Acclaimed Los Angeles bassist Derek Frank steps into the spotlight once again with his latest instrumental release, “Goin’ Stagg.” Known for holding down the low end for some of the biggest names in the industry—including Shania Twain, Gwen Stefani, Shakira, and Kelly Clarkson—Frank carves out his own lane with this funk-driven, disco-inspired track, which he released on Friday, March 28th, across all streaming platforms.
Laid down at Stagg Street Studios in Los Angeles with his killer touring band, “Goin’ Stagg” is a funk-fueled, disco-drenched jam that grooves hard and swings even harder. Packed with slick bass lines, jazz flourishes, and an irresistible rhythm, this track is a sonic time machine straight to a late-night dancefloor—where every note shimmers, and the groove never quits. The track’s pulsating energy is amplified by a vibrant horn section and a tight bass-Clavinet interplay, channeling the spirit of classic ‘70s funk while adding a fresh, modern twist. Throughout the song, Frank’s impeccable rhythm and dynamic shifts create an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking, making it impossible to sit still.
Joining bass wizard Frank on this funk-fueled ride is a powerhouse lineup: Tom Amend on keys, Demian Arriaga bringing the heat on percussion, Matt Hankle holding it down on drums, Dan Boissy tearing it up on sax, and Mike Cordone adding that extra brass brilliance on trumpet. Behind the board, Engineer Greg Foeller, Assistant Engineer Arthur Seltzer, Mixing guru Kevin Shirley, and Mastering maestro Stephen Marsh worked their sonic magic, sculpting this track into a polished, groove-drenched masterpiece. “Goin’ Stagg” is just the first bite of a three-song feast, and if this groove-drenched jam is any clue, there’s a whole treasure trove of sonic gold waiting to drop.
Recently, Bass Magazine and Denver, Colorado’s KUVO-FM spotlighted “Goin’ Stagg,” with the radio station debuting the track on air last week.
With a career spanning decades, Frank has proven himself as more than just a sideman. His solo work has garnered critical acclaim, with three albums to his name: “Let the Games Begin” (2009), “Eleven Years Later” (2020), and “Origin Story” (2024). His ability to seamlessly blend influences from multiple genres has solidified his reputation not just as a session player, but as a visionary composer and bandleader. His music draws inspiration from his early years in Pittsburgh, growing up on a steady diet of ‘70s TV soundtracks, ‘80s MTV, and a love for deep, pocket-driven grooves.
Origin Story climbed the charts, notching a Top 30 spot for four months consecutively on the Relix Magazine/JamBands.com radio charts. Notable contributors to the album include Brent Mason (GRAMMY winner, ACM Guitarist of the Year, Musicians Hall of Fame inductee) and Karl Denson (Jam Band saxophone legend and flutist of Karl Denson‘s Tiny Universe, The Greyboy Allstars, Rolling Stones). Derek’s previous album, Eleven Years Later, featured GRAMMY-winning blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa.
Frank and his handpicked five- to seven-piece band craft an eclectic mix of funk, blues, soul, jazz, and southern rock. His compositions are defined by tight arrangements, slinky grooves, and a deep sense of musical interplay that prioritizes taste and feel over flashy technique.
Check out the Derek Frank Band’s performance of “Demon On Wheels” – Live at Hitkor.
Frank’s growing presence in the jazz-funk scene has also led to comparisons with Lettuce, Vulfpeck, Cory Wong, Snarky Puppy, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Karl Denson, and John Scofield. His work has been featured in Bass Magazine, Guitar World, American Songwriter, Music Connection, and popular podcasts like “Everyone Loves Guitar” and “The Bass Shed.” He even received a Hollywood Independent Music Award nomination for “Best Instrumental Song”—a testament to his increasing influence as an artist.
Despite his long history of working with chart-topping stars, Frank’s evolution into a solo artist was an organic process. “When I moved to LA, I set out to be a session player, a touring musician. I didn’t really set out to be an artist. But the more time I spent with great songwriters and musicians, the more I felt inspired to create my own music.”
With “Goin’ Stagg,” Frank delivers yet another standout track, proving that his funk-infused, jazz-laced sound is here to stay.
You can catch Frank and his band in Canada and Colorado:
April 24th King Eddy – Calgary, AB [tickets]
April 25-26th Chromozone Showcase Room – Edmonton, AB [tickets]
June 7th GoPro Mountain Games – Vail, CO [tickets]
To stay up to date on what he’s up to, visit his website or follow him on socials.
