*BOOTSY COLLINS presents TRIBUTE TO JAMES BROWN TOUR 2008!
*The JB Tribute Tour officially kicks off this month at Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI on Monday, June 30, and in Minneapolis, MN at the Zoo on Tuesday, July 1. The tour then moves onto selected dates in Europe, and onto Japan at the Fuji Rock Festival at the end of July. In early fall, the tour heads back to the states for a full month. Freekbass will be performing as part of the tour line-up, and will be sitting in on bass with the Bobby Byrd Band for selected dates.
A brand new JUNE '08 PodCast, Instant Funk with Freekbass is now posted here at the website. Just click on the green Podcast icon on this homepage.
Team FREEK
We are updating all of our street team info. If you are currently a member of the Freekbass Street Team (Team Freek) and joined before 2008, or if you would like to sign up, click HERE(please mention if you are already a member in the "comments" section).
You can also send an email to aw@freekbass.com with your current info. If you signed up this year you do not need to do anything. THANKS!
Cyclone in Myanmar: Top 10 Ways to Help
Post, Blog, and Email this LINK to as many as possible.
Thank you.
FREEKBASS:LIVE CD GROOVEYARD
The new Freekbass live CD,grooveyard, is complete and will be released in May. The CD (which was just recorded at the 20th Century Theatre in Cincinnati, OH) will contain a bonus studio track.
Also, the live CD was filmed and will be up for viewing at the Live Music Video Site, Mind Ignition Channel.
Another Rock House
Both Rock House Method Instructional DVD's Funk Bass with Freekbass, Level 1 & Level 2 are now available. Below is one more preview clip from Level 1:
NEW Instant FUNK PodCast
A brand new MAY '08 PodCast, Instant Funk with Freekbass is now posted here at the website. Just click on the green Podcast icon on this homepage.
A Message from Bootsy Collins:
We would like to think that we here at Bootzilla Productions represent the feelings of our City, concerning the sacrifices that these young Men and Women are making daily, on our behalf for Freedom for us, for you and our Country.
Thanks to all of you that Matt and our Troops efforts will not be in vain.
Love & P-funk hugs!
Bootsy!!!
"MATT MAUPHIN SOLDIERS AT WAR", a new song Bootsy has written for the Mauphin family, and our troops will be released and shipped to our troops overseas. All proceeds go to Yellow Ribbon Foundation to support our troops.
JB Tribute Tour Dates Update
Tour dates for the Bootsy Collins' Tribute To The Godfather Of Soul Tour are being moved and added. The bulk of the May dates are being moved to September and October of '08. Please keep posted for the latest news and updates.
The Friday, April 18 show at The 20th Century Theater (Cincinnati, OH) will be recorded for a Freekbass LIVE CD which will be released on Bootzilla Productions only a couple of weeks later.
*This is an all ages show, with special guests, Buffalo Killers. *Tickets can be found here at: Ticketmaster
"The Bootsy Collins Tribute To The Godfather Of Soul" TOUR :
Freekbass will be joining the "The Bootsy Collins Tribute To The Godfather Of Soul"(as well as honoring the memory of the great Bobby Byrd) Tour. This historical event will tour worldwide with dates starting all throughout the United States and Japan.
Acts include Bootsy Collins & TheHardestWorkingBand, Escapism (featuring Venisha Brown), Bobby Byrd Band, Afrika Bambaataa, Chuck D, Freekbass, I Candi and Djizzle.
*Tour dates will be posted soon.
Ok all you Funkateer's, BucketBots, and James Brown fans.
*This DVD, was Done Dec.22nd 2007 to honor Mr. Dynamite James Brown. This is just a glimpe of who and what happened that very distinguished, funky and historical night. Check it out, because this show may soon be coming to your town. Talk to your Mayors and City Officials to make it happen, if you want this show in your town.
*For booking Bootzilla Productions Presents:"The James Brown Tribute Show" call:
Larry Shields: Off. 310-385-2800
Email at LarryShields@TheAgencyGroup.com
Message from The Rock House Method
Why the Freekbass DVD Pre-Sale Orders have Not Shipped Yet:
"I am really sorry for the delay with the Freekbass DVDs. Here is the deal on what happen and why they have been delayed. I woke-up one morning with the bright idea to offer iPod ready video on all our new DVDs. What I did not realize was that it would take so long to actually implement the software and test it. We had to make sure it would work on MAC and PC and that required some testing. We actually had to pull the Freekbass DVDs off the assembly line, which caused a big delay in shipping. Good news, we’re done and the Freekbass DVDs are now being produced and should be ready to ship in about 15 days..."
A brand new February '08 PodCast, Instant Funk with Freekbass is now posted here at the website. Just click on the green Podcast icon on this homepage.
FreekbassForObama08.com
"I have never been one to mix entertainment and politics. Though I have always had my opinion, and I do always vote, never have I felt the urgency to campaign for any particular candidate in the political arena... until now. This is my way of doing whatever I can to support Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama."
New cover story in Tour Great Miami magazine. The online version can be viewed by clicking here.
The Rock House Method Releases Freekbass Instructional DVDs:
The Rock House Method is now taking pre-orders on the new Freekbass instructional DVDs Learn To Play Funk Bass (Levels 1 & 2). There is a pre-sale special price for each in time for the Holiday Season. (Will Ship After January 15)
A brand new December '07 PodCast, Instant Funk with Freekbass is now posted here at the website. Just click on the green podcast icon on this homepage.
