Derek Frank has been playing bass for nearly 20 years. He started his professional career in Cleveland, Ohio, where (while attending high school) he honed his chops playing in jazz clubs and playing for local musical theatre productions. He studied music at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan, and at the University of Miami.
In May, 1997 (after a brief stint in Boston), Derek packed his bags (and basses) and moved to Los Angeles. Since his arrival, he has proven to be an in-demand musician both on stage and in the studio. He has performed and/or recorded with an impressive list of artists, including: Brian Auger, Aly & AJ, Mozella, Siedah Garrett, Jennifer Paige, Jonatha Brooke, Christina Aguilera, and Alejandra Guzman. As a studio musician, Derek has worked with such producers as Todd Rundgren, Neil Avron, and Greg Poree, and has played bass on tracks alongside such legendary musicians as Vinnie Colaiuta and Joe Sample. He has also recorded music for the television shows "Ally McBeal", "Malcolm and Eddie", "State of Grace", and “Malcolm in the Middleâ€. Aside from recording for television, Derek has appeared on camera performing with artists such as Rachel Yamagata, Bonnie McKee, and Lari White (and also with some of the aforementioned artists).
In 2002 and 2003, Derek spent much of his time touring Europe and the USA as a member of legendary keyboardist and acid-jazz pioneer Brian Auger’s band, “The Oblivion Expressâ€. Derek’s musical relationship with Brian Auger has lasted up until the present day, although he is currently more-or-less a part-time member of the Oblivion Express. Derek recorded a live DVD and double-length CD with the band in 2005, and has recently joined the band for tours of the US and Japan. Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express has given Derek the opportunity to lock down a mean groove while showcasing his soloing chops, blending the styles of Funk, R&B, Jazz, and Fusion.
In 2006 -2007, Derek was a band member of Hollywood Records recording artists “Aly & AJâ€. He has played numerous concerts with the girls all over the USA, performed on television with them, and rocked out in their music videos for the songs “Chemicals React†and “The Greatest Time of Yearâ€.
Derek's most recent touring situations have been playing bass for the Summer 2007 and Winter 2008 "Dancing With the Stars" tours... a live arena show spun off from the hit ABC television series.
Currently, Derek is in LA working on material for his own album project, balancing tours with various artists, and doing many other performances and recording sessions as a freelance musician. He has also developed a website called "Bass Tracks Online" , offering budget-conscious singers, songwriters, producers, and composers, who may not otherwise have access to a studio bass player, a way to obtain custom bass tracks for their songs online. Click Here to Check it Out! Derek passionately thumps away on 4 & 5 string fretted and fretless basses, expands his tonal palette with the use of synth bass and various effects, and he plays & endorses Celinder Basses, Aguilar amplifiers, Seymour Duncan pickups, and DR strings.?
Derek's Video Montage
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Bass Solo w/ Brian Auger's Oblivion Express
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