On Thursday, Oct. 3 at 8pm, Los Angeles-based bass player Derek Frank and his band — comprised of guitarists Joshua Ray Gooch, Brent Mason and Anthony King; keyboardists Carey Frank and Matt Rohde; drummer Randy Cook; and percussionist Demian Arriaga — will perform for their first time at Steve’s Guitars. This visit is but a stop on a tour for Frank’s third studio album, “Origin Story.”
Frank has performed as a bass player in California for some of the biggest names in the industry, including: Took, Shania Twain, Aly & AJ, Gwen Stefani, Kelly Clarkson and Air Supply.
“I’ve received influence and inspiration from all these people. Seeing how differently everybody operates and has a certain skill set. I’ve learned a lot from them about being an artist myself,” Frank told The Sopris Sun.
Frank, originally from Pittsburgh, was influenced to pursue music from an early age. As a part of the generation that witnessed the birth of MTV, he said that being exposed to so many different kinds of artists, ironically, gave shape to his own future in the music industry.
“Early on, I liked listening to music; but when MTV came out, that’s what did it for me. When I saw it and could put a visual to what I had been hearing, I was like, ‘Oh, my God. That’s what I want to do.’ That’s pretty much when I decided that that would be my path,” shared Frank.
He started playing music at 13 — first playing the guitar before discovering the bass. He credits the influences of classic rock bass players such as John Paul Jones, Paul McCartney and others, along with jazz musicians such as Larry Graham, Jaco Pastorious, and several Motown artists.
“As I’ve grown as a musician, my tastes have changed. Some of the influences do as well,” he elaborated.
He began his professional career in 2002, when he was selected to perform and tour with keyboard player Brian Auger of Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express. In more recent years, after spending most of his career as a collaborator, he has started branching out into a solo career.
His time with Auger gave him a taste of touring, as he played in venues all over the U.S., Canada and the world over — including in Japan, England and Australia. While he still collaborates with other musicians regularly, he is honing his focus on his own work.
“Now I’m really focused on playing my own music and getting my own music out there,” he stated. “I mean, up until this year, I’ve only played my own music around the LA area … so now I’m trying to get into some touring.”
In discussing his upcoming performance at Steve’s Guitars, Frank said he is looking forward to connecting with the audience and bringing his music to the listening-room setting. Having traveled to and played in Colorado before, Frank has also developed a soft spot for the audiences in mountain towns.
“I’d never even heard of Steve’s Guitars. And when I looked at it, it seemed like a great listening room and a great place overall … It seems like they really care about music,” he stated.
“I’ve seen people out there where, if the music is grooving and it moves them in some way, they’re into it. They don’t have to know exactly what it is or where it comes from … I’ve seen that firsthand in Colorado many times and just want to experience it with my band.”
Tickets for Derek Frank at Steve’s Guitars are available at www.stevesguitars.net For updates on Derek Frank’s.tour and upcoming projects, visit www.derekfrankband.com