James Brown Tribute Dec 22nd
Bootzilla Productions PRESENTS A TRIBUTE FIT FOR THE KING OF KING RECORDS MR.DYNAMITE JAMES BROWN.
FEATURING: BUCKETHEAD, FREEKBASS, CHUCK D.OF PUBLIC ENEMY, TRIAGE,MS.CANDICE, DJIZZLE and THE JAMES BROWN BAND,SOUL GENERALS & OTHER SPECIAL GUESTS.
DATE:12/22/07
PLACE: THE MADISON THEATER / 730 MADISON AVE. COVINGTON,KY.
DOORS:7PM SHOW: 8PM
Attention all Bass Players (and all you LOW end FANS)
Bass Player Magazine is now having their 2007 Bass Player Readers’ Choice Awards . You can vote on bass related topics such as amps, basses, gear, and players. For example, poll question #17 is The Year’s Most Exciting New Player? . We of course do not want to tell you who to vote for, but a vote for Freekbass will bring about a brighter and funkier future for tomorrow .
Freekbass will be the Grand Marshall of the Reds Nation parade opening this year's Redsfest 2007 and will kick off the festival with a concert. It all starts right when the doors open at 4pm on Friday, December 7 at the Duke Energy Center in Downtown Cincinnati, OH.
Freekbass won for Best R&B/Funk act at the 2007 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards (CEAs). This is the sixth year in a row Freekbass has won in this catagory. Thank you so much to everyone who voted and for your continued support !
A brand new PodCast, Instant Funk with Freekbass is now posted here at the website. Just click on the green podcast icon on this homepage.
VOTE FOR FREEKBASS !
Freekbass is honored to be nominated for this year's CityBeat's 2007 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards. The music CEA's take place on November 18 at the Taft Theater in Cincinnati, OH.
Freekbass is nominated in the R&B / Funk catagory with some amazing company. You can vote by clicking to: CEA 2007 Music Voting
FREEKBASS LIVE DVD: a sliver of shiver
Freekbass announces release date for the new live DVD, A Sliver of Shiver, June 5, 2007. Leeway's Home Grown Music Network is now taking orders for the new full length live DVD.
A Sliver of Shiver captures the energy of Freekbass LIVE from "Bootsy's Fall Ball" with Josh Knarr on guitar and Chip Wilson on drums. The legendary Bootsy Collins emcees the event, which concludes with an impromptu jam featuringBootsy, Freekbass, Buckethead on guitar, and Animal Crackers on turntables. The DVD also includes over 40 minutes of extras including Freekbass live with Bernie Worrell, "Reds Fan" music video for The Cincinnati Reds, bootleg footage from The Howling Wolf in SD, plus much more.
"Bootsy Collins protégé Freekbass delivers a full-frontal funk experience loaded with more fuzzed-out snapping, slapping, and popping than a kettle full of Rice Krispies." - Jimmy Leslie, Bass Player Magazine
A brand new PodCast, Instant Funk with Freekbass is now posted here at the website. This month's installment talks about the summer tour out west, some thoughts about the track Minute To Forever, and a quick sneak preview of some sounds from the forthcoming Freekbass CD.
NUVO: DVD Review (Indianapolis, IN)
"Freekbass adds his own zest to the genre with elements of hip-hop, R&B, soul, rap and rock fused together to create an addictive, high-energy romp. Watch his fingers as he plays. They bounce lightly and effortlessly on the vibrating strings, which seems impossible as the music from his uniquely designed bass churns and crackles swiftly. The musical elements blend together seamlessly and cohesively with Josh Knarr on guitar and Chip Wilson on drums. After a cowbell solo that shows off his percussion skills and an ending that funks out, a jam session concludes the concert on the group’s live DVD with Collins, Buckethead on guitar and Animal Crackers on turntables joining in the mix"
To see the full article, by writer Kristin Riccardo, click to:NUVO
Planet Freekbass
A new Freekbass fansite (ran by photographer Scott Preston) has popped up online, including a message board, new photos, and updated news.
The Rock House Method will be hosting a Live Audio Chat with Freekbass on Wednesday, May 30, 9:00 to 10:00pm EST . Freekbass will be discussing his career, developing a unique style, and his new Rock House DVDs (Funk Bass With Freekbass Level 1 & 2).
A brand new Freekbass PODCAST is now posted here at the site, and is available at all your favorite Podcast sites such as iTunes. What has now become a quick tradition, listen for some "unreleased" Freekbass song snippets and remixes only available on these Podcasts.
Just click on the green podcast icon on the right side of this homepage. Also, all past Freekbass Podcasts are now archived to listen to.
Click on the podcast icon on the right side of this homepage for the first of a series of Podcast Interviews with Freekbass. The interviews will be updated regularly so sign up, or keep checking back.
"Bass Dominates" : Bootsy's Bass Heroes CD
*Featuring: "8Hand" Victor Wooten, Flea, Mike Gordon, P-Nut, Therron, Stanley Clarke, Steve Bailey, Nikki Sixx, fREEKbASS, Billy Sheehan, and "I be Jam" Larry Graham.
*Produced by : Bootsy Collins for Bootzilla Productions.
