Multi-faceted bassist talks of the influence of James Jamerson and Anthony Jackson

Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
June 10, 2019

By David Sands

Basil Fearrington holds an enduring place in the world of funk, soul and R&B music. Over the years, the Philly-born bassist, composer and producer has played on a slew of hit records, working with world renowned artists like Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Sister Sledge, Donny Hathaway, The Spinners and Mary J. Blige as well as more jazz-oriented performers like George Benson, Grover Washington, Jr., Jean Luc Ponty and Michal Urbaniak. What’s more, he was a member of production team that won a Grammy in 1980 for Stephanie Mills’ song “Never Knew Love Like This Before,” and later worked as a member of a team of musicians scored music for the television show New York Undercover.

FBPO’s Jon Liebman recently spoke with Fearrington in his hometown of Philadelphia for an interview covering his early days in the music business, the role of mentors like Anthony Jackson and Alphonso Johnson and his latest album, Kameerijano.

Watch our interview with Basil!

See Jon’s blog, with key takeaways from this interview, here.