The Working Bassist

The Working Bassist, What You Really Need to Know to Survive in New York City Written for bassists and musicians alike, The Working Bassist, What You Really Need to Know to Survive in New York City, is designed to inform musicians and bassists interested in coming to New York City to pursue their musical endeavors. In addition to being informative, the series of interviews has been geared towards inspiring those who are already working musicians and bassists. The book contains over 30 interviews with NYC’s busiest bassists, including top session players, sideman, soloists, bass instructors and NYC luthier, Roger Sadowsky. In addition, author John Carey provides several helpful tips on how to survive in New York City as a working bassist. Interviews include: Johannes Weidenmuller (Kenny Werner & educator at The New School Jazz & Contemporary Music, NYC), Jack Daley (Lenny Kravitz), Patrick Pfeiffer (Bass Guitar for Dummies), Neil Jason (Cindy Lauper), Tim Lefebvre (James Taylor), Conrad Korsch (Rod Stewart), Mark Plati (David Bowie), Steve Jenkins (Vernon Reid), Mike Visceglia (Suzanne Vega), Roger Sadowsky (NYC luthier), Irio O’Farrill (NYC Broadway ace), Meshell Ndegéocello (artist), Reggie Washington, Janek Gwizdala (Mike Stern), Ivan “Funkboy” Bodley (Sam Moore), Paul Frazier (David Byrne), Jeff Allen (Duncan Sheik), Kim Clarke (Defunkt), Percy Jones (Brand X) and many many more!!! REVIEWS: "This kind of veteran information can be considered a kind of survival guide to becoming a working, professional bass player, and should be required reading at music schools." Mike Visceglia – bassist & musical director for Suzanne Vega "John Carey has managed to put together a beautiful palette of colorful characters in his collection of interviews with New York City bassists, shedding light on how focus, dedication and perseverance helped each one of them make it in the ultimate metropolis of the performing arts. Carey’s book should serve as a great inspiration for any new (or old) bass player trying to make it in The Big Apple." Patrick Pfeiffer – bassist & author of Bass Guitar for Dummies & Improve Your Groove “Author and working bassist John Carey has done the legwork for you and interviewed over thirty of New York cities top bassists. After breezing through this easy-to-read book, you will find ‘25 tips for success’, a section with ‘New York City Wisdom, Perspective and Inspiration’ and even a space for your own notes!” Bass Musician Magazine “When New York bassist John Carey first approached me with his book, I thought, Finally! New York has always been extremely alluring but also intimidating, massive and overwhelming, so a guide to a bass player’s specific needs is a godsend. Carey succeeds in bringing focused attention on the real-life experiences of a wide array of New York City bassists. . . Anyone toying with the idea of a move ought to buy this immediately.” Bass Player Magazine "John's book is a great primer for bass players entering the scene. As the Zen Master's say, 'Fight your shame. Learn all you can from others. This is the secret to a successful life.'" John Miller – Broadway contractor, bassist & music coordinator "Carey has assembled a wealth of ideas for networking, sharing specific bass concepts, philosophy and equipment needs." Mark Egan – professional bassist (Sting, Mat Metheny Group, David Sanborn, Joan Osborne) "The Working Bassist, What You Really Need to Know to Survive in New York City, is an essential tool for any bassist who aspires to work in New York City or any other major metropolitan area. This is real world information that will prove to be invaluable to your career." Irio O’Farrill – professional bassist, music educator and author "Relevant questions, interesting and useful answers . . . a detailed but practical reference for musicians everywhere." Lincoln Goines – professional bassist (Randy Brecker, Tito Puente, Michael Brecker, Mike Stern, Dizzy Gillespie