*Portion of the proceeds to: the "INNERCity of SoFine Arts"
The Special Event , sponsored by Rock House. features an amazing group of musicians including John McCarthy, Vernon Reid, Marc Rizzo, Bernie Worrell, David Ellefson, Doug Wimbish, Jonathan Mover, Gary Hoey, Freekbass, Leo Nocentelli, Celino Romero, Keith LeBlanc, T.M. Stevens and many others! The event takes place on Friday, January 19 , 7:00pm at Hilton Anaheim.
The 5 & 10
Freekbass won for Best R&B/Funk act at the 2006 10th Annual Cincinnati Entertainment Awards (CEAs). This is the fifth year in a row Freekbass has won in this catagory. Thank you so much to everyone who voted and for your continued support !
Freekbass to Perform at The CEAs
Freekbass will be one of the performers at the 2006 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards on Sunday, November 19 at The Taft Theater in Downtown, Cincinnati, OH.
All the proceeds from the CEAs go to The Michael W. Bany Music Scholarship Fund, Cincinnati's only locally based music education scholarship. This year you can attend the CEA's as a VIP PATRON with many benefits including Taft Theater box seating, and a pre-show reception with dinner and drinks provided. All benefitting the scholarship fund. For info , email Mark E. Bany at mebany@aol.com.
"Reds Fan" Video
Video and audio clips , including the video "Reds Fan" by Freekbass , from the CD Cincinnati Clutch Hits, are now up at the Cincinnati Reds website. Along with the Freekbass video, you can also see Peter Frampton do his version of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame", and Screaming Mimes' video for "Three Cheers Cincinnati". Plus audio clips from all of the songs on the CD.
Freekbass is honored to be nominated for this year's CityBeat's 2006 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards. The music CEA's take place on November 19 at the Taft Theater in Cincinnati, OH.
Freekbass is nominated in the R&B / Funk catagory with some amazing company. You can vote by clicking to: CEA 2006 Music Voting
Bass Guitar Magazine Top 10
The current issue of the UK's Bass Guitar Magazine features Freekbass listing his top 10 for bassists. While he says it was tough to narrow the field to just ten, it's a good starting point for Freek's favs.
*Available on Newsstands now.
Rock House Inks Deal With Freekbass
(West Haven, Conn. August 30, 2006) Today Rock House annouced that it has signed a deal with Freekbass to work on two instructional programs for learning to play Funk. Once again, Rock House has been successful in adding yet another innovative musician to its list of instructors.
Legendary bassist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bootsy Collins calls Freekbass "The new spiritual warrior for the Funk."
Production on his two step program is due to start right after the first of the year. The details of the content are still being worked on. But you can be sure that any bass player using these programs will delvelop a solid foundation for playing Funk bass and an understanding on how to fuse that with other styles of music as well as get an inside look at the techniques that make-up Freekbass' unique style.
"No question that Freekbass is an innovator, he carries the torch for all that old school funk that most of the over 35 crowd grew up with, yet his music relates to today's younger aspiring musician becuase he infuses techniques from all generes of music." Said John McCarthy of Rock House.
These new instructional DVDs will be a nice addition to Rock House's growing list of Bass programs. Any aspiring bass player can learn pretty much everything they need to know about playing the bass guitar when they use Rock House's programs which have been designed to take players from beginner to advanced levels.
Rock House's Bass Library Includes:
Learn Rock Bass - Beginner
Learn Rock Bass- Intermediate
New Dimensions for Bass featuring Doug Wimbish
Slap & Pop with Chris McCarvill
Metal Bass Level 1 with David Ellefson
Metal Bass Level 1 with David Ellefson
and the soon to be added programs from Freekbass.
Kustom Amplification News
Kustom Amplification has posted a new story on Freekbass focusing on the new Freekbass song "Reds Fan" from the new Cincinnati Reds CD, “Clutch Hits” . The story includes new photos and audio & video clips.
And in related news, keep an eye out on the video board at Reds' home games at Great American
Ballpark for the new Freekbass video "Reds Fan". The video is produced by Reds scoreboard employees David Storm (of Cincinnati music favs Screaming Mimes) and Russ Jenisch.
August 20, Clearwater Florida. Traben Bass Company announced today that they have teamed up with their signature artist and master of aero-funka-ronics Bootsy Collins to send a select group of the most preeminent bassists (who pledge to keep the funk alive) their very own Traben Bootzilla Bass. The first two bassists to experience the Bootzillas Boomin biotics are P-Nut and Freekbass. After trying the Traben Bootzilla, Freekbass said,"Taking the Traben Bootzilla Bass out for my first test drive, I was amazed how sleek it was, with as much bottom-end as it can put out. Bootsy and Traben did this one right. My hands were smilin', while my speakers were flyin', and I can't wait to get this one out on the road ! Even Robin gets to drive the Batmobile sometimes..."
P-Nut added, "It's the greatest of honors for me as a bass player to have received the Traben Bootzilla Bass from the man himself. I am humbled and thankful beyond the use of my vocabulary. Keep the funk alive."
Traben basses have made a name for themselves with their "Bigger Bridge - Bigger Tone" innovation. Basses with massive chrome plated brass bridges have become instantly recognizable to the eyes and the ears as distinctly a Traben. Traben claims and incidentally, backs up the claim, that its Bigger Bridges with their increased bridge to body contact increase sustain, attack and definition of note when compared to an industry standard bridge.
