In-demand bass groover talks solo shows, trio gigs, and TMF band
Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
November 27, 2023
Bear Williams (a/k/a Larry Kimpel) is a bassist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer, originally from Chicago. Over the course of his stellar career, Bear has toured with Anita Baker, The Staples Singers, and Frankie Beverly & Maze. He’s also performed and/or recorded with a long list of music luminaries, including Stevie Wonder, Alanis Morissette, Mary J. Blige, Steve Perry, George Duke, Branford Marsalis, Vanessa Williams, and Lou Rawls.
Watch our interview with Bear!
See Jon’s blog, with key takeaways from this interview here.
The easiest instrument I found to play was the guitar. You had everything right there- cords, notes and the #*&%! B string. It was to me like a small piano. I did some classical music solos with my guitar at some get togethers our congregation had which I loved. I got into finger picking which I really got into until my hands gave out. I played drums since high school so I can’t comment on how easy or hard they are to play. The woodwinds are definitely hard. I found the bass frustratingly hard. I wish I could play by ear. I could tune my tympani by ear. I can though, read music and play bass which I love to do. Oh well!