Frank

Bass Player
Frank Cole

New Orleans resident for 40 years, Frank Cole, an ex-gutbucket virtuoso and co-founder of Bad Oyster Jug Bands, moved to plucking upright bass 15 years ago. Various incarnations of The Bad Oysters played nearly every bar in town and made several appearances at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

"I love the pure tones of the upright bass I am playing now, but for speed, I may never catch up to where I was on washtub where I got a natural backbeat striking the single D string from both directions. I learned that no matter what I am playing, from jug band blues to more subtle ballads played on upright, both instruments demand physicality and are totally different instrumental animals with their own unique bite. I've had a natural affinity for the bass since 1976 and made the switch to upright for the challenge of a more tonal bass instrument. I like all kinds of music, but prefer the driving songs that characterize turn-of-century New Orleans style bass plucking that makes the audience jump and shout.

"What I love about most about The DeSoto Band is its positive healing musical spirit and the camaraderie of the group. The constructive atmosphere of the DeSotos encour-ages a maximum of instrumental creativity among its members."