By John Redmond
Contributing Writer
When, working as a musician, you have toured most of Africa, America, Europe and parts of Asia, there seems little to be done in terms of places to go and venues to play. But, then again, it might be time to stay a little longer in one place and get to explore in greater depth what the local scene has to offer.
French Canadian bassist Frederik Bourdon, from Montreal, who has been playing bass for more than 20 years, has done just that.
Have toured extensively around the globe, including a leg of an Asian tour in Korea, Bourdon found himself back here for a short stint at JJ Mahoney's at Seoul's Grand Hyatt Hotel back in 2005. What began a short residency soon became a much longer stay.
`` I have played and toured in Africa, America, Asia and Europe so far. I came to South Korea the first time in 2001 for the Ceramic Festival where I toured in various cities for 21 days. The second time I came to Korea was for a Top-40 gig at the J.J. Mahoney's at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in 2005. It was supposed to be a three-month contract but that turned into six months,'' he said in an interview with The Korea Times at live music venue Ole Stompers after a performance with Led Zeppelin tribute band, Over The Hill and Far Away.
``After that, enjoying the Seoul life, I decided to stay and it's been almost four years now,'' he continued.
According to Bourdon, the working music scene here is very active, with no shortage of opportunities
``I played various styles of music with many bands and in about every situation; Korean weddings, special events in shopping malls, festivals, benefit concerts, recordings, etc… I also taught jazz combos and did a bass clinic at Seoul Jazz Academy, a Berkley affiliate. I also give private bass lessons from time to time.''
Bourdon has one unique trick up his sleeve uncommon to most bass guitarists in that he plays a six-string bass.
Where most bass guitars have only four strings, E, A, D, G, a six-string bass guitar features an extra high G and a low B string. Six- string bass guitars are extremely difficult to play, with only proficient musicians able to master the technique.
Bourdon currently plays in a number of bands including Korean band Rabihem, `Led Zeppelin' tribute band Over The Hill And Far Away, and the Wise Guys, an eclectic eight-piece band playing most weekends at Hard Rock Cafe in Itaewon.
Bourdon also composes music ranging from prog-metal to jazz-fusion. You can usually see him playing in Itaewon, Hongdae or Gangnam area. Otherwise, go to www.myspace.com/uvwssvq or to www.facebook.com (search: Frederik Bourdon).
redmond_john@hotmail.com
Contributing Writer
When, working as a musician, you have toured most of Africa, America, Europe and parts of Asia, there seems little to be done in terms of places to go and venues to play. But, then again, it might be time to stay a little longer in one place and get to explore in greater depth what the local scene has to offer.
French Canadian bassist Frederik Bourdon, from Montreal, who has been playing bass for more than 20 years, has done just that.
Have toured extensively around the globe, including a leg of an Asian tour in Korea, Bourdon found himself back here for a short stint at JJ Mahoney's at Seoul's Grand Hyatt Hotel back in 2005. What began a short residency soon became a much longer stay.
`` I have played and toured in Africa, America, Asia and Europe so far. I came to South Korea the first time in 2001 for the Ceramic Festival where I toured in various cities for 21 days. The second time I came to Korea was for a Top-40 gig at the J.J. Mahoney's at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in 2005. It was supposed to be a three-month contract but that turned into six months,'' he said in an interview with The Korea Times at live music venue Ole Stompers after a performance with Led Zeppelin tribute band, Over The Hill and Far Away.
``After that, enjoying the Seoul life, I decided to stay and it's been almost four years now,'' he continued.
According to Bourdon, the working music scene here is very active, with no shortage of opportunities
``I played various styles of music with many bands and in about every situation; Korean weddings, special events in shopping malls, festivals, benefit concerts, recordings, etc… I also taught jazz combos and did a bass clinic at Seoul Jazz Academy, a Berkley affiliate. I also give private bass lessons from time to time.''
Bourdon has one unique trick up his sleeve uncommon to most bass guitarists in that he plays a six-string bass.
Where most bass guitars have only four strings, E, A, D, G, a six-string bass guitar features an extra high G and a low B string. Six- string bass guitars are extremely difficult to play, with only proficient musicians able to master the technique.
Bourdon currently plays in a number of bands including Korean band Rabihem, `Led Zeppelin' tribute band Over The Hill And Far Away, and the Wise Guys, an eclectic eight-piece band playing most weekends at Hard Rock Cafe in Itaewon.
Bourdon also composes music ranging from prog-metal to jazz-fusion. You can usually see him playing in Itaewon, Hongdae or Gangnam area. Otherwise, go to www.myspace.com/uvwssvq or to www.facebook.com (search: Frederik Bourdon).
redmond_john@hotmail.com