To check out the full release (with photos) click to: Traben Bass Blog
What happens in Montana, Stays in Montana
Freekbass will be heading out next week for another round of dates in the funky state of Montana. The mini-tour starts off with shows in Illinois in Springfield and Chicago, then to Lead, South Dakota, and ending up with a week of dates in Montana, including an appearance at this year's Aurorafest in Glacier National Park.
The new Cincinnati Reds CD, "CLUTCH-HITS" , is now available. This CD compilation features 15 compositions by such national acts as Blessid Union of Souls, Noah Hunt and Freekbass; and local favorites like psychodots, Screaming Mimes, Ryan Adcock, Jake Speed and the Freddies, Greg Mahan, Kinsey Rose, Jen and And Andy. International recording superstar Peter Frampton contributes his own unique version of "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" to the album, and Hall Of Famer Marty Brennaman introduces the acts on the CD. Recording artist Raquel Aurilia, wife of Cincinnati Reds infielder Rich Aurilia, sings a track as well. Proceeds from the sale of the CD go directly to the Reds Community Fund .
Freekbass will be throwing out the first pitch at The Reds / White Sox game at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, OH this Saturday, June 17. The game starts at 6:10pm with the "first pitch" happening 10-15 minutes before that. Directly after the game, Freekbass will be performing at the ball park in the Fan Zone.
Freekbass on Lance McAlister Show / 1530Homer PODCAST
Freekbass was on Cincinnati sports radio show Lance McAlister Show- 1530Homer today (5/30/06) to talk about doing a track for the new Reds CD "Clutch Hits", and lots of other topics.
The entire interview can be PODCAST from Lance's site by clicking to:
Lance1530Homer
MORE VIDEO
Another video from the Buckethead/Freekbass show in Newport,KY has surfaced on YouTube.com. The video was shot by Jeremy Sewell of Staunchy Productions.
Freekbass is now in the studio working on the follow-up to The Air Is Fresher Underground. Funk Legend Bootsy Collins is back in the chair as Executive Producer. A late summer/early fall 2006 release is planned.
In The News...
Freekbass is featured in a story by Chris Varias in the Friday, March 31 edition of The Cincinnati Enquirer. The online version can be found by clicking to: Freekbass ready to get funky again
Also, for those of you in the Greater Cincinnati viewing area, keep an eye out this Monday morning (April 3) to FOX 19 News between the 8:30-9:00am hour (after coffee of course). Reporter Meghan Mongillo interviews Freekbass about the new track, Reds Fan they did for the upcoming Cincinnati Reds CD Compilation, Cincinnati Clutch Hits.
8 Ball Junkies
Freekbass can be heard on the new CD by 8 Ball Junkies. Freekbass drummer Ry handles all the drum chores on the CD, and contributed to the writing process as well. You can hear Freekbass playing bass on the song "Handful" and doing his distorted mutron thing on "Atlantis".
To hear some soundclips and to pick up a copy click to: 8 Ball Junkies
Some Quickie News:
Freekbass will be supporting Buckethead on a couple of dates in Kentucky and Michigan. Also, keep an eye and ear out for the newCincinnati Reds CD including a track by Freekbass.
Details coming soon...
Snarling Dogs - Bootzilla™ Wah Pedal
Bassists love those pedals, so make sure you check out the new Snarling Dogs - Bootzilla™ Wah Pedal . This is the signature bass wah pedal of Bootsy !
Freekbass makes a cameo in the new Bootsy video "Fear Da Tiger" shot at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati,OH. Also in the video are guitarist Buckethead, Freekbass drummerRy , Oui-Wey, and drummer Chip Wilson. The video is from the song Bootsy co-wrote, and can be seen by clicking to: Cincinnati Bengals
.
The video, which is shown before each Bengals home game on the Jumbotron, and has been shown frequently on ESPN and CNN, will be available on DVD this week. The song on CD is now available at retail outlets throughout "Bengals Country".
mudbone
Gary "Mudbone" Cooper has just launched a website which includes music and video from his new CD "Fresh Mud" . The CD was made with Bone's friend and mentor - David Stewart - Producer / Writer / Guitarist / Founder of the Eurythmics. Mudbone was a major influence on Freekbass, and was the one who introduced Freek to Bootsy.
Freekbass won for Best R&B/Funk act at the 2005 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards (CEAs). This is the fourth year in a row Freekbass has won in this catagory. The night was extra special with new Cincinnati mayor Mark Mallory, and guitar legend Peter Frampton presenting the award. It's been a wild, strange, and intense year, so thank you so much to everyone who voted and for your continued support !
FUNK DOWN FOR FOOD (Benefit for the Freestore Food Bank /Press Release)
Cincinnati, OH -- When you mention “Funk” in Cincinnati, there’s one name that comes to mind, and that name is Bootsy Collins. Bootsy says, “We have a unique opportunity to help those in need here in our own community enjoy their holiday season, but we can’t make it happen for those people unless we all join forces together.” Bootsy and his protégé Chris “Freekbass” Sherman will act as master of ceremonies and co-host for the very first annual Funk Down for Food, a benefit for the Freestore Food Bank at The 20th Century Theater in Oakley on Sunday November 20, 2005. Festivities will kick off at 7:00pm.
Providing musical atmosphere for the Funk Down will be Cincinnati Favorite Soul Pocket; local funkster Leroy Ellington, and Knoxville,TN based Dishwater Blonde. Bootzilla Productions also presents Eye Candy and D-Jizzle.
