Ecuadorian-born hotshot Francisco “Pancho” Tomaselli on going from Berklee to LA, snagging gigs with War and Philm
Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
December 17, 2012
Born in Quito, Ecuador, Francisco “Pancho” Tomaselli began playing bass at a young age before moving to the U.S., where he studied music business and management at Boston’s acclaimed Berklee College of Music.
After receiving his degree, Pancho relocated to Los Angeles, where he became immersed in the West Coast music scene. Tomaselli got a job in the A&R department at Virgin Records, where he put his music business skills to work, assisting with projects for pop icons Janet Jackson, Lenny Kravitz and Ben Harper.
Sensing his true calling as a performing musician, Pancho set out on a career as an independent bass player. Almost immediately, he was hired to play on recordings for artists including Tricky and Carlos Santana. He has also performed with The Latin Project, Vikter Duplaix and George Pajon (Black Eyed Peas) and has done remixes for Nelly Furtado, Café Tacuba and Molotov.
In 2003, Pancho became the bass player for the legendary funk band, War, a gig he still holds today. He also performs in the alternative metal band, Philm, with Gerry Nestler (Civil Defiance) and Dave Lombardo (Slayer). FBPO’s Jon Liebman caught up with Pancho at Bass Player Live! 2012.
Watch out interview with Pancho!
