sep 2023
I first discovered Oteil while living in Raleigh, NC in 1991. A friend said that I absolutely had to come to this club and check out this amazing band that was coming through town. I was skeptical but went along. That night changed the way I thought about music. The band was…. *ahem… “Col. Bruce Hampton & The Aquarium Rescue Unit”. Yeah, it’s a mouthful but I still consider them one of the best live bands of the 90’s. Every member was of prodigious talent and these guys were having fun. I am an introvert and an outwardly reserved music listener but, this night, I was standing on my table (literally) with my jaw on the floor. I didn’t want to miss a note and couldn’t look away. Admittedly, the albums don’ quite capture the magic of these guys but, if you’re curious, the first, self-titled release is a phenomenal way to get an idea.
These days, most people know Oteil from his next few ventures after A.R.U, wherein he spent quote sopme time with the Allman Brothers as well as Dead & Co.
He also had a lesser known but wonderful band of his own called “Oteil & The Peacemakers”.
Oteil has long been one of my favorite players. Of special note, is his chordal abilities on his 6-string bass. Check out some of these videos of him singing harmonies along with himself. This started during an improv game while with Col Bruce wherein people could randomly call out other musicians names and somebody had to step up and try and sound like them. Somebody yelled “George Benson!”…. nobody stepped up so Oteil grabbed the mic and started scatting along with his solo. Thus, a gimmick was born and that gimmick became a bit of a trademark.
Oteil is a jaw dropping player and one that isn’t quite as known to many bassists. I hope you dig him as much as I do!