Paul Bushnell (Melissa Ethridge, Alanis Morisette)

Courtesy Paul Bushnell Facebook Courtesy Paul Bushnell Facebook

Courtesy Paul Bushnell Facebook

By Thomas Semioli

If you have ears, you’ve heard this cat anchor major artists spanning rock, country, alternative, Americana, contemporary soul, dance,  and every permutation thereof!

Paul Bushnell’s remarkable career jumpstarted as the producer / arranger / and bassist with The Commitments band and film adaptation soundtrack of Roddy Doyle’s novel, which ignited interest in old-school American rhythm and blues amid the hair metal fallout and onset of grunge in 1991.

A versatile song player with a command of rhythm and harmony; composer, multi-instrumentalist, and sound-engineer – Bushnell migrated to Los Angeles and quickly became a first-call session player, waxing slabs with Paula Cole, Celine Dion, Jewel, Meredith Brooks, Sinead O’Connor, Sir Elton, Phil Collins, Joe Cocker, Alanis Morisette, Melissa Etheridge, Kelly Clarkson, John Fogerty, Martina McBride, Jason Mraz, Shakira, Miley Cyrus, Melanie C, Michael Buble, Katy Perry, Orianthi, Chris Cornell, Neil Young, Richard Marx, Avril Lavigne, Chris Isaak, Kelly Clarkson, Tracy Chapman, and Tim McGraw to cite a very, very select few….

To describe Paul’s playing style is impossible – he adapts to every situation with the right tone, right note choices, right approach …

Dig Paul with The Commitments “Mustang Sally” https://youtu.be/ZEsoq0B1IOo

Dig Paul recording “Love Shows Me” for Rain Boe Wave https://youtu.be/T-yqr0WnmE0

Dig Paul with Paula Cole “I Am So Ordinary” https://youtu.be/gx5wWohnBIE

Dig Paul with Neil Young “Peach Trail” https://youtu.be/Le-IUDtamIA

Kevin McCormick (Melissa Etheridge)

 

With Kevin McCormick helming the bass chair, as well as serving as co-producer and co-composer; Melissa Etheridge emerged as a world class artist by way of her stunning self-titled 1988 debut, and such acclaimed slabs including Brave and Crazy (1989), Never Enough (1992) and her massively successful Yes I Am (1993).

 

McCormick is a groove master on the 4 and 5 string and plies harmonic extensions which fortify the soloists, singers, and their songs. Among Kevin’s weapons of choice include Guild and Fender Precision basses.

 

McCormick’s resume is impressive and expansive, collaborating with artists including Nils Lofgren, Jackson Browne, Robben Ford, John Mayall,  Keb’ Mo, Crosby, Stills & Nash,  Experience Hendrix, The Rides with Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepard, and Barry Goldberg – to cite a very select few.

 

Kevin McCormick Sound & Vision…

Nils Lofgren “Attitude City” https://youtu.be/pc2nROPVUvQ

Jackson Browne “Naked Ride Home” https://youtu.be/4my0i08lCNg

Kevin slappin’ and poppin’ with Melissa: “Brave and Crazy” https://youtu.be/N4K_Z3AR69o