Nashville bassist and producer Dave Pomeroy talks about his new album, fighting on behalf of musicians and more
Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
August 21, 2017
By David Sands
Dave Pomeroy holds a special place for many in the bass community. In addition to being a sought-after session musician and sideman, he’s been a guiding force for the development of all-bass music for several decades now. In the 1990s, he established his All-Bass Orchestra, an ensemble which has featured up to 22 bass players playing at once. And, with co-author Emily Kaitz, he wrote “The Day The Bass Players Took Over The World,” a song captured in a memorable 1996 video that featured the orchestra along with special guests Victor Wooten, Steve Bailey, Oteil Burbridge and Bill Dickens.
A veteran of Nashville’s music scene, Pomeroy has played on more than 500 albums, including six Grammy winners. Known for his wide range, he’s performed with a diverse roster of artists that includes the likes of Emmylou Harris, Sting, Alison Krauss, Alan Jackson, John Fogerty, Peter Frampton, Mose Allison, Elton John and Trisha Yearwood, among others. In the 1980s and ’90s, he toured and recorded with country Music legend Don Williams. He’s also received rave reviews for his work with the Irish folk group The Chieftains, specifically for his virtuosity in stretching the boundaries of the bass as an instrument. In terms of his own work, Pomeroy has released over a dozen projects through his label Earwave Records, the latest being his new album Angel in the Ashes.
As for accolades, he’s received multiple awards from Nashville Metro Magazine, including “Studio Musician of the Year” and “Jazz Band of the Year” for his jazz group Tone Patrol, and was named “Bassist of the Year” at the Nashville Music Awards. Pomeroy is also President of the Nashville Musician’s Association, which is affiliated with the American Federation of Musicians.
FBPO’s Jon Liebman caught up with Pomeroy during this year’s Summer NAMM show in Nashville for a conversation that covered the inspiration behind his new album, why he’s crazy for Kala U-Basses and more.
Watch our interview with Dave:
[table id=1066 /]
