Freekbass is featured in the November issue of Relix Magazine. The On The Verge piece begins with the subtext Freekbass - 21st Century Funk . Relix Magazine can be found on newsstands and book stores everywhere.
DJ Logic, Steve Molitz and Freekbass Form New Trio - Jambands.com
"...After jamming with recentRelix On the Verge subject Freekbass at the Church of Universal Love and Music, the three musicians are putting together a groove-based project that will likely tour in early 2010. The group is asking fans to submit some potential names for the band via DJ Logic and Freekbass’s Twitter pages. The person whose name is chosen will win a lifetime spot on the guest list to this “yet to be named band’s” shows..."
Free Stuff from Freekbass! (by Alex L. Weber/ CityBeat)
"...Everyone's favorite funkdified, dancetastic bass hero, Freekbass, has teamed up with Hip Hop/DJ collective Tobotius for a slammin' couple of tracks that'll definitely get your booty motorin'. "Don't U Think That U Don't Want to Dance" and "Black Market Deathwish" are all massive beats, tricky-rocked rhymes delivered right on time, expert turntablist scritch-scratchin' and a heaping spoonful of slap bass licks as groovy and tasty as all hell..."
(*Full article HERE) .
*Photos by Scott Preston of the show can be seen by clicking HERE.
'Reds Fan' now available for download
This track was created to bring the funk to Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds: originally included on the CD, "Clutch Hits" benefiting the Reds Community Fund. It was written by Freekbass to describe his passion for The Cincinnati Reds Baseball team. A music video for 'Reds Fan' filmed at the ball park, was produced and filmed by David Storm and Russ Jenisch.
*You can get the download of the song by clicking HERE.
Skope Magazine review of 'Junkyard Waltz' (by Jimmy Rae)
"...Executive produced by Bootsy Collins and produced by Tobe “Tobotius” Donohue & Freekbass, 'Junkyard Waltz' is an instant classic! Freekbass proves that he is one bad…. “shut your mouth!”…..I’m just talkin’ about Freekbass people. Freekbass and his trusty bass go hand in hand just like Superman and the “S” on his chest; they are one in the same. Freekbass also brings some different styles to the table like hip-hop elements along with darker layers. But, in the end the Funk bass extraordinaire always brings the funk and Junkyard Waltz is no different..."
Freekbass cover story in the 'Healthy Hippie Magazine'
Freekbass is one of the cover stories in the new issue of the Healthy Hippie Magazine out of Burlington, VT . In an interview with the magazine, Freekbass talks about his personal experience building a green home , and the ups and downs of today's music business.
Order 'Junkyard Waltz' - AVAILABLE NOW
You can order the new Freekbass CD , Junkyard Waltz, by clicking to: www.homegrownmusic.net .
The studio release is produced by Tobotius & Freekbass, and Executive produced by Bootsy Collins. Guest appearances on the CD include Bernie Worrell, Buckethead, Mike Gordon, Jen Durkin, Mudbone, DJizzle, Candice Cheatham, and others. The CD includes a bonus , "hard-copy-only" track version of the Golden Earring song 'Twighlight Zone'.
An Interview with Freekbass (HomeGrownMusic.net)
January 2nd, 2009 Posted by: Robie
"Freekbass is by far one of the most talented bass players performing today. I had a chance to chat with Chris Sherman (a.k.a. Freekbass) about his new album and his collaboration with Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, Buckhead and Mike Gordon."
CityBeat review of 'Junkyard Waltz' (by Mike Breen)
"...Junkyard Waltz is the past, present and future of Funk all rolled into one.
Like his pioneering forefathers (such as his mentor/exec producer Bootsy Collins), Sherman has taken the basics of Funk and turned them inside out..."
Editor In Chief Bill Leigh reviews the new Freekbass CD 'Junkyard Waltz' in the December 2008 issue of Bass Player magazine :"...Junkyard Waltz is Freekbass's most fully formed and groovealicious outing... "(full review available in the magazine).
... Funk seems to flow right out of Freekbass’ soul and flows smoothly like crystal, clear water to his bass guitar. Grooveyard is a new album by Freekbass, which was recorded live at 20th Century Theatre in Cincinnati, Ohio...
*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.
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
NEW Instant FUNK PodCast
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.
NEW Instant FUNK PodCast
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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
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
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
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.
" 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
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.
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 !
Zen and the Art of Bass Amplifier Management
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.
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.
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
Bass Player Live !
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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!
