ARTIST OF THE MONTH



AL CARTY - Alicia Keys, Gavin DeGraw, Carrie Underwood, Ashanti

David Avenius - You have played with artists from Ashanti to Gavin DeGraw, to your current gig with Rob Thomas - is there some aspect of playing bass that connects all of these gigs for you?

Al Carty - Yes. Groove consciousness. Not all R&B is the same. The same thing goes for rock, hip-hop, gospel, country, jazz, etc. But if you listen to a lot of music (not just a lot of bass), you understand how to fit the picture and "color" it appropiately. I'm known for my "coloring".

DA - If someone wanted to become more familiar with your playing what would be the best examples for them to check out?  What are a few songs that you are most proud of playing on?

AC - There's a song entitled "God Is Good" by gospel artist Deitrick Haddon (I had fun "coloring" that one). "Officially Missing You" by R&B singer Tamia. There's also a limited edition bonus disc by Rob Thomas called "Something More". I'm on 2 cuts there.

VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE.COM....Alicia Keys "Sweet Music"  - BET 106 & ParkCarrie Underwood "Inside Your Heaven"  - NBC / The Today Show anything live by Rob Thomas

DA - Do the artists you play with ask you for a particular tone or to play a particular kind of bass?

AC - No. At least not yet. My basic tone fits most situations whether it's studio or live, but I may alter it if I hear something different and then they pretty much like my tonal choices. That also comes from listening a lot. My main axe is a '97 Pensa 5 string that's on 95% of my work. I have a few others including fretless & acoustic basses. I also have a slew of effects pedals, and I can program synths for keybass stuff. When you know your gear, you can offer options to fit the music.

DA - What is it about Aguilar that helps you in all of these different environments?

AC - It's the most consistent rig ever, tonally. The power section has plenty of headroom and doesn't affect your tone. The master knob ONLY changes the volume. The preamp is warm, but clear. The EQ curves sit just right for me. However, as long as my cabinets aren't hidden under a riser or something, I play with the EQ nearly flat. The better an amp sounds, the less EQ you need. I've had soundguys compliment me on my sound since they can pretty much put up a fader and call it a day. It's a different story with some other rigs.

DA - What advice would you give to bass players looking to do gigs like yours?

AC - Play as much as you can with people who you feel are better or more experienced than you. It pushes you. Practice with a metronome or click. Realize that you can learn something from everybody, even if it's what NOT to do. Hang out at jam sessions and open mics. You never know who you'll meet or hear.

DA - Where should we look for you next?  What's the next thing you're looking forward to?

AC - Lately, I've been focusing on producing and writing music for urban and pop artists. But I'm also scheduled to do a fall gospel tour with artists Deitrick Haddon and Kelly Price. Check out myspace.com/alcartybass to stay tuned for those and other dates.

DA - Thanks Al!