Freddie Washington
In The Moment
This CD is R&B Instrumentals featuring (Bass guitar) I like to call it Romantic Funk.
Years ago, Freddie Washington was a young
upstart trying to make a name for himself in the music
business.
With luck, great timing, but mostly talent, he was recommended to replace a bass player who was
leaving Herbie Hancock’s band. During his audition,
Freddie played with such authority and passion that
he got the job. He had unleashed a raw power that
impressed Hancock and jump-started his career. He
went on to tour with Hancock for several years and
appeared on several hit albums by the jazz artist,
including “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now,” “Mister Hands” and
“Monster.”
That was just the beginning. On those and
other recordings, Freddie’s influence was evident.
He produced his own recipe for success as an artist
by stirring emotions and eliciting reactions through
his booming bass.
It was an incredible break for a spunky 19-
year-old kid who had dreamed of one day
playing with some of the music industry’s greats.
News of Freddie’s talent soon spread rapidly
throughout the music world.
Freddie’s story begins in his
hometown of Oakland, California,
where he became interested in
the bass at 14. He took music
courses in school and bass
lessons in the 8th grade. He
learned to read music and dabbled
on the drums and piano.
Freddie’s road to bass
domination had begun. His
instrument literally became an
extension of his hands as he
practiced day and night, often
seeking refuge in the wee hours in his bedroom
closet which, after lights out, became his rehearsal
space.
"I just wanted to be good,” said Freddie, who
elevates the lyrical sophistication of songs through
his stylish interpretations. “I wanted to be so good
that I could make people believe that playing the
bass is all I know how to do. I wanted to be the
best.”
Today, Freddie is good. To many, he is the
best. He has certainly made a name for himself.
Now known as
“Ready Freddie,” a
moniker he received,
he says, because he’s
“ready” for anything,
the bassist’s mastery
of his craft is the polished
product of his
years of preparation.
He became adept at
all sides of the music
by listening to and
familiarizing himself
with jazz, gospel, r&b
and pop, and incorporated
them into his
style of play, which
has become known as
the “Ready Freddie”
groove, a half-time
body movement that
is now his
infectious m.o.
In the music industry, there are bass players
and then there’s “Ready Freddie,” the first call
studio musician, the songwriter and live performance
player who brings uniquely pertinent
credentials to his role.
His collaborative efforts with
friend and musician, Patrice
Rushen, produced the early ‘80s
hits “Haven’t You Heard” and “Forget
Me Nots.” Their friendship and joy
of playing music together has
lasted nearly 20 years.
“If there’s a bassline, he’ll
make it groove,” said Rushen. “If
there’s a groove, he’ll make the
line. It doesn’t matter if it’s
‘thumped’ or with ‘fingers.’ It
doesn’t matter if it’s funk, pop,
jazz, rock, hip-hop, uptempo or a ballad. Few
players do it all with such creative style and
musicality. Plus, he’s always ready to give it his
best! That’s why we call him ‘Ready Freddie’.”
“Forget Me Nots’ not only earned Freddie a
Gold Album Award, it was also featured in the Tom
Hanks film “Big.” and Will Smiths "Men In Black" His song, “Better Late Than Never,”
recorded by the Cover Girls, was featured in
Eddie Murphy’s movie, “Coming to America.” Kirk Franklin also sampled one of Freddie's songs "Have'nt You Heard" witch became his big Hit "Lookin For You"
Freddie also earned a Platinum Album Award for
his song “Someone For Me,” recorded by Whitney
Houston.
Freddie is the kind of guy
that everyone wishes was in
his or her band. The kind of
spark plug that keeps the
groove in the pocket and
the attitude positive.
Kenny Loggins
FREDDIE WASHINGTON
Moods: Featuring Bass