Travelin’ Black Hillbilly talks extended-range basses, Vanessa Williams gig
Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
June 12, 2023
They call him the “Travelin’ Black Hillbilly.” St. Louis native Al Caldwell is a multi-instrumentalist known for his pioneering work with both extended-range basses and the banjo. In addition to being a sought-after session player, he has a long-running association with singer Vanessa Williams. Caldwell joined her band as bassist in 1997 and left recently to pursue his own projects. In addition to helping expand the horizons of the bass, he is also a prolific songwriter, producer, passionate advocate of the banjo and bandleader of the Travelin’ Black Hillbillies Band.
Watch our interview with Al!
See Jon’s blog, with key takeaways from this interview here.
Al is a very intelligent man in addition to being AN AMAZING AND EDUCATED MUSICIAN WITH A GREAT ATTITUDE!!!!! I never thought about Jaco the way Al does but I totally agree with his assessment!!! To be able to take lessons from the legendary Anthony Jackson is priceless!!! I was blessed to see Al with Vanessa Williams on the 2023 Smooth Jazz Cruise and almost fell out of my chair when he was introduced!!! I love his take on the “greatest”. PHENOMENAL INTERVIEW!!!
Thanks for that uplifting comment, Keith!
Jon,
Lovely interview/conversation, thank you!
I have known Al since the early 80’s. We met in the practice rooms at what was, then, Webster College(now Webster University). He was a fantastic player already.
What I have always enjoyed about him is his curiosity and imagination; I have ALWAYS left our conversations feeling inspired and motivated to explore new ideas, concepts, experiences, and other arts. We invariably end up laughing our asses off, too(he’s hilarious!). I have been fortunate enough to hear him play trumpet, banjo, bass, and guitar on Skype calls over the years. I see/hear him as a composer/bassist who plays a bunch of other instruments REALLY well, and views music-making as a story-telling art, in the deepest sense.
If you can make a lunch date with Al happen at the next NAMM show, do it; I guarantee it will be a thoroughly enjoyable experience!
Wishing you and your crew success and fulfillment with your educational endeavors!
Mark
Thanks for sharing all that, Mark! Very uplifting and inspiring. Glad you enjoyed the interview.