Biography
Alana Orr was born and raised in Woodstock, NY, USA. She took to bass naturally, learning mostly from her father, Ted Orr (P-Funk, 420 Funk Mob, BLOB) with supplemental lessons from Bad Brains bassist, Daryl Jenifer, who considers her his protogé. She picked up the bass at age 16 after having learned to play the drums at age 11, and was playing gigs within the first year. While there in Woodstock, she established herself as a very well-known bassist in the area, as she devoted all her free time to music and kept herself busy gigging, recording and playing just about every style of music there is. While living in Woodstock, she was an active member in more than 5 gigging bands at once for several years. While living in Woodstock, Alana played and toured with an all-female rock band that was previously signed to Capricorn records, Big Sister. She opened up for Vernon Reid (guitar player for Living Colour), various national reggae acts, and several other notable bands / musicians before relocating across the country to Seattle, WA in 2005. Dutchess of funk
Alana's blossoming career has already taken her to festivals, stadiums, theaters and arenas throughout the world where she has played to crowds of upwards of 10,000. She has played with countless famous musicians including George Clinton and members of P-Funk (and continues to do so), members of Bad Brains, and numerous others. This bass babe even got the opportunity to play for Prince at his mansion in LA while in the company of Grammy award winner, Van Hunt and his manager, Randy Jackson (Journey, American Idol). Alana was the touring bassist for Van Hunt throughout Spring/Summer 2006 with whom she has opened for Mary J. Blige, Anthony Hamilton, Heather Headley, The Brand New Heavies, and has appeared on all the major late night television shows including The Late Show With David Letterman, Late Night With Conan O'Brian, The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, and The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson as well as CD USA twice and a live broadcast in Paris. While on the Late Show, David Letterman paid the Duchess a compliment on the air, giving her a moment in the spotlight with millions of viewers watching that brought her incredible attention for months to follow. With Van Hunt, Alana has played across the United States several times as well as major cities and venues throughout Europe and Japan including the internationally reknowned, Wembly Arena.
This Lady Of The Bass is the woman behind the name, Duchess Of Funk. She was given the name for the funky flava she brings to the table by her friends and fans alike. Her aptly titled solo project puts the spotlight on her bass playing but also features her on vocals, drums, guitar, and some keyboards. Her live performance features the masterful musical inclusions of her band members, Mike Schirmer (played keyboards for Mercury Rev, Ani DeFranco; InPravda) and Mike Bernier (drummer, Chapman stick player, multi-instrumentalist for his own solo project, Fügue; touring Chapman stick player with Tony Levin) as well as other notable names and magnificent talents so be on the lookout for upcoming tour dates!
Duchess is currently in the process of working on her debut album with the help of Van Hunt and is shopping record labels.
Visit her website at www.DuchessOfFunk.com ?
Duchess will be playing bass on NBC's Steve Wilkos Show for 4 days in a row with Megan McCauley (Wind Up Records). Airtime TBA.
Click here to read the 5 star interview with bassgirls.com!
Click here to see Duchess as the featured Player Of The Month on Planet.Soul.com!
Click here to see Duchess in the Mesa Boogie catalog!
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"The ecstasy of creation is knowing freedom in a world preoccupied with boundaries" - Duchess Of Funk
Duchess on Conan O'Brien with Van Hunt
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