Chip Boaz
Chip Boaz is a bassist, composer, and educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area. His long list of performing experiences have included jazz, latin, rock, country, reggae, and dance bands. Over the past several years, Boaz has spent extensive time performing in some of the Bay Area's best Salsa and Latin Jazz groups, exploring his passion for the music of Cuba. Currently, Boaz is applying his compositional voice and six string bass playing to a set of Latin Jazz originals, arranged to feature his bass soloing. Check out the latest Boaz originals on his first release, Sketches of Bass En Clave.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I have spent a long, long time performing with a variety of Salsa, Latin Jazz, and Jazz artists. Currently, I am focusing more upon my writing and recording projects with the occassional live performance.
Your musical influences
Lately, I've been listening to a lot of modern Cuban music, including NG La Banda, Pupy Y Que Los Son Son, Manolito Y Su Trabuco, Charanga Habanera, Irakere, Issac Delgado, Manolin, and more! Some Jazz Artists who have influenced me include Charles Mingus, Bill Evans, Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery, and Herbie Hancock. Some Bass Players who continue to shape my playing are John Patitucci, Ron Carter, Cachao, Jaco Pastorious, and Feliciano Arango.
What equipment do you use?
I play a Yamaha TRB-6P bass, a Tobias 5 string fretless, and a Kay upright bass. For recording, I currently use a combination of Pro Tools, Reason, Peak, and Finale.
Anything else?
Live your life creatively and consciously. Take risks - let your voice be heard. The bottom line is that there is enough apathy in the music industry and the world. Choose passion.
