In an unexpected turn of events, the chair of the Berklee Bass Department, Steve Bailey’s initial plan to release a compilation featuring the highlights of the past 11 years, took a dramatic shift when renowned musicians like Will Lee and Michael League entered the scene. What was intended to be a retrospective showcase of annual tracks and videos evolved into a collaborative and dynamic project.
The catalyst for this transformation occurred during a brief 15-minute session in Bailey’s office with Will Lee, whose exceptional groove prompted reconsidering the original plan. Subsequently, Michael League’s surprise visit proved instrumental when he took hold of Anthony Jackson’s “Working Girl” bass and, with the help of Pro Tools, reignited Bailey’s passion for the project. John Patitucci contributed his unique touch by playing Bailey’s old ’60 stack knob, and Victor Wooten, burning the midnight oil, added his magic through editing and late-night performances.
The collaborative spirit continued with Linda Oh, who effortlessly joined the project, showcasing her professionalism. A pivotal moment arrived with the visit of Justin Chancellor during the PRO’S! TOOL event on Nov 14-15. After delivering an exceptional clinic for students, Chancellor brought in mesmerizing riffs that further enriched the song.
Notably, students were greatly influenced by Jeff Coffin, who is a member of the Dave Matthews Band, during a visit to Wooten Woodsheds. Jeff Coffin’s three solo takes on his horn were so brilliant that all were included in the final mix, adding a diverse spectrum to the compilation.
As fate would have it, Omar Hakim, in town for a Madonna Extravaganza at Berklee, became the symbolic mortar that bound all these musical tiles together. Late one night, Hakim’s contribution provided the finishing touch to the collaborative effort.
The project’s culmination involved meticulous editing, mixing, and the selection of photos and clips from the entire year. As with the preceding 11 years, the team completed the project under the wire. Steve Bailey invites audiences to enjoy this musical journey through the compilation, offering a glimpse into the diverse and extraordinary experiences of 2023.
