|
An Interview with
Brian Lawrence |
||
How long have you been playing? I have been playing bass for almost 9 years. How did you get started? I was a singer in a gospel band and played a bit of guitar. I was forced to take up the bass, since our bassist decided to quit and no one else was willing to take up the challenge. What’s your favourite band / solo artist?/ This is the most difficult question. Here are a couple of categories: Bass Players: I have a lot of favourite players but Marcus Miller is the one that stands out. I like his bass playing, but most of all I like him as a producer. Jaco Pastorius is also one of my favourites simply because the guy is a legend. Of the South African artist one guy is very difficult to ignore, Mr Vibe himself – Concord Nkabinde. Bands & other muso’s: Four Play, George Benson, Alvin Dyers, Commissioned What’s the music scene like down in Cape Town? I’d say it is rapidly on the move. Lot’s of youngsters are taking over the music scene. More muso’s are experimenting with different sounds and fewer groups are doing covers. What are the amps and instruments you currently use? I am playing with a 5string Ibanez Sound Gear (Japanese model). I actually don’t have an amp at the moment, but I usually play through a Trace Elliot Commando 15”. What instruments would you like to have if money were no object? If money were no object, I’d still be thinking over what stuff I want to use. Fretless Bass: I’d like to have a fretless bass, a Pedula 5string fretless (like the one Concord is using). Else I’d settle for a 4string Fretless Fender Jazz Bass (Jaco Pastorius model). Electric Bass: 5sting Ibanez Sound Gear (latest model), 5string Warrick, 5string Yamaha (Nathan East model), 4string Fender Jazz Bass (Marcus Miller) Strings: DR – Marcus Miller signature (4 & 5 string), Elixir (Nanoweb) Cabs: SWR – Mo-bass head, SWR – Double 12” Cab, Ampeg B 328 Combo (For smaller gigs) Accessories: Zoom BFX 708 pedal What have you been doing for the last five years or so? I have a full time day job that keeps me pretty busy. I am currently working as a Business Specialist for an insurance firm. The last five years I did everything from programming to writing of system specifications. I have been involved with a couple of churches’ worship teams in and around the Stellenbosch area. I have toured with a gospel group called Joyful Noise all around SA. What recordings that you’ve played on would you recommend for listening? I don’t have a lot of studio experience. The only recording I played on is Joyful Noise Ministries second CD, launched at the end of last year. What’s been the low point in your career so far? My inability to improve my music skills to a professional performance level. Not being able to penetrate the very active and highly regarded Cape Town musical scene as I intended a couple years ago. And what has been the high point? Doing my first track in studio and live recording as well. Went for a music conference in Chicago – visit to the Chicago Blues Festival 2000. Being able to facilitate music workshops in my community. What are your goals currently? - To become a popular session muso. - I have an undescribable love for music and I would like to develop a way of presenting music as an alternative to our youth with for all the violence and other issues they are constantly facing. - Becoming a successful producer / composer
|