For a donation of just fifteen ($15) dollars at the door, you’ll be able to get down and funk with the best of the best, while at the same time know you’re giving back to our community because ALL donations will go to the Freestore Food Bank.
For more information on Funk Down For Food, please call Bob Myer at 513-389-1236.
SHAG Photos
Scott Preston from Caribou Studios has posted some fresh photos from the SHAG show at Bogart's (10/28/05).
Freekbass will be performing with SHAG, the band he cut his "funk-teeth" with, this Friday, October 28 at Bogart's in Cincinnati, OH. This is the first time SHAG have performed together in almost 7 years. The show is a benefit for percussionist/hype man Mark “The Colonel” Chenault who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an aggressive form of bone cancer. Also playing will be Freekbass guitarist, Josh Knarr, who will be reuniting with his former band, Heavy Weather, for the show, and keyboardist Pete Scalia, who will be sitting in with SHAG.
Freekbass is honored to be nominated for this year's CityBeat's Cincinnati Entertainment Awards. The music CEA's take place on November 21 at the Taft Theater in Cincinnati, OH. The deadline for voting is Monday, Oct.24, and proceeds for the event goes to the M.W.B. Music Scholarship Fund.
Freekbass is nominated in the R&B / Funk catagory and you can vote, along with all of the other solid acts, by clicking to: CEA 2005 Music Voting
THANK YOU ! (8/31/05)
A note from Freekbass:
" I just wanted to say thanks so much for all of the very kind calls, emails, and letters everyone has sent. I just got back to home in Cincinnati last night, and this is the first time I have been online for about 3 weeks. As you probably read, I took a little spill out in Montana. There must have been some Kryptonite on those steps. Anyway, I am getting better day by day and should be slipping into a nice warm fur coat with my bass in a week or so. The doctors and nurses at Kalispell Medical Center in Kalipspell, MT couldn't have been any better, and a big huge thank you to them for literally saving my life.
Love and blessings to everyone and hope to see you all soon ! " -
Freekbass
Just A Little Bit East, Just A Little Bit West...
Freekbass heads out on the road for most of August starting with some club and festival dates in the Northeast, then heading to the Northwest for a couple of weeks, and ending up back in the Northeast at the end of the month.
To check out all of the dates click to the tour dates section of the site, or get all of the info by clicking to Jambase.com
An Honest Tune
The current, Summer 2005, issue of An Honest Tune Magazine, The Southern Journal Of Jam, has a review of The Air Is Fresher Underground . "An Honest Tune" ships all over the U.S. via Borders, Barnes and Noble, and other various book and music outlets, and is available online. Here is the review by writer, B. Whiting :
A freaky sense of play pervades bass and funk master Freekbass on his latest, The Air Is Fresher Underground. Produced by the legendary Bootsy Collins, Air snaps with crackling energy on the free flowing "Burnt Cat" and the blistering rave-up, "Play" .
Special guests Bernie Worrell adds his deft keyboard touches to "Do We Even Belong Together?" And Buckethead's searing guitar solos color the hyperkinetic track, "Always Here." But this is Freekbass' party, and the bass-slappin' funk veteran lays down a ferociously wicked groove on "Gettin' It". Collins' hand in overseeing the material produces a sound that leaps right out of the speakers. Pumping beats mix with hip-hop, rhythm and blues, and funk so nasty it smells. The Air Is Fresher Underground puts Freekbass squarely in Les Claypool territory with an audacious presentation that pushes musical boundries.
The ONE Campaign :
From Binghamton Univ. , Pipe Dream (Vestal, NY):
MUSIC - Freekbass
By Don John
Staff Writer
(3 ½ stars)
Freekbass (also known as Chris Sherman) is one of the most dangerous bass players to boom onto the music scene. With a name so appropriate to his style, Freekbass emits an energetic pounding that molds to each type of music he plays. Freekbass’ plucking and slapping make him comparable to the likes of such legendary players as Les Claypool of Primus, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Chris Hillman of The Byrds.
On his second CD, “The Air Is Fresher Underground,” Freekbass collaborates with bass guitar legend Bootsy Collins, the album’s executive producer. He tries to cover a lot of funk territory which, on occasion, adversely affects a band, but for Freekbass it is only an expansion of his art.
He introduces his bass slapping into the honky tonk and bluegrass genres on the track “Do We Even Belong Together.” On “Burnt Cat” and “Gettin’ it,” he brings funk to the hip-hop and R&B scene. Freekbass also includes two instrumental jam sessions: “Play” and “Minute to Forever.”
The album has garnered considerable attention from the mainstream media. It was short listed for the first cut of Grammy nominations in the “Best R&B Album” category, a considerable achievement for an underground band on the rise. This is no surprise, because “The Air Is Fresher Underground” is a showcase for a virtuoso.
Freekbass became the very proud father of a baby girl on Thursday, March 10, 2005 at 11:25pm !
Legacy of Funk
Check out the story in The Cincinnati Enquirer by C.E. Hanifin about BOOTSY on what he's been doin', and what he's doin' next ! Freekbass gives some thoughts on Bootsy, and talks about what his favorite Bootsy recordings are also.
Freekbass recently sat down with Jambands.com for an interview. In an article now posted he gives some thoughts on playing live, gear choices, and observations on the current world of bass.
