the road dog/session cat/solo artist

Derek Frank is a Los Angeles–based session and touring bassist whose career spans major-label pop tours, studio sessions, and a distinctive body of solo work that blends funk, soul, jazz, blues, and 1970s soundtrack influences. Since relocating to L.A. in 1997, he has built a reputation as one of the city’s most versatile and reliable bass players—equally comfortable on arena stages, television soundstages, or in intimate recording environments.

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Derek has toured with an extensive list of internationally recognized artists, including Shania Twain, Gwen Stefani, Melissa Etheridge, Don Felder, Kelly Clarkson, Air Supply, Shakira, and others. His adaptability and deep sense of groove have also made him a sought-after bassist for studio projects, where artists and producers rely on his strong time feel, warm tone, and ability to shape a part that serves the song. His musicianship reflects a lifetime of listening: a childhood immersed in 1970s rock and roll, TV themes, movie soundtracks, and early MTV pop music, later refined through formal study and years of professional experience.

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Beyond his work as a hired gun, Derek has established a distinctive voice as a solo artist. His albums Let the Games Begin…, Eleven Years Later, and Origin Story showcase his love of groove-driven, cinematic instrumental music. These recordings highlight his talent not only as a bassist, but also as a composer and bandleader with a clear artistic identity. His music has been featured in major bass/guitar publications and has earned industry recognition, including nominations for instrumental performance and composition.

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Onstage, Derek anchors the music with taste, authority, and joyful stage presence; in the studio, he brings precision, creativity, and a collaborative spirit. Whether supporting global superstars or leading his own ensemble, Derek Frank continues to expand his musical footprint with a blend of professionalism, versatility, and unmistakable groove.