Welcome to Uncle Malcolm's World! Thanks for stopping by. Take off your shoes, pour a drink, and hang out a while.
Who IS Uncle Malcolm?
Most people actually know me as Tony Rivera. I am an independent bassist/guitarist/songwriter who is usually in at least 2 bands at any given time. More recently, I have added synthesizer, upright electric bass, and the Chapman Stick to the list of instruments I enjoy playing.
A brief biography:
I began my music career relatively late in the game at age 15. I selected the electric bass because, well, it only had 4 strings, how hard could that be? My early years were full of blues, classic rock, and heavy metal. And with usual youthful confidence, I figured that I was pretty good since I could play fast.
Then I got to college and was introduced simultaneously to 50s/60s pop music and jazz. And I learned how little I really knew.
Since then, I have been fortunate enough to play in all manner of bands and ensembles. I've done rock, jazz, pop, metal, swing, country, showtunes, choral, gospel, funk, CCM, and emo, to name a few! And why not? Every style of music is unique and offers something fresh and exciting.
And somewhere along the way, music turned into a full time occupation and passion. Whether it's playing hired gun gigs, composing my own music, acting as music director, or playing with a band, the goal is the same: make it sound great.
I am grateful for all the opportunities. And I want to ride this rocket as long as the trip lasts!
The Here and Now:
We're wrapping up the year-long tour of the King Has Lost His Rhyme with the Mr. J Band in the next few weeks. No rest for the wicked though... in June 2009 we start work on Monsters Under My Bed and hit the road until September. Fun fun fun! 5th Ray is also in a place where I can talk about them. It's a hip hop/soul/R&B/rock band with great words from Taz, our fearless leader. We're in the studio as we speak! The Nancy Frieko Rock Imperative is gigging regularly and will hopefully be doing a short tour in September 2009. And yes... the vanity project is finally done.
Present Musical Affiliations:
The Mr. J Band - musical theater for kids, and the main reason this page came into being!
Nancy Frieko Rock Imperative - eclectic, edgy indy rock.
Birdhouse Studio - need instrumentation for your studio project? Give me a jingle!
5th Ray - original hip hop/R&B/soul/funk. Vibe music!
Gear:
I am presently endorsed by... nobody! However, in pursuit of excellence, I do proudly use the following:
* Basses from Spector, Lakland, Music Man, B.C. Rich, Ned Steinberger, and Traben.
* Guitars from Gibson, Music Man, Danelectro, and B.C. Rich.
* Keyboards from Korg.
* A beautiful 10-string Chapman Stick.
* Effects from Korg, Boss, Tech 21, and Danelectro.
* Amplification from Marshall, Mesa Boogie, Ashdown, and Aguilar.
* Recording gear from Boss.
Additionally, I get all my guitar work done at Parsons Guitars in Seattle. Randy is amazing. I highly recommend his services!
Goal:
There are many excellent bass soloists on these pages; artists who do our craft proud. My goal, however, is not necessarily to become one of these players. My goal is to serve the tune as best as I can. That can mean anything from complex riffs to basic grooves and everything in between. I don't need to hear "Wow, you're amazing!" But I DO want to hear "Wow, the band was TIGHT tonight!" And I will smile.
Because I know what that means.
Where did the name Uncle Malcolm come from?
THAT is a story better told in person.
