The idea of an instrumental album from one of LA's A-list sessions musicians that is chock full of 'lead' bass and 'backing' bass might, at first, sound a bit daunting to some listeners. But considering that said bassist is Ethan Farmer - who has played with everyone from Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Patti Labelle and many, many more - that solo album is starting to sound a bit more tuneful. And definitely funkier! "I approached these songs as if I was playing bass behind an artist but instead of the artists' voice out front, there was my 'lead' bass. That was me singing on the lead bass! I like to think of it as 'the music behind the music'".

And that bass is certainly singing throughout Wine & Strings, from the fusion-y album opener, 12 to the final funk workout of Yikes, Ethan's bass takes center stage. But rather than create an album where he put his technical skills on constant display, Ethan has crafted a collection of tunes with strong melodies that not only reflect his personality but the dedication to his instrument. "I've been doing this for so long; it's a part of me. That's what I do and everything I play on the bass, from the melodies to those grooves, I always want to be strong and the parts to stick out. It's like that for any session or gig that I am on so it definitely had to be that way on my album!"

While Wine & Strings was a long time in the making that had more to do with scheduling time to complete the album rather than any creative difficulties. "The songs came really easy and we just pieced them together. We ended up getting the cats in there to record them but everything else came pretty easy. When people just let it happen and do what's natural, and do what they are used to doing onstage, the writing process would be so much easier! My motto was, 'do it, don't worry about it and just put it out there'".

Ethan Farmer is currently planning live dates for 2012 including a Wine & Strings solo tour and a further road work with New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys.

For more information on Ethan or to purchase Wine & Strings, visit: www.ethan-farmer.com