Bio

Derek Presti
{Electric Bass Guitar}

Growing up in a family of musicians couldn't have been a better learning experience for Derek's future. Spanning four generations, from his great grandmother playing piano for the silent films in the early 1900's, to his grandfathers' lap steel guitar performance at Radio City Music Hall on Major Bowes radio show. The tradition continues to nurture among Derek's forceful bass grooves with Buffalo band, Free Henry!. Presti fell into the lap of music (literally) at a very young age through his grandmothers' baby grand. Whether he was taking private piano lessons in grade school, performing recitals or simply listening to classic rock albums, melodies were always nearby. In high school, under the direction of music instructor James Deiotte at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, Derek cultured the foundation of singing and the performing arts.

The bass guitar came to Derek while recording an album a few years ago. He recalls testing out his skills on a Fender Jazz Bass that the recording engineer had just purchased...it was love at first sight. After some time of self-teachings and pulling from his past musical life, Presti decided to seek a higher power. He found national recording artist (Motown Records & Rick James) Jerry Livingston at McClellan Music House and began to focus his studies on a diverse palette of music consisting of jazz, funk, R&B, rock, pop and Latin. This assorted preparation allows him to be versatile and comfortable in a mixture of musical situations.

Presti has expanded on his skills by performing regularly at small clubs & coffee shops, as well as community and private functions. By always stressing the importance of self-control & strength of character he continues to push himself to new levels.

"I simply wanted to be in front of a crowd playing my instrument. When you surround yourself with new musicians and new challenges night after night, that is when you truly grow as a musician." said Derek.

In the down time when he is not in the studio composing & writing songs, Derek can be found in the outdoors...biking, camping, traveling, playing sports and spending time with his friends & family.

"My passion is to continue to record & tour with Free Henry! as a positive spirit and share the emotions of music around the world."