3Below -- adventures in Mexico

3Below (Michael Manring, Alonso Arreola and myself) spent the whole of last week in Mexico. And when I say the "whole week" I mean it. For most of the days we were getting up at 5 or 6am and then going full steam until 1 or 2am. We did a bucketload of interviews interspersed with rehearsals, air travel, sound checks, shows and workshops.

3Below is one of the most unusual groups I have ever been involved with. For starters >>> Three Bass Players. Right there you either have me intrigued or you REALLY don't have me at all! For my money, the idea of it sounds completely preposterous. Who wants to hear three bass players? And only the sound of three bass players? No other instruments at all! I'm pretty sure I don't, but then...

OK, admitedly we aren't just three regular bass players. I extend far beyond the bass register and both Michael and Alonso have a plethora of exotic and extended sounds in their musicial suitcases. But still, three?

Yes, the answer is YES. As ridiculous as it sounds this group is phenomenal. It really is. We play as a trio, we play in duos and we each do a solo segment. In a way it is a celebration of our instruments. But in truth, there are thousands and thousands of folks who play instruments like ours. So, the real story is this group is a celebration of everything each of us bring to the table. And then the combination of the three.

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