Bass Masterclasses
Lars Lehmann, Janek Gwizdala, Reggie Hamilton, Nicky Twister, Todd Johnson, Yves Carbonne, Harvie S, Paul Turner (Jamiroquai), Stu Hamm, Julian Crampton, Steve Lawson, James Leach (Sikth), Marco Mendoza
Jamiroquai - Paul Turner
Students at ACM were treated to a funk-fuelled masterclass courtesy of Jamiroquai band members Paul Turner, Rob Harris and Derrick McKenzie.
Together with front man Jay Kay, Jamiroquai have been one of the nation's favourite contemporary acts, selling well over 21 million records worldwide since the early 1990's. The musicians exclusively took time out of their busy recording and performance schedule to speak to budding musicians at the academy about their inspiring music career and exclusively performed tracks from the Jamiroquai repertoire.
Bass player Paul Turner said: “We like to visit the Academy as often as possible. It’s always a pleasure coming here and talking to the students. There is a lot of talent here”.
After finishing the clinic, the musicians sat and chatted with students who were keen to get some one to one time with them before leaving for more funk-focused fun!
Janek Gwizdala
New Zealand born bass supremo Janek Gwizdala (far right) and band members Sean Rickman and Oli Rockberger made a guest appearance at ACM as part of their short winter tour in support to Janek’s latest release ‘Live at the 55bar in NYC’. Janek has been a resident of New York City for the past ten years and has worked with some serious industry greats.
Marco Mendoza
The great man himself returned to the halls of ACM with fellow Whitesnake legend Tommy Aldridge and white hot shred-meister Soren Anderson to give the ACM students a good old-fashioned rock show!! Students crammed the auditorium in the hope of rocking out to a killer set. They were not disappointed! Afterwards Marco and the guys signed autographs and posed for photos for happy ACMers and promised to come back and see us again.
Marco had previously helped ACM kick-start the term with an invaluable bass masterclass. Marco, who is best known for his work with rock gods Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, had such a good time at ACM that he then spent the evening rocking out with students at the Freshers’ Ball!
Harvie S
Upright bass player and all round gent from the big apple, Harvie came in to talk to the bass students about making great music. Harvie demonstrated his bass playing skills with the help of equally esteemed guitar player and ACM tutor Giorgio Serci.
Stu Hamm
ACM received another treat in the form of legendary bass guru Stu Hamm. Students turned out in force to spend some time in the presence of the man who has rocked arenas around the world with fellow musical legends like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani to name a few. One student commented “Stu is a GOD!” Big thanks to Stu for taking time out to visit. Come back soon!
Julian Crampton
Julian, best known for his work as the bass player of legendary funk outfit Incognito dropped in with drummer Andy Johnson to demonstrate the skills required to nail top time-keeping and solid rhythm. A regular visitor to ACM, what Julian doesn't know about 'the funk' probably isn't worth knowing! See you soon, chaps.
Steve Lawson
ACM bass students were treated to another top masterclass from ACM regular Steve Lawson. He gave an awesome demonstration of creative solo bass playing and then proceeded to pass on top tips about how to make it as a professional musician. Nice one Steve.
Reggie Hamilton
Greg Koch, possibly one of the funniest men in music, and bass guru Reggie Hamilton are regular visitors to ACM but always have something different to share when they arrive. This time round was no exception and the pair showed why they are some of the most sought after musicians on the scene today.
Just when the students thought it couldn’t get any better, Greg and Reggie announced that drum session supremo Rick Latham and Supertramp axeman Carl Verheyen would be joining them on stage for a world exclusive.
Lars Lehmann
German slap-bass master Lars Lehmann (here with ACM's own Mike Sturgis and Stefan Redtenbacher) led a very funky masterclass for all the ACM bass players. Lars started the proceedings by getting the audience to their feet and teaching them the proper way of warming up before a performance. Lars went through the slapping techniques that have made him such a name on the bass circuit and showcased his amazing talent.
Nickytwister aka Nick Owen
Nick 'NickyTwister' Owen of Dirty Vegas fame came to ACM to give a packed audience his take on what's hot and what's not in the world of bass gear. Nick explained the merits of using certain products currently available on the market to substitute the use of heavy expensive equipment, much to the delight of the ACM audience!
Todd Johnson
Six-string bass pioneer Todd Johnson came in to speak to ACM students about his innovative technique of playing chord changes and bass lines simutaneously. Students listened as Todd demonstrated his uniquely rich and full sound that has proved useful in both his solo and small combo work.
Yves Carbonne
Bass player Yves Carbonne gave a super-interesting clinic and offered insights into his wealth of experience from many years playing. The star of the show however was his legendary 12 string bass! Yves is currently the only bass player in the world to play such an awesome instrument and students packed the ACM theatre to catch a glimpse of this mighty beast!
Paul Turner
Long-term friend of ACM and Bass supremo Paul Turner from jazz funk legends Jamiroquai dropped in with band members Derrick McKenzie and Rob Harris to show students how to work and execute an effective rhythm section. After wowing the audience with their trademark sound, they answered questions from students before taking part in a much appreciated signing session. Thanks guys and see you again soon!
James Leach
By far one of the most popular master classes ACM has held as attendance goes! James Leach and Dan ‘Lord’ Foord came to ACM with the sole intention of tearing the place apart with their indescribably tight percussion and aggressive style which did not disappoint the star-struck onlookers.
Regarded as one of the most technical bass players in the UK, James mixes complex rhythms and difficult time signatures. Add drummer Dan to the mix and you have the driving rhythm section that is the unmistakable Sikth.