Stranger: Bernie Worrell On Earth is the new documentary film by Phil Di Fiore . The film captures the life and sounds of musical mastermind Bernie Worrell and includes interviews with artists such as Bootsy, David Byrne, George Clinton and Les Claypool to name just a few.
Freekbass is featured in this week's edition of CiN Weekly . It is the magazine's face the music issue. Freekbass gives some thoughts on surviving in the crazy music business. Readers can pick up the magazine at more than 1,500 locations, including all area Kroger and Skyline Chili locations, throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Bootsy & Freekbass are featured on the cover of the Nov/Dec 2004 issue of Bass Guitar Magazine. The issue is dedicated to the Funk and features stories on Bootsy, Freekbass, Verdine White from EW&F, Doug Wimbish , Mark King of Level 42 and many more. The magazine is based out of the UK, and is also available on newsstands in the US , and can be ordered directly online.
Kustom Amplification has posted live video of Freekbass making some sounds with the new Groove Bass amp at the Summer 2004 NAMM show in Nashville, TN. Just click over to: KUSTOM BOOTLEG VIDEO
The Groove Link
If you live in the Northeast (NY, CT, VT, MA, etc.), make sure you pick up a copy of the new issue of The Groove Link . Freekbass is featured on the cover with a nice story inside the zine. Available at clubs, CD shops, cafes, music stores and clothing stores.
Freekbass won for Best R&B/Funk act at the 2004 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards (CEAs). This is the third year in a row Freekbass has won in this catagory. Thank you so much to everyone who voted and for your continued support !
SLAPPIN INTO THE FUTURE : Jambase.com Review (11/5/2004)
Check out the groovy article and review on Freekbass at Jambase.com:
"...Freekbass is a technical funk band that is taking the country by surprise and by storm."
We just got word that Freekbass', "The Air Is Fresher Underground" has made the first cut for Grammy selections! Freekbass was entered in the "Best R&B Album" category by members of the music industry committee, and is now in the running for a coveted nomination along with 56 other Grammy hopefuls. Check back for Grammy selection updates!
Detroit Bass Fest
Detroit Bass Fest is this Sunday, October 24, 2004 in Detroit,MI. Freekbass is one of the confirmed performers along with bassists such as Matthew Garrison, Norm Stockton and many more. For more info click to:
DETROIT BASS FEST
One Mic Magazine
Freekbass is featured in the current issue of One Mic Magazine .
Bass Player Magazine celebrates its 15th anniversary with a weekend-long gala event: Bass Player Live
The conference & expo takes place on Saturday, October 16 & Sunday, October 17 at Park Central New York, 870 7th Avenue @ 56th , New York, NY. Freekbass will be giving a bass clinic and performing in the All-Star Jam on Sunday, and making lots of low-end noize on the Groove Bass amp at the Kustom booth on both days. The event is opened to the public and tickets can be purchased at the Bass Player Live website.
Unlike many musical virtuosos, Freekbass (aka Chris Sherman) has the good sense to surround himself with a talented supporting cast.
On his second CD, "The Air Is Fresher Underground," Freekbass enlists bass guitar legend Bootsy Collins as executive producer.
In addition to his crack band of guitarist Sean McGary, drummer Swift and sax player-keyboardist J, Freekbass gets help from guitarists Buckethead and Catfish Collins; piano legend Bernie Worrell; and vocalists Melanie Gregory and Carole Walker.
Despite the exceptional talent surrounding him, Freekbass more than lives up to his reputation as the next great funk artist and bass-player extraordinaire.
The stunning instrumental "Minute To Forever" is an instant funk classic.
"Do We Even Belong Together" is a thunderous funk-R&B rave-up, while "Always Here" is a delicious piece of funk-rock.
"The Air Is Fresher Underground" is proof that musical virtuosity combined with butt-kicking funk is not a lost art.
-TJ Buck, Tucson Citizen
Freekbass has been invited to perform at this year's MIDPOINT MUSIC FESTIVAL in Cincinnati, OH. Freekbass plays at Midnight on Saturday, September 25 at the club 1120 Upstairs (1120 Jackson Street ; Downtown Cincinnati ).
For those of you in the Fairfield, CT area, tune in this Monday (9/13/04) at 5:30pm to WVOF . Joe Kelley will interviewing Freekbass and spinning some tunes from the "The Air Is Fresher Underground" on his show "Upper Room With Joe Kelley".
Freekbass will be making a special guest appearance with Bernie Worrell & The Woo Warriors this Saturday, September 4th at Hookahville 2004 right outside of Columbus,OH. Bernie's set starts at 12:00 (Noon) on Saturday afternoon. Freek will be playing some bass on a song or two.
Saturday, August 28th : FREEKBASS will be playing a special show with Astralwerks recording artists,
VHS or BETA
@ Neon's, Cincinnati, OH, downtown on 12th, between Main St. and Sycamore.
Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm with DJ Lazy and Video Projections. Freekbass will take the stage next, with VHS or BETA wrapping up the night.
Ages 18 & UP!
Tickets: $8 / $13 in advance or $10 / $15 day of show.
Special green room passes will be available for pre-show party and meet and greet with the bands. Green room passes include free appetizers provided by Palamino's,
lower drink prices all evening and green room art show.
Drink Specials from 7-9, for general admission tickets.
