CHUCK RAINEY & JOHN ANTHONY MARTINEZ Rock Nashville with Rhythm Intensive Bass Camp

by Jack Beal & Kevin McGurk

This article was featured in Bass Frontiers Magazine, August 27, 2015 We Are Grateful TO OUR SPONSORS CHUCK RAINEY AND JOHN ANTHONY MARTINEZ ROCK NASHVILLE WITH RHYTHM Rhythm Intensive® continues to be committed to the arts. Rhythm Intensive® events, workshops, and seminars are made INTENSIVE BASS CAMP possible by our sponsors and their generous contributions. Some of our sponsors are: by Jack Beal & Kevin McGurk Bass Frontiers Magazine August 28, 2015

THIS MONTH legendary support. The schedule included Chuck Rainey, veteran drummer daily master class rotations, John Anthony Martinez and a instructor performances and host of other musical wizards ensemble participation for all the came to Nashville with their attendees. The lessons included in Written the Stars three-day Rhythm Intensive Bass fingering technique, rhythm Productions Camp. Those of us in attendance studies, developing bass lines, at this unique school of groove time and groove, ear training, fell completely under their spell improvisation, creative thinking as they dazzled us with musical and philosophy. The overarching possibilities, wisdom, experience theme of the camp was the all- MUSIC PRODUCTIONS and personal attention. We left the important relationship between camp inspired and empowered. bassist and drummer. The camp was hosted at SIR Nashville who provided excellent studio facilities and technical The vibe at the camp was much more like a family reunion than a clinic. If you missed this amazing For three incredible days camp designed for aspiring Chuck and his friends shared young artists, college their experiences without students, serious amateurs, reservation. No topic was and professional , off limits. We talked about drummers, guitarists and the good, the bad and the keyboard players, fear not! weird of the music business. Chuck and John have other Thoughts were shared about events planned. Rhythm gig etiquette, relationships, What makes Rhythm Intensive is a continuing ego and branding. We were Intensive so extraordinary collaboration between the is the level of musical talent able to spend quality one- two whose mission it is to involved. Chuck and John on-one time not only with John Anthony Martinez & Chuck Rainey transfer and preserve what are joined by some of the Chuck and John but with all they have learned as rhythm most successful players on of the master class musicians masterful demonstration of section players to future the planet who all share a including Bobby Vega, Ed the theremin synthesizer) generations via camps, common goal….to freely Friedland, Victor Wooten, along with a host of other videos, play along audio, share what they have learned Foley, Doug Johns, Jordan fine people who worked books and performances. with others. They love to Simmons, (aka JSimms) and tirelessly to make the Check out their website at teach and it shows. Consider Vail Johnson. All attendees experience meaningful for www.rhythmintensive.com. this faculty: were encouraged to keep in the campers. touch and we were given the personal contact information for each instructor if we needed help in the future. Chuck and John surrounded themselves with a wonderful team of professionals who insured the success of the Nashville Bass Camp. The staff included Shueh-li Ong, (who by the way gave a

