Friends and Family;
Satisfaction
The first time Jim Riddick and I met, we we're both about 15 and we sat and played "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out" practically all the way through. We've been friends and some-time band mates ever since. There is no one more qualified than him to be Keith, short of the man himself - guitar-wise, that is! My oldest friend, and someone I don't get to see nearly enough due to our busy schedules, and the fact that he's taken his "Keith" on the road.
Frankie G and the Conviction
High energy blues played with conviction. Featuring bassist (and buddy) Mac Akin, the first guy I'd call if I couldn't make a gig. Drummer Stewart Burr is a keeper also...hell, man, all these guys can play! You can smell the sweat and beer when they get cookin'.
Leroy Jones
In the Spring of 2004, I was fortunate enough to be a part of a big, international Jazz & Blues Festival that spent a week in Fiji and then a week in New Zeeland. Needless to say, it was a blast. One of the coolest guys on the show was New Orleans Trumpeter Leroy Jones. Whether it's Brass band, Dixieland, Straight Jazz, Funk, or Pop, Leroy's smooth tone acts as a tourguide to New Orleans Music. Check out his website; he's the Real Deal. He's also one of the warmest, nicest guys in the world.
Enchant
Prog-Rock with an emotional edge. Bassist Ed Platt is THE MAN, and damn nice to boot. Don't be afraid, the "No Capes" rule is strictly enforced.
Steve Lawson
"The online home of the U.K's leading solo Bass Guitarist!" Steve is truly an innovator and an amazingly imaginative musician, he's also an absolute joy to be around. Steve has a lot of qualities I aspire to, and that's beyond his bass playing. I follow his 'blogs' daily, even if they get too..."English" sometimes.
Badassbassplayers.com
The Internet is the biggest boon to bass playing since round wound strings (even if the jury is still out on those!). There are many 'virtual clubhouses' where bassists can gather and swap info and gear, but the best is Badassbassplayers.com. It's a little more grown up, a little snobby, and a lot less whiny than most. Contribute and behave and you'll be welcomed with open arms. Attitude and an argumentative nature will get you tossed through the swinging doors into the dusty street like punk in a John Wayne movie. Peace.
Tango Straps
Sometimes you have to remember that the Big Picture is made up of many parts, and not to miss the trees for the forest. It's easy to spend a grand on a bass, a couple of hundred on a case, all kinds of money on an amp...and $3.74 on a strap? Your strap ties you to your bass! It handles the heavy lifting while you do the playing! You don't have to spend hundreds, but a few bucks for comfort is totally worth it. It helps even more when that company is made up of Good People making a Good Product, which is exactly the deal at Tango. Check'em out!
