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An Interview With Mark Freel
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Mark Freel from Cape Town is one of those bass-players who, to me, is the ultimate of "cool" when on stage. He plays with his head thrown back and sways to the groove, charming the ladies in the audience with his understated performance. Add a rich baritone rock voice to that and you have a winning package! I managed to get him to fax some answers through to me in between travelling to Plett and back to Cape Town for various gigs with a show band... Why bass and how long have you been playing? I started playing in Standard 6 when a local band heard I played guitar, and asked me to audition for bass. Who are your favourite artists/bands? Difficult question, as there are many. Early on it was Mark King and Stanley Clark, then came Jaco, Marcus Miller, Ray Brown and any other upright player. Bands? There are too many to mention but Spyro Gyra comes to mind. Where can we hear recordings of your playing or catch you live? Can't remember the recordings - they must have all been flops! Check out Wendy Oldfield's "Real World". Live, I'm still working with Duck Chowles. You might see me in Jo'burg or Pretoria next year at one of the Barnyard Theatres. What gear do you currently use, and what would you use if money were no object? My guitar is an Ibanez Soundgear SR1500. My amp is a Peavey TNT 160. I've just had my Fender Jazz Fretless (Jaco lookalike) and my black Hohner Jack guitars stolen in Umtata. If money was no object I'd buy an upright and a fat Alembic. What's the worst gig you've ever played? On stage with PJ Powers and not knowing the song...I met her for the first time on stage. What's the most fun you've had with your bass on? Being fondled on stage at Club Med, Durban, and also playing at the Buffalo Rally, out of my tree! What are your desires for your bass-playing future? To find the will and discipline to practice. Still so much to learn. Cape Town is generally regarded as a place low on gigs and even lower on pay. Is this true? It's true, but it depends on who you know and your level of playing. The money does suck so I get them to pay me in whisky! |