Chuck Rainey & Bass Camp attendees John Anthony Martinez & Bass Camp attendees Chuck Rainey John Anthony GODFATHER PASSION OF GROOVE For Chuck, November 4, 2011 was Martinez Chuck Rainey has been called the the day the music died…..almost. Godfather of Groove. Without Most people in music circles know VETERAN DRUMMER argument, he is one of the most that Chuck suffered a cruel stroke John Anthony Martinez is the recorded bass players in the that left him paralyzed on his left managing partner for Rhythm history of recorded music. The side and mute. It appeared that the Intensive. His work ethic and number of albums and songs in his damage might prevent Chuck from organizational skills keep the discography is mind boggling. He ever playing again…..but Chuck is machine clicking like a metronome. has played or recorded with King a passionate guy. He is passionate John and Chuck bring different Curtis, Sam Cooke, , The about life and passionate about talents to the table, but like any original Coasters, Jackie Wilson, music. He wouldn’t quit. With a tight bassist/drummer duo, they Harry Bellefonte, , The white-hot desire to heal, he pushed compliment each other. himself to recover. Over a period of Supremes, Labelle, , John is an alumnus The High School John has authored instructional months he learned to speak again. , of Music and Art, Berklee College works including The Essence of He willed his left hand to strengthen , of Music and Oxford University. He Drumming, a field guide for aspiring and again play those wonderful , is currently an MBA candidate in or professional drummers reflecting grooves we all love. The Jackson 5, the world’s first MBA program for experience gained in over 30 years , Music and the Creative Industries at of drumming professionally, and , CHUCK’S BACK! the Henley Business School in the Foundations in Rhythm. , The good news is that Chuck is UK. John is an in-demand drummer, and BACK! He looks fantastic and his songwriter and producer. When John talks, we listen. He a ton of other playing is “Rock Steady”! Nowadays can get as deep as you want to go folks. in addition to recording and touring, MASTER PARTNER with complicated rhythmic theory; (he leaves for Germany in a few He has often served as guest cross rhythms, polyrhythms, half- SIDEMAN TO weeks), Chuck is teaching…..and lecturer for colleges and secondary time, cut-time, etc., but he has the FRONTMAN we are blessed because of it. If schools. John frequently serves as ability to make the complex simple ever there was a living, breathing Chuck’s magic fingers can be heard a consultant providing songwriting, to understand. It’s all about playing example of an epic comeback story, all over some of the best music music and audio services to the well with others and John is a look no further than the remarkable ever written. He has attained music and media industries. master partner. Chuck Rainey. We all love his music, unprecedented success as a and now having spent a few days player, writer and collaborator. He with him, you learn to love the man easily transforms from sideman to He has recorded or performed with Neal McCoy, , Bailey Brown, Ronnie Laws, Tom Browne, Jesse behind the music as well. A living Powell, Bill Tillman, Bernard Wright, Dennis Edwards & the Temptations, Larry Blackmon, Yarbrough & Peoples, Shelly frontman to showman to shaman. Carroll, Russ Taff, Phil Driscoll, Cindy Cruise-Ratcliff, Kim Waters, Andy Timmons, Tim Ishii, Dallas Orchestra, legend indeed! However, his career has not been Don Johnson, Bobby Sparks, Alvin Slaughter, , and the Johnnie High Country Music Revue TV show. He is currently music director for Main Street LIVE, (aka the Grapevine Opry), drummer for the Country Music Hall of without its hard knocks. Fame, and drummer for the Chuck Rainey Coalition. Music and hasn’t looked back. He has a Masters Degree in education and is a prolific author. Ed wrote “Building Bobby Vega Walking Bass Lines”, a Hal Leonard publication which has been studied by WHAT A TALENT generations of bassists. He has written Bobby Vega began his professional countless instructional articles for Bass career at age 16 with Sly and the Family Player magazine, Bass Guitar magazine Stone. He knows how to play funky…… and Guitar World. Ed is still writing and any other way for that matter. His talent is amazing, but Bobby will be the books for Hal Leonard and doing gear discography includes over 100 albums. first to say that practice is the key. “The reviews for Guitar World and Bass Gear Bobby has toured or recorded with sound is in your hands….you learn the magazines. After living in Austin for 10 , , Baba instrument by spending time with it.” Ed Friedland years, Ed is moving to Nashville. His Olantunji, Joan Baez, Bob Weir, Kitaro, Chuck Rainey and Bobby obviously latest project is an upcoming tour with Tower of Power, Etta James, Mickey share a close friendship. Their respect THE BASS WHISPERER The Mavericks as their bassist. Hart, Jefferson Starship, Santana and for each other is likewise abundantly Ed Friedland is known as the Bass Jerry Garcia among others. His unique apparent. Bobby talked of growing up Whisperer. He knows the instrument rich driving sound is achieved with listening to Chuck’s music. “Those songs and knows how to use it. He also knows a combination of pick, finger, thumb were the soundtrack of my life!” So how to communicate. As a lecturer, he or all of the above. Bobby’s picking/ when Chuck called about the Rhythm is one of those guys who can “turn on muting technique blends ghost notes Intensive gig in Nashville, Bobby was all the light bulb” and make you understand tastefully laid between powerful chord in…….and we are so glad he came. His a concept. Ed advises, “Groove the tones producing a driving groove that is insights and humor gave the event extra rests as hard as you groove the notes!” uniquely his. spice. What a talent! Sometimes it’s the space between the Bobby captivates audiences with the notes that makes all the difference. raw power he brings to the instrument. Ed grew up in New York and attended He feels the groove from his feet, the High School of Music and Art in (which are in constant motion), through Manhattan. He picked up the bass his soul and finally to his fingers. His while attending the Berklee College of

