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Taken from The Renegade Rip (Sep 28, 2018)
Living Colour bassist performs at Bakersfield College indoor theater
by Taylor Jensen
Doug Wimbish performs at the Edward Simonsen Performing Arts Center after speaking about his history, his music, and his inspirations on Sept. 24. He is the bassist for Living Colour and he has worked with multiple musicians including Mick Jagger, The Sugarhill Gang, Billy Idol, and Madonna. PhotoCredit: Taylor Jensen |
Music is a form of art that can inspire, create, motivate, and even heal. Doug Wimbish, the bassist of Living Colour, visited the Indoor Theater on Sept. 24 to present music and his inspirations.
Wimbish discussed his life, played his guitar, and invited people on stage to play instruments for a nearly hour-long performance for a room of nearly fifty people.
Wimbish began by sharing his backstory In 1968 when he spent his summer vacation in the Bahamas, he was mistaken for Jermaine Jackson from the Jackson 5 in clubs that his uncles took him to because of his appearance. When he returned home, he started to contemplate learning music because of his experience in the Bahamas.
"Either I'm going to spend the rest of my life impersonating or I'm going to learn how to play an instrument. I want to thank the Jackson 5 and my uncles for me being here right now," Wimbish said.
The mandolin was his first instrument. Wimbish noted that this is when he started to get the "fever."
Wimbish provided a brief history of hip-hop by discussing Sugarhill Gang and their song "Rapper's Delight" from 1979. Meanwhile, he phoned Master Gee, member of Sugarhill Gang, on stage so he could discuss the topic further.
"We were the first artists to bring hip-hop to the world. The 40th anniversary of [Rapper's Delight] is coming up in 2019 and we're hoping to bring it to the world," Wimbish said to Master Gee.
Wimbish played a few melodies on his guitar. Eventually, people flooded the stage with him and they all played their own instruments in tandem for a song which livened up the atmosphere greatly.
Izzy Foster, a participant on stage, gave a brief explanation of what it was like to play the trombone for the song.
"It was fun and cool. It felt so exhilarating," Foster said.
David Louden, an attendee, explained how music has influenced his life.
"Music evokes so much emotion and no matter how I'm feeling, it always helps me," Louden said.
Wimbish elaborated on how he has been humble throughout his life and gave life advice.
"Music is a reflection of your life. How you live it comes out in your music so live and enjoy life."
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