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Who’s burning up the bass fretboard for Cutting Jade? |
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With great hits like “She Says” and the more recent “Ten Seconds” hit being pumped on radio, the band, Cutting Jade are soaring to new heights in the local rock scene. I was lucky enough to catch up with female bassist Marliese Botha, between the band’s hectic tour schedule, to find out a bit more about her history, inspirations and life on the road with three other male band mates. This is what she had to say: 1) Name and Age for file 13? Marliese Botha, age 23, born 14 March 1979 2) What was your first Bass and how much did it cost? My first Bass is a Hohner Rockwood. I paid R700 for it at that stage, and had to pawn my whole CD collection in order to buy it. 3) How long have you been playing Bass for? This is actually a very difficult question, I suppose I can tell you how long I’ve owned my bass for, but I don’t think that counts for playing. I was 17 when I bought my Bass, I really don’t know why, and never saw myself as a musician on stage in a band like that. I was just messing around. Playing seriously…..I’m still waiting. 4) What made you chose Bass over any other instrument? I saw a slap solo on television, and loved the sound; it was the most beautiful sound I had ever heard. (Not knowing at that stage that something like a Bass guitar existed; I asked my brother what that was.) So, needless to say, I went from playing organ to “owning” a Bass guitar. 5) Did you go for any lessons and with whom? I did have lessons with Jason Green in the early stages. To me, he is an amazing bassist, and great friend, and is still one of my biggest influences. After Jason I had some lessons with Marco Vermeulen. 6) What inspires you and helps you progress your playing to the next level i.e. New techniques etc? Definitely watching Danny Lalouette play, listening, and watching a lot. I don’t really know what else, sometimes I would get a brain wave and think of something I read or learnt long ago and then I would try it out, but that doesn’t happen often. 7) What Bass guitar, amp and accessories (Pedals etc) are you currently using? I have a Yamaha TRB5, 5 string Bass, which is my baby, with a Marshall B150 Basstate amp. (Looking to buy a new one at the moment, if anyone wants to sell) I also have a DOD Bass30 multi effects unit, but since I got the Yamaha I don’t use it that often, the Yamaha sounds really amazing on it’s own, I’ve been told. 8) If cost was not a factor what would be your ideal Bass guitar and amp & why? I’m actually quite happy with my Bass at the moment, but a Tobias (Custom made, of course) wouldn’t be that bad, along with the biggest Trace Elliott I can find, or shall I say the guys in the band can carry. 9) What do you prefer playing “Active” or “Passive” basses and why? Active, don’t really know why, I just like the sound more and they are sort of more versatile. 10) Who are your favourite Bass players of all time, and what makes them special for you? Jason Green, Danny Lalouette, Flea, now I’ve forgotten names, as usual, but the bassists from the following bands: No Doubt, Sublime and Rage Against the Machine. 11) Is Cutting Jade your first band that you’ve played for or have there been others? No, I played in a few unknown garage bands before Cutting Jade. Lots of fun. 12) Best gig to date and why? Woodstock 4, it was our CD Launch for our second CD, we had a great time slot on the Saturday night, the crowd was absolutely amazing, it was our biggest crowd yet and the best feeling. 13) Being the only female in the band do you get any special treatment above the guys or do you have to slum it with everyone else on tour? Slum it !!!! I don’t ask for special treatment and definitely don’t expect it….maybe when heavy amps need to be carried, but that’s it, I swear. 14) What’s your worst Bass player’s trait? (Bad Habits etc) Not playing as well as I should after all the years that I’ve had the bass and not practicing enough. 15) What has been your worst experience as a bass player thus far? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and getting it in both hands, lots of fun. 16) Besides the New “Cutting Jade” album entitled “Between two lives” is there any other material readers can get their hands on, to listen to your work? Cutting Jades first CD called “So there we were” it had some extra tracks, not included in the new double CD. (The first CD is being offered as a bonus along with the new CD) 17) Any inspiring words for other Bass players out there? Please practice, unlike me. Take good care of your hands; avoid Carpal Tunnel as far as you can. |
