German Pizano
Played music for 22 years. Started playing at age 10, learned to play by
ear soon after. Although my first instrument was a guitar, I always
wanted to play bass. This was influenced by Gene Simmons of KISS
since I loved Rock music since age 4. Finally got my first bass at age 13,
just what the doctor ordered. One month after that, I joined my first
band "Stonehenge". I was still influenced by Rock music and the
technical aspect of playing. I wanted to be able to play with the
technical prowess of all of my influences at the time. It was this
hunger for technique which led me to Jazz music. Jazz opened up my
ears and mind/soul to a new way of feeling music. Jazz showed me
how to feel Romance, Sadness, Happiness, and all of the emotions any
person would feel in life. It was then clear to me that I was meant to
play how I felt, and those who heard my music would not only hear
the music, but feel it as well.
So with time, I honed my skills further and was able to apply this
theory to all styles of music.
In Taniq, the current group I play with, my approach is the same, but
when I play this group's style, I want the listener to feel the funk, to
feel the soul, to feel the emotion we are feeling. I connect my soul,
mind and instrument as one entity to let my soul talk through my
bass. My custom made Conklin 7-String Sidewinder Bass plays an
important role in this connectivity. It allows me to stay in "The Zone".
With it's Zebra top, Maple body, 7-Piece Neck-Thru construction, and
Bartolini pickups, this bass gives me that "Holy Grail" tone I was
looking for. It also can produce a wide spectrum of other tones I can
use for different projects. One bass by Conklin does it all.
In 2005 I began playing for the genius and internationally known
artist named Chinbaa. A famous Mongolian pianist/composer who
came to Chicago to pursue the American dream of American stardom.
Shortly after recording on his album "Immortality" I went on tour
with Chinbaa to promote the album.
In 2006 I began playing for the Asian pop sensation of SweetYmotion.
Again I was fortunate to have recorded on their self titled album
"SweetYmotion" and again fortunate enough to tour with them as
well.
Also in 2006 I was hired by the Chicago producer John Steele to record
music for a video game project. This was a very challenging and fun
project and one of my favorite studio experiences to date.
In 2007 I was blessed to be able to play bass for a benefit show with
the American Idol Crystal Bowersox. She is a total pro and down to
earth real person. I am glad she got the break she was working so
hard for. Crystal, go on with your bad self and keep rockin n rolling.
In 2010 I got a call from an old former band mate of mine, Nick Kapka,
and he asked me to join Karlye Lapetina as their bassist. We played all
over Chicago including House of Blues, Joe's on Weed Street in which
we opened up for Little Big Town and later for Katie Quick, Taste of
Chicago, and Hard Rock Cafe. We also recorded with Karlye on her
latest album release called Follow the Sun. We also made an
appearance on the WGN Show with Karlye to support the album and
promote upcoming shows.
Finally I got my best gig of all time for a lifetime, fatherhood. My son
Gabriel Vicente Pizano was born on July 14th 2011.
The pages of my music career will keep turning and as I reach new
chapters, I will keep you posted.
Keep and eye out for my new website coming soon.
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