Special Edition - Summer 2023 Luxury x Entertainment: Celebrating Black Music Month | Page 123

It has been said that you are a shining light of Rhythm and Blues , Smooth Jazz , Contemporary and even Straight Ahead Jazz . Do you have genre preferences , even beyond what is listed above ? I love just about all genres of music . I am a huge fan of Gospel . I also like Country , HipHop and some Rap .

Your brilliance as a saxophonist is widely known , but what may not be as widely unveiled is your artistry as bass guitarist , keyboardist , flautist , composer , arranger , producer , drum programmer and your finesse as a vocalist . If you can choose one , which of these musical skill sets is your most favored or most enjoyed by you , and in what way ?

Besides all the saxophones , I love playing the bass guitar . I have recorded , played , and toured with several well-known artists on bass . When I auditioned and got the bass chair for Anita Baker ’ s band back in the 80 ’ s , she was unaware that I played the saxophone . Playing the bass gives me the chance to play the rhythm and backbone of my tunes . On saxophone , I can handle the melody and sweetenings here and there .

How does Louis Johnson come into play regarding the bass guitar for you ?

I was inspired to learn how to play the bass guitar after seeing a bass solo done by Louis Johnson of the group , The Brothers Johnson . My goodness !! I was hooked and knew that I had to learn to do that !!

It has been said that you are a shining light of Rhythm and Blues , Smooth Jazz , Contemporary and even Straight Ahead Jazz . Do you have genre preferences , even beyond what is listed above ? I love just about all genres of music . I am a huge fan of Gospel . I also like Country , HipHop and some Rap .

Your brilliance as a saxophonist is widely known , but what may not be as widely unveiled is your artistry as bass guitarist , keyboardist , flautist , composer , arranger , producer , drum programmer and your finesse as a vocalist . If you can choose one , which of these musical skill sets is your most favored or most enjoyed by you , and in what way ?

Besides all the saxophones , I love playing the bass guitar . I have recorded , played , and toured with several well-known artists on bass . When I auditioned and got the bass chair for Anita Baker ’ s band back in the 80 ’ s , she was unaware that I played the saxophone . Playing the bass gives me the chance to play the rhythm and backbone of my tunes . On saxophone , I can handle the melody and sweetenings here and there .

How does Louis Johnson come into play regarding the bass guitar for you ?

I was inspired to learn how to play the bass guitar after seeing a bass solo done by Louis Johnson of the group , The Brothers Johnson . My goodness !! I was hooked and knew that I had to learn to do that !!