The Manhattan Transfer

So this spring I got called to audition for the internationally renowned Grammy Award winning group, The Manhattan Transfer. I didn’t quite know what to think or expect. I went through the process of learning a few tunes and getting mentally prepared to be judged and dismissed-as can be the case in the awkward experience of auditions. I felt prepared and figured to just do my best and hope for the best.

When I left the audition I felt good about my playing. That is a rarity! Well, I figured I put my best foot forward and would be accepting of whatever the outcome would be. I was pleasantly surprised when the manager called me the very next day to offer me the gig!

It has been a good experience thus far. There has been a lot of music to learn and digest in a very short period of time! Not only that, but I am on the go non stop. I hit the ground running with my first performance being at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. So much for easing me into the gig! All went well on that first gig and I am now traveling all over with them.

The double duty of electric bass and upright bass on the gig is challenging physically and musically. One moment I am doing my best Jaco impression on Birdland and the next I am trying to sound like I belong in Count Basie’s band! As soon as I think I have that under my fingers, I am on to my best job of James Jamerson Motown to 50’s doo-wop rhythm section to Tin Pan Alley style 2 feel playing. The challenges also lie in trying to perform the music as accurately as possible from night to night. Once you think you have a slight grasp on that, don’t forget that I have usually about 10-20 seconds to switch axes before the next tune starts!!

Well, it has been keeping me on my toes and is a great exercise in mental focus. One of the best perks about the gig is the serious level of musicianship amongst this band. They are all serious players of the highest level.

Well, this is the latest update from the world of G.Wicks. More to come soon!!