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| How Freddie Washington Got 'Ready' To Be 'In The Moment' Legendary bassist Freddie Washington has hundreds of credits playing as a session and touring musician with artists in a wide range of genres from The Temptations to The Tubes, but on his debut 'In The Moment' (out now from RFW Productions), Washington steps into the limelight as writer, producer and bandleader. Says Washington, "I've been in the back all my life, so it's great for me to be out front right now. Especially since I have something to say." 'In The Moment' is a cool, full-bodied re-invention of "quiet storm." A standout example of his lyrical bass playing style, which fuses jazz, gospel, R&B and pop, is the funky disc-closer "Set It Off." Freddie's debut release is just the latest stop on his musical journey. Washington began as a spunky, classically trained 19-year-old trying to break into the music business who one day in the 1970s was asked to join Herbie Hancock on tour. Today, he's the first call many make when looking for a bass player - some recent examples are Smokey Robinson's 'Time Flies When You're Having Fun' and Steely Dan's Rent Party 2009 world tour - and is widely recognized by his moniker "Ready" Freddie Washington. Freddie explains, "I chose that name because I see myself as being ready for anything all the time." He adds, "After doing so many sessions, if I'd say 'I'm Freddie Washington, ' they'd say 'Oh, don't you mean "Ready" Freddie?'" write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Jazz News :: home page |