Scanning the mid-morning crowd at the Rookwood Commons Starbucks, it should be a cinch to spot Freekbass. Cowboy hat, fur vest, feather boa, red leather chaps; he’ll stand out in this laptop-and-latte aggregation like a mercury light in a mineshaft. Imagine my surprise when Freekbass introduces himself, sporting a down parka vest and woolen cap.
“I got rid of that guy a while ago,” he eventually explains.
These days, Freekbass’ outrage is contextualized by his formidable musical skills, particularly on bass, the instrument that has earned him global attention. His local back story is well documented — befriended by Bootsy Collins, band gigs with Sleep Theatre and SHAG, a burgeoning solo career, sessions and tours with the likes of Buckethead, Bootsy and countless others — but his most recent project might raise his profile to previously unimagined heights.
Assembled early in 2009, Headtronics is a revolving quasi-supergroup featuring renowned turntablist DJ Logic and Particle keyboardist Steve Molitz. The trio began with a push from Phish bassist Mike Gordon, who guested on Freekbass’ last album and, sensing a creative kinship between Freekbass and Logic, suggested they collaborate.
Headtronics perform Saturday at Play By Play Cafe. Go here to read Brian Baker’s full interview.
This article appears in Jan 19-25, 2011.
