record projects a sound and vibe that is old and familiar, yet somehow new and unique at the same time. Armed with his flatwound-equipped ’63 Fender Precision Bass (and a few other choice 4 and 5-stringed instruments), Derek takes us on a journey to the groovy side with music that rings of influences such as Curtis Mayfield, Jamiroquai, Pleasure, Groove Collective, The Brand New Heavies, Tower of Power, Marcus Miller, and many others that listeners will simply have to name for themselves. Of the twelve tracks on the album, eight were penned by DF; the remaining four are his instrumental arrangements of covers by the likes of Hall and Oates, Soundgarden, Curtis Mayfield, and even something from early episodes of Sesame Street.

Derek’s album comes to fruition after years of his being a “bass player for hire” on the Los Angeles music scene… spending time on the road and in the studio with all kinds of artists and bands, playing all kinds of music. At some point in every working musicians career, he decides that it’s finally time to start creating and playing the music that he hears in his head, with people that he feels best interpret those particular sounds, drawing on that which has influenced his musical being since its inception. For Derek, that time is now. On this album, DF has enlisted some of LA’s funkiest players, including special guests such as Hammond B-3 organ legend Brian Auger, veteran drummer Steve Ferrone, and up-and-coming hip-hop artist Kosha Dillz. “Let the Games Begin…” is an apt title to kick off this new phase in Derek Frank’s musical life. Look for Derek in the not-too-distant future as he leads his 7- piece horn-injected old-school funk band to stages throughout the world.

The Sideman:

Derek Frank’s journey as a professional bass player began around the age of 15 in Cleveland, Ohio, where, while attending high school, he earned invaluable experience (and a few extra bucks) by playing in jazz clubs and for local musical theater productions. Early formal training at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, along with 4 years in the University of Miami’s music program helped him further develop his skills as a musician. Starting at the age of 17, Derek gained some more “real world” experience by playing on cruise ships, which is how he spent his summer vacations following his senior year of high school throughout his senior year of college. Upon finishing up his 4 years in Miami, and after a brief stint in Boston, Derek loaded his basses into his car and drove to Los Angeles, where he has been living and playing for the last several years.

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Album Review

Brian Auger: Introspection

Read "Introspection" reviewed by Doug Collette


A purposefully more far-ranging companion piece to The Best of Brian Auger's Oblivion Express (PolyGram, 1996), among other such compendia, Introspection is keyboardist/composer Brian Auger's personally-curated anthology covering the span of his career. In keeping with John Sellard's graphic design that features an array of period photos, the three-CDs' sound is as impeccable as its track sequencing also overseen by the artist himself This forward-thinking musician has hand-selected thirty-five of his favorite live and studio cuts, a handful ...

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Music Industry

Bass Player Derek Frank Joins Mindi Abair's Band, Spring and Summer Tour Dates Announced

Bass Player Derek Frank Joins Mindi Abair's Band,  Spring and Summer Tour Dates Announced

Source: Michael Ricci

Los Angeles bass player, Derek Frank, has recently been offered a position in Concord Records recording artist Mindi Abair's band. Frank will tour with Mindi around the USA this spring and summer in support of her new album on Concord Jazz entitled “In Hi-Fi Stereo". He began rehearsals with Mindi on April 12th, the very same day that he returned from a tour of Australia and New Zealand with Hammond B-3 Organ legend Brian Auger. After 3 rehearsals, Frank recorded ...

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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Introspection

Sunset Blvd. Records
2020

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Let the Games Begin...

Self Produced
2009

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