For will call tickets in advance, email: audiolounge@fuse.net
Call Jody Steiner of Audio Lounge Productions for any other questions: 513-621-3361 and info on green room passes.
D'ADDARIO BASS CD COMPILATION
D'Addario bass strings are introducing a new line of strings called ProSteels. To celebrate the launch of ProSteels, D'Addario has created a new CD compilation (Bass Lines) of original tracks from some of D'Addario's top bassists, including Dave Ellefson, Oteil Burbrige, Freekbass, Jimmy Haslip, Gary Willis, Michael Manring, Steve Bailey, Mark Egan, Adam Nitti, and more. For a limited time only, one free Bass Lines CD will be included in three of D'Addario's most popular ProSteels 4-string sets.
Freekbass will be making a stop at The NAMM Convention in Nashville,TN this week. Freek will be performing solo on Friday, July 23 and Saturday, July 24 at The Kustom booth at 11AM and 3PM. At 1PM on the Friday & Saturday he will be stopping by EMG Pickups to scribble on some postcards.
Artfront.com (a new online arts and entertainment magazine out of Chattanooga,TN) has a couple of cool reviews of both the new CD and of a recent live show. Here is a sample of one of the reviews:
"Freekbass is a 7 piece all out funk ensemble led by Chris Sherman who is the "Freekbass." Named as such by his mentor & record producer Bootsy Collins. This is the band that carries on the funk tradition of the most upbeat dance music of James Brown, Parliament Funkadelic and of course Bootsy, and they do it with an original and highly recognizable style. There's a showy hard rocking edge to this Cincinnati outfit and they have plenty of energy to get a crowd up and keep them moving. I was drawn to this band because they have worked out the formula that this whole generation of music is trying to distill and funnel into an energetic, hard rockin' groove that's non stop and melodious as well. Their tight arrangements contain horn, keyboards, guitar and backing vocals with Freekbass in the Forefront. And like virtually every danceable band out there now they also project some of the more contemporary elements of hip-hop. Chris Sherman's vocals alone should be enough to carry the band onto radio and they also feature vocals by their drummer and backing vocalists on-stage. On record, a number of veteran funk musicians pop up and fill in the gaps perfectly, including Buckethead, Bernie Worrell, Catfish Collins, Richard Fortus, vocalists Carole Walker and Melanie Gregory and of course Bootsy himself. There's even a banjo and fiddle player on one tune, "Do We Even Belong Together" which should please Jam band fans to no end."
More of that review, plus a concert review, can be found by clicking over to:
Artfront.com
HEADCOUNT: VOTER REGISTRATION
Freekbass has joined "Headcount", an organization founded by Marc Brownstein, bassist for the popular electronic rock band The Disco Biscuits, and Andy Bernstein, a sports media reporter with strong ties to the live music community. Headcount will operate grassroots street teams in over 50 U.S. cities, registering voters whenever a participating act comes to town... such as Gov't Mule, moe., The Disco Biscuits, Galactic, Les Claypool and Primus, Spearhead and many more. Check out their site at www.headcount.org to learn more, and register to vote!
Beyond AM. Beyond FM.
Request Freekbass on station XMU, XM Satellite Radio. Just click over to XMU at xmradio.com and request your favorite track from "The Air Is Fresher Underground".
KUSTOM PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KUSTOM ANNOUNCES THAT FREEKBASS,
FUNK BASSIST EXTRAORDINAIRE,
TO ENDORSE NEW GROOVE BASS™ STAGE AMP
CINCINNATI, OHIO. MAY 24, 2004 -- Kustom Amplification is proud to announce that Freekbass, the masterful, new-generation funk musician, is playing and endorsing the company’s powerful new GROOVE BASS™ amplifier line. Freekbass is rapidly gaining international attention for his infectious playing style, high-energy stage show and acclaimed CD “The Air Is Fresher Underground.”
Freekbass (a.k.a. Chris Sherman) will tour and record with Kustom GROOVE BASS 1200 amp heads and 215H speaker cabinets, each containing 15-inch, U.S.-made Eminence speakers and a compression horn driver with attenuator. The amplifier produces 1,200 watts and delivers slamming bass tones at concert stage volume levels.
“In my eternal search for low-end, I discovered the next dimension when I plugged into the Kustom GROOVE BASS,” relates Freekbass. “It has all of the thump to make the earth move, and the snap to make your notes ring-a-ding-ding. Kustom has hit a home run with this one, and I am honored to call this my rig.”
Described in a recent feature story by Bass Player magazine as “a combination of Larry Graham’s thump, James Jamerson’s precision, and P-Funk’s flash and pop,” Freekbass first garnered attention for his association with funk legend Bootsy Collins, who has executive produced two Freekbass albums. According to Bootsy, “Freekbass is the new spiritual warrior for the Funk.”
Freekbass will perform at Kustom’s NAMM exhibit (Room 2010) on Friday and Saturday afternoons, at times to be determined.
“Kustom is honored to help fuel the funk of Freekbass,” said Mark Hunter, marketing manager for the company. “Freekbass knows how to lay down the funk, and to hear the GROOVE BASS dishing out all that low-end booty is truly awesome.”
New episodes of MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” program feature tracks from Freekbass’ latest CD. Recent gigs for Freekbass and band include The Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, House Of Blues in Chicago and the SXSW convention in Austin, Texas.
