Seasoned Nashville bassist/producer on learning bass and the latest Mr. Groove album
Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
January 31, 2022
Tim Smith is a well-known bassist and producer on Nashville’s studio scene. A native of the Carolinas, Tim comes from a highly musical family that includes his late uncle, Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith, who was a popular radio and TV host with strong ties to the country music scene. Growing up in this environment allowed Smith to rub shoulders with musical greats like Johnny Cash and James Brown during his formative years. He became a professional musician himself at a young age, recording on albums while still a teenager. After studying music at the University of Miami, Smith relocated to Nashville where he soon began playing with the likes of Tom Jones, Dolly Parton, and Kris Kristofferson. Later in his career he would go onto collaborate with saxophonist Boots Randolph and singer Bonnie Bramlett to form the band Mr. Groove with his guitar-playing brother Roddy. Smith is also an educator whose experience includes teaching at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music.
Watch our interview with Tim!
See Jon’s blog, with key takeaways from this interview here.
FBPO:
Have you done features about the ergonomics of bass playing and string players concerning physical issues affecting performance such as arthritis and other maladies of the hands, arms, shoulders, backs and numerous other body parts necessary for playing string instruments? 🤕🤔
I’ve attained the functional age of 70+ years with spreading osteoarthritis affecting my fingers and shoulders seriously eroding my playing ability: any suggestions? 🤨
😎🎸
Fritz4Bass
Fritz & The Cat(s)
Thanks for the question, Fritz. You might enjoy watching this interview we did on the subject with Dr. Randall Kertz. Here’s the link: https://forbassplayersonly.com/dr-randall-kertz/
Hey guys–thanks for your interest in our music. As you all know, the industry has changed so rapidly–record companies are not spreading around budgets like in the “old days” and we are all trying to finance making records and new ways to deliver those records to listeners. Our new Mr Groove project, “Meadow Park” is finished and we are so happy with it. As always, my brother Roddy is co-leading with me, and the great Keith Carlock is playing drums. In addition, another hero, Lenny Castro is playing percussion. A good time was had by all. Our plan right now is to make this available by summer’s end on a new youtube page that we are in the process of constructing. In addition to this project, it will be highlighting other things that we do musically, including country, pop, and Contemporary Christian music. I will make sure that Jon has all the details as soon as we have it going. Happy bass playing!!
Tim! Reach out at some point – it will be great to hear from you. Find me on LinkedIn if you don’t have current contact information. Peace.