Q. How long have you been playing upright bass?
A: Since 1982. I did not have my own upright bass back then. I was just starting high school so I would just use the school bass. I did not get my first upright bass until I was a junior in college (Southern University, Baton Rouge).

Q. How long have you been playing with Marcus Roberts?
A: Since 1996.

Q. How long have you been writing music?
A. I remember actually getting serious about writing while I was in high school. It was then that I started putting chordal sounds together, sequencing, and writing melodies.

Q: Are there any other members of your family that play music?
A: Yes. My wife plays piano, my son plays drums (he is 4), mom (bass, guitar, and piano), brother (drums), and two uncles play music (one guitar, the other bass). Not many people know that I have a background in zydeco music. My great, great grandfather was Joe Jackson.

Q: When did you realize that you were exceptionally good at playing the upright bass? –D. Bass
A:Wow. Thanks. I guess for starters I really didn't start viewing myself as a bass player until recently ( the last four years or so ). I love playing the bass and I really enjoy it's function in music. To say exceptionally good.... I would say I appreciate your kind words but there are a number of things that I am working on to help to take me to that that kind of level of playing.

Q: Do you remember the first time you played the upright in front of "serious" jazz lovers? Did you feel nervous? Do you ever get nervous before performing now? –D. Bass
A: Yes. I think it was around 1986 in a jazz club in my hometown of Baton Rouge. I belive I did get nervous at first, but I don't think it lasted very long.Today, I hardly ever get nervous before a performance. I feel very comfortable on stage and in front of people.

Q: Will you ever make your charts available? –D. Bass
A: Yes. One is already available on the downloads page. More will be coming soon.

Q:There is a composition by Tony Williams called "Lawra". It's on Ron Carter's CD Third Plane. I love this tune but it's taking me forever to transcribe the bass line to it. Any recommendations on how this can be done efficiently and without spinning my wheels forever? –Darren
A: This is a very hip song. Ron Carter is walking very brilliantly throughout the whole song ( He is one of my favorite ). Instead of trying to internalize the bass lines from beat to beat, try picking out groups of four. So at first, listen to Mr. Carter's four note grouped phrases of bass lines. Actually count out 1234,1234,1234 and so on. Hopefully this should allow you to hear more shape and direction in what he is walking. Now take this very slowly. Always remember that there is nothing wrong with taking this song section by section until you get it. Later on you should be able to hear the larger phrases that are comprised of for example, " four note, two note, three note and eight note groups ". This is all part of learning and training your ear. I sincerely hope this helps.

Q: When should a bassist start looking to startup a band? I'm rather new and unsure of my talents. I have so much to learn but I desire to play with others. I'm a little nervous to play with highly accomplished musicians and had thought I should find musicians at my own level to feel comfortable. Since the bass player is the engine and steering wheel is it too early to do this or should i jump right in and risk embarrassment? –Bassist
A: This a very good question. Unfortunately, without knowing your playing, it is a very hard question to answer in a way that would specifically pertain to you. Generally as you already know there are bands of all different types that are all on all different levels. I feel that as long as you can play your part (literally) than that should be good enough to get things started. Actually, in any band that I can think of, this is the main prerequisite. The better you and your band can play your parts individually (and together) will determine how great your band will sound. If you feel comfortable with that, don't worry about embarrassment, just go for it.

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