Al Bader started playing bass guitar as a teenager and the bass quickly became his first love of instruments.
“The Bass feels right, and fits my personality more than any other instrument, and provides the foundation for my musical expression and voice. It just grooves.”
Al has played in many bands, including a road band in 1984 called TKO. After an absence from the music scene, 1994 saw the return of a musical journey in which he has played with many musicians since then, and several bands such as 3 Swings and a Miss, Sweet Rock, The Herman Brothers, Snap Crackle Pop, and Copper Penny, who released the CD “Time” in 2010, as well as local theatre and production work.
“The Rich Little gig was a very cool experience, because I remember watching him on T.V. before I was even playing music.”
He has had the opportunity to meet and make many friends in the music business, including his mentor Victor Wooten, and several of his friends like Chuck Rainey (Steely Dan), Joseph Wooten (Steve Miller Band), JD Blair (Shania Twain) Eric Struthers (The Neville Brothers) Adam Nitti, Gerald Veasley and many others.
“Getting to jam with these musicians was so thrilling, and I learned so much from them, not just about music, but about life. But then again, I try to learn from everyone I have the opportunity to play alongside with, and that includes my students.”
In addition, Al has become a fill in bass player for many bands like Rob Hudec, Kool Ray and The Hip Katz, First Degree and many others and is known for his hard working, professional approach to the music industry and his passion for playing. He has been teaching bass and guitar at UCOM since 2003 and loves helping people discover their passion for learning to play music.