Doug Johns & Jordan Simmons SUPERFUNKY The dynamic duo of Doug Johns and of effects, these two masters create a sizzling superfunky sound to rival a 7 piece ! Their Jordan Simmons, aka JSimms, is the educational message was delivered loud and clear: “Listen to each other!” “Help each other!” and when mistakes happen, “Cover perfect example of what is possible for each other!” Jordan hails from Lorain, Ohio where he works as a full-time drummer, teacher and music director for Grace when a great bassist and a great Covenant Church and Living Word Church. He plays Cold Mountain Drums and Amedia Cymbals. Doug has worked with Victor drummer play together. Who needs Wooten, Buddy Miles, The LA Mass Choir, Aaron Lindsey, Chuck Rainey and many others. His albums include, Doug Johns guitars and keyboards? Armed only with (2006), Pocket Fulla Nasty (2008), Stank (2010) and Blomp (2012). Doug plays Pedulla Basses and uses DR strings. a , a Pedulla bass and a handful Vail Johnson Foley BASS MONSTER LEAD BASSIST Another surprise for the attendees was WITH a stellar performance by Vail Johnson, longtime bassist for Kenny G among Foley may be best known for his time as others. As a solo artist, Vail has become “lead bassist” with Miles Davis. However After an outstanding demonstration the Bass Monster and JazzAmericana he has also shared the stage with Sly of “percussion bass” playing, (on an Crooner. His demonstration of bass as Stone, George Clinton, Santana, Herbie instrument borrowed on the spot a lead/solo instrument was absolutely Hancock, , Chaka Khan, Patrice from Bobby Vega), Foley talked of the stunning! Again, who needs a guitar Rushen, El DeBarge, Al Jarreau, Alice “business of bass” and shared some player? Vail has expanded the role of the in Chains, Foreigner, Bootsy Collins, gems he picked up from Miles Davis. bass guitar to the outer limits! Fishbone, Arrested Development, David Branding and originality have a place in He was also kind enough to bring Sanborn, Jungle Bros., Macy Gray, Mint a player’s success and Foley knows the along gifts of his latest CD, “flow”. It Condition, Monica, Davina, Larry Dunn, ropes. He also knows how to work with is an addictive instrumental work that Lenny White, Marcus Miller, Chris Dave various artists and give them what they showcases Vail’s superior talents and and Primus. want in a song. He recalled Miles Davis telling him, “Play one half of what you should be in everyone’s collection. You normally play.” Good advice for all. won’t stop listening to it.

Victor Wooten KEEPING THE GROOVE ALIVE and strength required to play well, reminding us that bassists seldom get a chance to The event included some unexpected rest during a song. The guitarist and keyboard players may get an occasional break, but treats. Although Victor Wooten was the rhythm section is always keeping the groove alive. Strength training is a necessary part of the preparation to play well. not listed as an instructor, he just came You have to listen to a man like Victor. He has won 5 Grammy Awards; been named “Bass Player of the Year” three times in a by during the camp to honor his friend row by Bass Player magazine. He has been bassist for Bela Fleck and the Flecktones since the group’s formation in 1988. Victor Chuck Rainey and to share his insights. created “Victor Wooten’s Center for Music and Nature” located in Only, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville, where he holds Chuck and Victor discussed the stamina classes in spring and summer. Chester Thompson Dr. Randall Kertz CHIROPRACTOR & Eric Struthers & BASS PLAYER Dr. Randall Kertz, a Chiropractic CHESTER & ERIC Physician and Acupuncturist, presented Imagine playing in an ensemble with , , and is a excellent advice on how to prevent Chester Thompson on the drumkit and founding member of the band Fire injuries common to musicians, Eric Struthers on guitar. Been there, Merchants. He is an adjunct instructor especially bass players. Dr. Kertz is done that! Chester and Eric were kind at Belmont University’s School of Music the primary physician at Health Care enough to offer their time and talent to in Nashville. Specialists, Ltd., and has been practicing the Camp and patiently worked with the Eric is probably best known for his chiropractic and acupuncture for over To summarize, one could describe campers on their improvisational skills. work with the Neville Brothers but has 15 years. He also holds a Bachelor of the Nashville Rhythm Intensive Bass Chester made a name for himself as also worked with Michael McDonald, Science degree in Human Biology. His Camp as a truly remarkable event, a session drummer before playing in Francine Reed, Shane Theriot, Bill primary treatment center is located in bringing together brilliant teachers and ’s touring band. He has Deraime, Elvin Spencer, Smoky Niles, Illinois, although he frequently appreciative students in an environment played with or recorded with Weather Greenwell, Victor Wooten and performs services at other venues. conducive to intimate and informal Report, Genesis, , Santana, Jimmy Buffet. interaction. The recipe works! Chuck Dr. Kertz, a bass player himself, often told us, “A teacher does not teach you treats musicians for various injuries anything, you teach yourself. A teacher they may sustain on the road or locally just shows you what is possible!” and is the on-call chiropractor for many Mission accomplished. We learned what Chicago area musicians. His clientele is possible, Chuck. Thank you. includes many local and national acts. He has written a book, The Bassists Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health which can be found on his website, www.drkertz.com. 2015 Nashville Bass Camp

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1) Rhythm Intensive® drawstring backpack, 2) Vail Johnson, 3) Foley & John, 4) Bobby Vega, 5) Chuck & John, 6) Leah, Chuck, John with his custom made Laudo drum & Joe Christian, owner & patent owner of Laudo, 7) Chuck & Chester Thompson, 8) Ed Friedland For more information regarding Rhythm Intensive® contact us at:

Rhythm Intensive® P.O. Box 92972 Southlake, TX 76092. (615) 274•9846 [email protected]

www.rhythmintensive.com

Managing Partners websites: www.chuckrainey.com & www.johnanthonymartinez.com.