Bassist, Concert Cellist, Multi-instrumentalist, composer and singer known by pseudonym “The Griot” – Derek Menchan is, and will always be, a genuine Renaissance man. In addition to his musical endeavors, this college instructor of the humanities, philosophy, and music is working to achieve his doctorate degree. On breaks between semesters and studies, Derek sequesters himself to his studio “That Mruzick Laboratories,” for what he calls his “Arts Immersion Summers.” During these periods he creates vivid and entertaining videos using the Accapella app and developing the follow up to his debut album, The Griot Swings the Classics.
“Having first played an NS bass well over 25 years ago, while window-shopping and dreaming, I will never forget the amazing feel—the action of the strings—and, man, I fell in love. Now, I am rather ecstatic to own two of them, a CR5M Upright Bass and EU6 Upright Bass.”
It’s really like Nietzsche says: “Without music, life would be a mistake.”