Bassist Brad Russell prides himself on being a musician that can adapt to multiple genres and styles. His experiences in the music industry range from Rock to Musical Theatre. Arguably, the bass does not receive as much shine as other instruments but Brad brings a specific showmanship and presence whenever he performs. Dive into his Instructor Spotlight interview below!
Tell us about your background; how did you get started working in the music industry? What inspired you to work in music?
I was inspired to start playing music by my family. My older brothers were professional musicians by the time they were teenagers also my father was a drummer & bass player and my mother was and is a great appreciator of music ( she actually saw Charlie Parker, the Beatles and Elvis live!!). My instructor as a teenager was Max Janowsky from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and he was such a great teacher he inspired me to teach later in life.
What do you do when you’re not working at DIME?
What is your favorite class to teach at DIME?
What has been your proudest moment as a DIME Instructor?
One of the proudest moments so far at DIME is hearing my students be able to successfully apply some of the bass lines or concepts I’ve shown them in musical performance. I’ve seen my students start to be able to connect some of the music theory I’ve taught them to bass lines in a “real world “ sense of application.
Who are your biggest musical inspirations?
What are you listening to right now? Do you have any recommendations we should check out?
Animals as Leaders are cool and Jazz Fusion bassist - Janek Gwizdala.
