| There's a small club here in LA called La Ve Lee, usually featuring jazz/fusion, that has some pretty good local players appear- Scott Henderson, Poncho Sanchez, Marco Mendoza, Freddy Ravel etc.
About 5 years ago, there was a sign saying "Appearing Tonight-
Rocco Prestia".
That's something you don't see very often.
The show opened with a 5-piece instrumental rhythm section- Guitar, bass, drums, keys, sax- but no Rocco. They were very good, doing some instrumental funk R&B based tunes.
After 3 numbers, the bassist announced a "special guest" and Rocco took the stage.
I've NEVER seen a better example of a Bassist taking a dominant role and elevating the level of music BECAUSE of his groove and skills.
(BTW, I've seen Jaco w/ Weather Report - live- and many many other stellar players).
But that was the PREMIERE example of what the bass does when it's played well-Rocco was so good, so tight, so amazing- to hear him play in a small club setting, up close... I was stoked to say the least.
Not only that- He was one of the most humble, easy going, personable individuals you could imagine, extremely grateful and mellow when I thanked him for the experience.
I'm glad to know he's OK.
He is one of the finest players to ever nail a groove on the Bass guitar.
Amazing.
Last edited by realdeal : 07-10-2007 at 07:22 PM.
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No longer even attempting to play