Check out this month's issue of Bassics Magazine. It includes a companion CD, featuring the track "Always Here" from Freekbass. It's the only track that features Bootsy sittin' in on bass along with Freekbass ...double-bassin'! Bassics dug it! The track was co-written by Freekbass, Bootsy, Buckethead and Sean, and the magazine includes an interview with Freekbass, who discusses the writting process of the song, and how it all came together. On stands now, BASSICS.com
Pimp My Ride... with Freekbass!
Tune into new episodes of MTV's, "Pimp My Ride", for featured tracks off of the Freekbass cd, The Air Is Fresher Underground. New episodes air Sunday, May 9 at 9:30pm... then repeat and repeat all week long. This week's episode features "Minute To Forever". You can log onto MTV.com for show time listings and check who's pimpin' to Freekbass!
Abercrombie.com Hooks Up with Freekbass...
Click over to Abercrombie & Fitch's website, for the newest episode of A&Ftv, launching April 30th. This month's episode features music from the Freekbass cd, "The Air Is Fresher Underground". Visit
Abercrombie.com and click on the latest episode of A&Ftv.
Bootsy & Freekbass in Billboard
Check out the April 24th issue of Billboard Magazine for Gail Mitchell's column, "Rhythm & Blues". She catches up with Bootsy for the latest on his US release of "Play With Bootsy" and speaks to Freekbass about his spin on the future of the funk. A portion of the article can be viewed online, at Billboard.com.
The Wizard Was Here !
Freekbass has been in the studio again, working on new material with keyboard legend Bernie Worrell and guitarist, John Hickey of the Woo Warriors. Both have been touring with George Clinton and P-Funk, but made a scheduled stop by Homebass Studios for a few days last week. The results!?.... you'll hear for yourself in a few months!
Bernie is currently working on a release for Moogfest, at BB King's Place in NYC on May 18, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Moog. John will be releasing his debut solo album in May, entitled "Down With the Ship". Check out www.bernieworrell.com and www.jhickeymusic.com for details.
Beta17 Update:
Former Freekbass keyboardist/vocalist, Beta17, is currently in the studio putting the final touches on his first solo album: Aerodrome. Beta17 is working with Philly-based producer/guitarist, Frankie Romano (former Freekbass guitarist, also working with artists such as Musiq Soulchild and P-Diddy) to finalize his mixes. For a sneak preview of select tracks from Aerodrome, visit Beta17 on Audiostreet.com.
Freekbass in Bass Player Magazine
Check out the March issue of Bass Player Magazine for their interview with Freekbass, entitled Keeper of The Funk Flame. Writer, Jimmy Leslie, asks about playing funk, working with Bootsy, and his bass technique, describing Freekbass as “- a combination of Larry Graham’s thump, James Jamerson’s precision, and P-Funk’s flash and pop.” Bass Player Magazine, on newstands now!
Bass Inside Magazine, Switzerland
Bass Inside Magazine out of Switzerland, Europe, picked up a copy of The Air Is Fresher Underground and had this to say:
"This is Freekbass's second album and is a much more focused and disciplined than the first time out. As a bassist, Freekbass is developing into a strong force as well, using some well-chosen effects like BassBalls sparingly but with great effect. He never shows off but he does strut. He is good enough to deserve that freedom. FB covers a lot of ground of course in the world of Funk, but also heads out into some unexplored regions, at points touching upon honkytonk and bluegrass. This one is a keeper."
"Cincinnati bassist Chris Sherman got his nom de jam from the person in the world most qualified to bestow it: Bootsy Collins, who's both co- and executive producer of The Air Is Fresher Underground (Gemini/Bootzilla), the new album from Sherman's band. Bernie Worrell, Buckethead, and Bootsy's brother Catfish make cameos too. Hate to judge a man by his friends, but the company he keeps, as much as his own unrestrained sound and Rubber Band-meets-Velvet Goldmine fashion sense, confirm that Sherman's not just another dry funk-fetishizing scholar. The grooves are assembled on the more-is-more principle: no form of dance music since the early 70s goes completely untapped here, but the essence is rich, thick, oozy space goo."
-Monica Kendrick, Chicago Reader
Freekbass on iTunes
Freekbass has partnered with iTunes, so you can digitally get a taste of "The Underground", or get a whole mouth full if you want. Check it out at the iTunes Music Store.
From The Celebrity Cafe.com
Freekbass - The Air is Fresher Underground - Freekbass is probably the most appropriate name that he could have thought of. It's incredible. Simply perfect. An album where the artist, "Freekbass" showcases his bass skills completely. The bass rings through and grabs you. This is the type of album to play when you're testing your stereo or crusing down the street. It would be of no surprise to me if Freekbass is eventually guesting on everybody and anybody's albums soon!
Monday, Nov. 24th, the "Cincinnati Entertainment Awards" were a raging success. And Freekbass took home the award for "Best R&B / Funk Band", as voted by the fans! Congratulations Freekbass! ...a big thanks to CityBeat for hosting the event, and THANK-YOU to all of you who voted. It's all of you who make the scene, "the scene"!
The Funk Store Review
Word is getting out about the new CD! Check out this nice piece from The Funk Store!
Underground Online
"The Air Is Fresher Underground" is now available on CDBaby online. Just click on over to cdbaby.com or check out our new Freek store, with all new Freekbass essentials. You can also get a sampling of the new CD by just clicking over to our audio section.
