Derek Frank (vocals, keyboards, bass synthesizer, fretless bass, programming); Larry Williams (vocals, trumpet); Alvin Walker (vocals, trombone); Dan Boissy, Annette Frank (vocals); Robert Anderson (violin, viola); Jacob Skekely (cello); Katisse Buckingham (flute); Don Boissy (saxophone); Joel Alpers (percussion).

An adventure in instrumental funk led by Los Angeles bass player Derek Frank. Derek takes us on a journey to the groovy side with music that rings of influences such as Curtis Mayfield, Jamiroquai, Pleasure, Marcus Miller, The Brand New Heavies, etc.

Debut solo album by veteran bass player Derek Frank, 2009 release. Bass player Derek Frank’s affinity for all that is low and funky has recently manifested itself in the release of his long-awaited debut album, “Let the Games Begin…”. This mostly instrumental, bass-heavy funk record projects a sound and vibe that is old and familiar, yet somehow new and unique at the same time. Armed with his flatwound-equipped ’63 Fender Precision Bass (and a few other choice 4 and 5-stringed instruments), Derek takes us on a journey to the groovy side with music that rings of influences such as Curtis Mayfield, Jamiroquai, Pleasure, Groove Collective, The Brand New Heavies, Tower of Power, Marcus Miller, and many others that listeners will simply have to name for themselves. Of the twelve tracks on the album, eight were penned by DF; the remaining four are his instrumental arrangements of covers by the likes of Hall and Oates, Soundgarden, Curtis Mayfield, and even something from early episodes of Sesame Street.

Derek’s album comes to fruition after years of his being a “bass player for hire” on the Los Angeles music scene… spending time on the road and in the studio with all kinds of artists and bands, playing all kinds of music. At some point in every working musicians career, he decides that it’s finally time to start creating and playing the music that he hears in his head, with people that he feels best interpret those particular sounds, drawing on that which has influenced his musical being since its inception. For Derek, that time is now. On this album, DF has enlisted some of LA’s funkiest players, including special guests such as Hammond B-3 organ legend Brian Auger, veteran drummer Steve Ferrone, and up-and-coming hip-hop artist Kosha Dillz. “Let the Games Begin…” is an apt title to kick off this new phase in Derek Frank’s musical life. Look for Derek in the not-too-distant future as he leads his 7-piece horn-injected old-school funk band to stages throughout the world.

TRACK LISTINGS

1. Breakout (LISTEN TO AUDIO)
2. Keep It Fresh (LISTEN TO AUDIO)
3. I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) (LISTEN TO AUDIO)
4. Shake It (Don't Break It) (Interlude) (LISTEN TO AUDIO)
5. Lunchbox (LISTEN TO AUDIO)
6. Pusherman (LISTEN TO AUDIO)
7. Smack Dab (LISTEN TO AUDIO)
8. Trigger-Happy (Interlude) (LISTEN TO AUDIO)
9. Off the Top (LISTEN TO AUDIO)
10. Black Hole Sun (LISTEN TO AUDIO)
11. Pinball Number Count (LISTEN TO AUDIO)
12. Balance (Postlude) (LISTEN TO AUDIO)