Featured Artist

                                  

Bergantino Audio Systems has been fortunate to collaborate with numerous talented bass players throughout the years. Today, we would like to extend our gratitude to one of these artists, San Diego based singer-song writer Dany Musser. As a long-time admirer of Bergantino, Dany recently shared his bass journey with us. 

When did you start playing bass? 

Around 1977. I was 14. Yikes, I’ve been playing 47 yrs lol I had just bought my first electric guitar (a red Kay SG copy) like a year earlier. Me and my friends wanted to start a band but none of us played bass. My friend that played guitar too played much better than me so I sold my guitar and bought a bass.

I was drawn to bass before I even started playing. It was the upper register melodies that caught my ear first then the power of the lower strings.

 You’ve been in the San Diego music scene for quite some time now as a bass player, singer, and songwriter! Can you share some of your musical history with us?

I really started more as a recording bassist before a performing artist when a drummer from high school contacted me late ‘83-early ‘84 and asked if me and my best friend guitarist wanted to join him to do originals. I was blown away. I mean this guy was an incredible drummer already. Apparently he saw something in us and started grooming us when I was 19 yrs old. We recorded a 45 record under the band name Equus in Aug-Sept of ‘84 with me on bass, Mike Frescas on guitar, and Devin B Giles on drums and vocals. In ‘85 I joined a singer/songwriter and we recorded a 3 song EP record under the band name Prufrock. I did back-up vocals and bass on that record. Both bands broke up soon after recording those records. I wrote all my bass and vocal parts.

I continued for years writing originals in a 3-piece band under different names playing bass and sharing lead vocals. I also started writing more on my acoustic.

I wasn’t making enough money so I got into an ‘80s Tribute Band for around 8 yrs. Money was good and the gigs were great. Learned to work the stage. Played some of the best venues in San Diego, all the casinos, and some corporate gigs and very fun private parties. Invaluable experience. I eventually burned-out playing covers and missed creating. I returned to writing originals.

Reunited with members from a previous band and we became Girl In The Middle and got into licensing. I had some success with them as co-writer, bass, vocals on a few A&E tv shows like Dog the Bounty Hunter, Cupcake Wars, Married At First Sight, and The Voice, along with some international airplay. I still get royalties from that. We recorded two CDs, Requiem and Magnolia Street before I left to pursue other interests.

 Who are the musicians that inspired you?

 Singer-Songwriters in general were a big inspiration. I’m a “serve the song” bass player. I’ve always been drawn to melodies so bass players like Macca, Dennis Dunaway, Chris Squire, Dee Murray, Entwistle and so many more with their upper register, counter melody bass lines really move me. Add their vocal and songwriting abilities. Many are multi-instrumentalists.

I also admire the greats and players like Jamerson, Carol Kaye, Jaco, Percy Jones, Geddy, Geezer, Sklar, Manring, Dave Hope, Cliff Williams, and even Gene Simmons. All for different reasons.. their body of work or their innovating qualities or discipline or stage presence.

 How did you learn to play?

 I learned by playing to my vinyl records. I just found the notes by repetition. It was good ear training. We didn’t have internet and the luxury of You Tube.

Do you play any other instruments?

 Yes, acoustic guitar. Vocals. It affords me to stay creative when I’m not playing my bass with a band and to tap into a different side of me. Storyteller side.

How would you describe your playing style?

 I’m primarily a play by feel more than an analytical player. I don’t know theory and I’ve had no formal training. A guitarist that I have tremendous respect for called me a fluid player. I thought that was cool.

Tell us about your basses!

 My go-to for the last 13 years is my Sadowsky NYC Will Lee 4 string. I love that bass.  Great tone that cuts through the mix. Chambered body makes it comfortably light. Great playability. It replaced my passive Lakland ‘05 Skyline DJ4 that I still own. Damn good bass too. She was my go-to for 10 yrs prior to my Sadowsky. I have an STR-LS Chambered Fretless. Wonderful tone with an exotic top.

What projects are you involved in today?

 I just finished a 15-year reunion with The Whiskey Dicks (San Diego) We did a few shows and ended at The Casbah. That was a blast. The energy this band still has on stage is intoxicating. We had a 4-song demo CD and a full CD. A couple members from that band and I still feel that chemistry so we’re in the process of writing a new CD that will be under a new name to be announced and plan to record and tour that material.

I’m also talking with a singer/keyboardist I admire. Our schedules are tight but we’re exchanging ideas and lyrics so we’ll see. I’m often asked to do projects so I’m fortunate to be able to pick and choose. As always, I continue to write my solo stuff and hone my writing chops. I plan to record a CD’s worth of tunes in the near future. Funny, I keep my singer-songwriting material separate from my bass playing. I’m primarily a bass player. It may be time to write bass parts to my own acoustic tunes.

 

 

How has social media impacted your music?

 Good question. It has more impact than I realize.  I mean, I’m talking with you right now. Being able to talk with you and Jim (Bergantino) regarding gear is a direct result of social media. It’s invaluable.

I’m able to interact and stay in the loop with friends, fans, and my music interests and gear. I’m able to share my music and life with those that are interested and reach a wider audience and vice versa. Most people know me for my bass playing. Because of social media, some have learned that I play and write acoustic songs and are genuinely interested in that side of me. It’s very encouraging.

 What led you to Bergantino Audio Systems?

 I used to have a subscription to Bass Player Magazine. There was a new product review of a Bergantino HT322 bass cab. I remember the quote calling it a Rottweiler lol. It was a great review.

I was hanging out a lot at Bass Alone at that time. It was owned by John D’maggio. Super nice guy. I miss him. Anyway, he had high end, boutique bass gear and instruments in his little shop on Voltaire in Point Loma/OB San Diego. He would let me try out gear and basses on my gigs before I bought them. After reading that review I saw an HT322 in his shop. I took it out on a gig and instantly fell in love. The other quote I remember was something like playing through the Bergantino cab was like taking off the cover of your old cab. And it was. It was a game changer for me. And it was a Rottweiler lol. Next day, I told John I wanted it. But this one had a black grill. It didn’t have the sliver one like the one in the photo which I liked better. John got on the phone while I was there and called Jim (Bergantino) who answered. Jim sent out a silver grill right away.

So right then and there, I was sold on Bergantino gear and customer service and have been ever since. Bergantino is the only company that I G.A.S. for every new product Jim releases. Even if I don’t need it. Dangerous stuff lol I always say, Bergantino is a Class Above.

 Tell us about your hobbies!

I like writing songs on the acoustic when inspired. I’m a big movie buff.  Home projects. Anything to do with animals. Doing anything that doesn’t require labor lol. I also like reading.

Follow Dany:

YouTube:

The Whiskey Dicks San Diego – YouTube

OfficialGiTMmusic – YouTube

Magnolia Street – YouTube

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmussermusic/

FacebooK: https://www.facebook.com/danymusser