146 – Luis Espaillat: Pro Bass Player’s Perspective, Connecting with Drummers Live and in the Studio

Luis Espaillat is a multi-faceted bassist and musician whose career has spanned many genres and taken him around the world. His unique sound can be heard in all forms of media from shows on network television such as Smallville and King Of The Hill, major motion pictures including S.W.A.T. and American Wedding and even video games including Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 and Project Gotham Racing.

In the studio, Luis has recorded with country legends like Michael Martin Murphey to the Billboard Top 20 hard rock sounds of Eve To Adam. His sense and respect for the art of the song itself has made him in demand for many songwriters and producers not only in Nashville, but also Los Angeles and New York City. On the stage, Luis has performed with country stars Trace Adkins, Jamie O’Neal, Jimmy Wayne, Lindsay Ell, Jake Owen, Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, James Otto, Tanya Tucker and Doc Walker, rockers such as Tantric and Bo Bice, progressive instrumentalist like Johnny Hiland, and even artists that defy normal convention such as country rapper Colt Ford, just to name a few.

A graduate of Berklee College Of Music, Luis also conducts clinics and master classes on the world of studio recording, touring and of course, bass.

Luis resides in Nashville, TN with his wife, three children and three dogs.

In this episode, Luis talks about:

Working with Trace Adkins and balancing touring with sessions

Playing with a major label signed rock band

The challenge of making life changing decisions

The importance of real relationships

The power of positivity on stage

The roll he plays in the rhythm section

Note length from the bass & it’s effect on the groove

Connecting with drummers live and in the studio

Advice for young drummers

Advice for experienced drummers

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums