photo by Brendon Lewington
www.lewington.net

Artwork by Sandee Lewin Nye

Hey! What's happening baby? Welcome to my bass web site. I am a bass player. I am not one of those "converted guitar player" bass players. I have never wanted to play another instrument. It has always been the bass for me. Although I admit that I chose this by walking into a middle school orchestra class and just pointing at the biggest thing in the room, that decision has gone on to be such an important part of my life. I really believe I was born to play this instrument. I don't say this with arrogance because I want to tout my talent. More appropriately it is because whenever I walk past a bass with it's thick strings I am clearly attracted to it. I feel chemical changes in my body (really). I walk and hear basses playing in my head all the time. It comes so easy that I just think it was meant to be.

To me, bass has such a unique position in music. It is probably the least noticed instrument and wields so much power both melodically and of course rhythmically. People talk about groove and no one member of the band has more control over the link between the melodic instruments and the drums. It is what turns music into a pulse. I believe bass is the heart of the band. I still remember from a young age, the feeling of watching groups of people dance to my band and knowing that I was a primary part of making that happen.

Bass is also a great soloing instrument. It can sound so beautiful, and so raw. It can stir the most intellectual emotions and stroke the deepest and nastiest portions of our souls. However it is not unusual for the bass player to be placed squarely in the rhythm section without regard to soloing opportunities. You bass players out there should fight for your rights to spread your wings.  However, for the good of all of us trying to get our soling opportunities, make sure you are good at it before making that fight. Many of us grew up on groove alone and if you are going to be part of the evangelical movement to have your share of soloing freedom, make sure you are going bring something to the table and represent us well!

With all of this soloing talk, always remember....
 NOTHING BEATS THE POWER OF THE GROOVE!

In case you are interested... I am a South Florida bass player that has been into a lot of cool playing down here for the last ummm... 32 years.  I have  been in many bands through various genres including  blues, funk, R&B, rock,  alternative, bluegrass, and jazz.  I have spent years on the road, countless recording sessions (with stars and stars to be) and cruised around so many South Florida club dates.  My current band is a blues based original group called BlueHouse. We play around Florida at festivals and clubs. I also play with my kid and his buddies in The AMP Band.  I am also available for sessions and sideman gigs when Blue House is not working.  Please check out this site to learn little bit more about my bass world and thanks for visiting!

p.s. don't laugh at bass player jokes.

w w w . r i c h i e g o l d m a n b a s s . c o m 


Proud member and webmaster of the
South Florida Blues Society