We were lucky to catch up with Albert Hobson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Albert, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
At the age of Thirteen I had to spend a summer at my Grandmother’s. During this time the Redd Foxx sitcom Sanford and son came on weekly. While watching an episode Redd Foxx performed a skit with a wash bucket bass; made out of a wash bucket a string and broom handle. After the show I was sitting around bored and thought to myself, I can make this thing. So, I went out to the shed and found all the parts to make the bass. My Grandmother wanted to kill for drilling a hole in her wash bucket to attach the string. This is how it all started.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a Producer I’ve been fortunate to work side by side with my best friend Clyde Chilldress for the past twenty five years. Our journey started in Seattle where we met in the late seventies touring in a band together. Our music and a deeper dive into our journey can be found on our website www.docalmistaclyde.com.
As a professional bassist I’ve been blessed to travel the world and work with some really great musicians. I currently study with Bassist and Educator Kai Eckhardt who introduced me to a new bass language. the language consists of bass notes and rhythm being played simultaneously. This is combined with time signatures 3-9 which allows two basses or more to play together synchronized. I also work as freelance bassist and have worked with many well known artists; this information can be found on our website. The greatest part of being a musician is you will never stop growing and getting better; the pursuit of perfection.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Listening learning and application are probably some of the most important qualities a musician should have.
Listening to all styles of music is very important no matter what instrument you play. For example when I was starting out on bass I would listen to: Stanley Clarke (Jazz fusion) Geddy Lee (rock) Bernard Edwards (R&B) Jaco Pastorius (Jazz) Lee Sklar (session Bassist all styles).
Learning about music and theory is very Important also because it broadens your level of creativity. As a Bassist I need to be able to understand what the other instrumentalists are playing so I can define chord changes. Theory helps me expand the process by having harmonic options that will extend chord voicings.
Application is considered by some to be the most important part because after you learn you need to be able to perform. It is very important to practice until things become second nature because when the curtain opens you don’t have time to second guess what you want to play. This is accomplished by playing with other musicians as much as possible.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Years ago I was traveling with a keyboard player who was trying to encourage me to practice more. He bought a book and gave it to me. From the moment I opened the book I was hooked on learning. the book was The Method by the great bassist Chuck Rainey. his resume consists of: Marvin Gaye, Jackson five, Steely Dan and numerous Television and film scores. I taught myself how to read music studying Chuck rainey’s book cover to cover.
When it comes to the record project that Clyde and I share, we’re looking for professional musicians to help showcase our project. We’d like to collaborate with Drums Keyboards and a horn player (Sax/Trumpet). If any of these musicians are interested they can go on our website and learn more about what we’re doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.docalmistaclyde.com
- Facebook: Albert hobson
Image Credits
Allejandra Hobson
Jose pasilas
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