July 19, 2007

Billy Sheehan, Doug Pinnick on bass
Daddy’s holds clinic with Mr. Big, King’s X members
By Erica Febre efebre@hippopress.com

Daddy’s Junky Music, with several locations throughout New England, including one in Manchester, has always been more than just a music equipment store. It’s also been an outlet where apprentice musicians can meet and speak with more accomplished musicians in the format of a music clinic.

The next music clinic at the Manchester store location, on Tuesday, July 24, will feature bass players Billy Sheehan and Doug Pinnick.

“[Sheehan and Pinnick] are two of the most sought-after bass players in the industry but the two have never played together in clinic,” said Candi Bramante, the promotions and artist relations director with Daddy’s.

While the clinic is meant to be for bass players, both Sheehan and Pinnick assure that music clinics can be helpful to musicians of all types.

“[Clinics] are really a great way to help out younger players and musicians, no matter what the instrument. Even though I’m a bass player, I’ve had to deal with drummers, guitarists, keyboard players and many other instruments my whole life,” Sheehan said.

“Some basics apply to everyone, no matter what your instrument is, like how good your time is, your ability to play in an ensemble as opposed to solo, which is much more important than soloing,” Sheehan said.

Sheehan is a bassist from several bands, including Niacin, Talas and Mr. Big, who had the late ’80s hit track “To Be With You.”

Currently Sheehan is working on his third solo album and he still plays with his trio project Niacin.

Pinnick is the bass player from King’s X and also has a solo project called Poundhound.

Both musicians, who have performed together many times in the past, said they are also looking forward to doing the clinic together because it’s been a while since the two were side by side. Sheehan said Pinnick is one of his favorite players, while Pinnick speaks just as highly about Sheehan.

“Billy’s definitely more of the technical guy that can sit down and teach very complicated things on the bass while I’m the direct opposite. I’m more into grooving and just having fun with it. I think it’ll be a good contrast between the two of us,” Pinnick said.

Tickets to the clinic cost $10 and are available online or at all Daddy’s locations.

Hear it
What: Music clinic featuring bass players Billy Sheehan and Doug Pinnick
When: Tuesday, July 24, starting at 6 p.m.
Where: Daddy’s Junky Music, 1279 S. Willow St., Manchester, 669-9346.
For more information: Go to daddys.com or go to the artists’ Web site’s at billysheehan.com anddougpinnick.com