Interview With Nathan East

From his long-term gig as Eric Clapton's bass man to his cornerstone role in the super-group Fourplay—featuring Bob James, Harvey Mason, and Larry Carlton (Lee Ritenour in its earlier incarnations)—Nathan East has proven himself one of his generation's most versatile, powerful, and subtle masters of the bass. He's played and written with the likes of Elton John, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Quincy Jones, Barry White, Al Jarreau, Lionel Richie, and Phil Collins, to name just a few. East has developed his own signature series bass with Yamaha, and has won Most Valuable Player (Bass Category) in the International Rock awards. He also won Bassist of the Year three times in the National Smooth Jazz Awards. Musician's Friend spoke with East just after the completion of his latest album with Fourplay and prior to his departure for a European tour with Eric Clapton.