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News
It's been a long time, but Reef are back
1 July 2010
After a string of shows earlier in the year, and some select festival appearances coming up, Reef are all set to head out again on the road this Autumn. Gary and Jack from the band have also been busy with their new project StringerBessant, and will see the album, Yard released in July 2010 on Xtra Mile Recordings.
Photo: Pat Pope
At Take it away, we saw this as a great opportunity to talk to Jack and get an insight about what got him in to music and his involvement in the band that brought us hits like Place your Hands and Set the Record Straight.
Can you give us an insight into how you started out making music?
I started in my early teens when I made friends with a group of people who played instruments and were into heavy rock. My first realisation about music was Iron Maiden with Steve Harris on bass and when I look back on that he was a great player to be into at that time. My Uncle lent me a bass guitar and I was hooked.
What’s the process you go through in creating your music?
I like writing on my own, but its great to collaborate with other people which is why the StringerBessant vibe works so well. It works best when it comes naturally. Pick up a guitar and play something spontaneous and maybe words come into the mind and sing them out with the riff or chords. Sometimes it takes a while to work on the chords or riff so enjoy that before adding something else.
What would you say to the youngsters out there experiencing your music for the first time?
Hopefully it gives out something that people will react to in some way. It’s fun to play live as well as record because playing right there in the moment is often special. Come and enjoy a gig!
When and why did you personally start playing your first instruments?
I explained earlier about the bass, but I bought my first acoustic guitar when I was 21 on a trip to New York. Its a good combination for me to play bass and 6 string acoustic. I enjoy singing and writing with acoustic and it’s great for travelling with and taking on surf trips. I love plugging the bass into distortion and other pedals and making a noise!!
Any advice for those just starting playing and starting out?
Enjoy and you'll naturally carry on with it if it adds to your life.
What are your thoughts on the Arts Council’s Take it away scheme?
The more people rocking out the better!
You can catch Jack with the rest of the guys from Reef in action later this year.
- 4 September 2010 - Bingley Music Live, Myrtle Park Bingley
- 18 September 2010 - Lemon Fest, Newton Abbot, Newton Abbot Racecourse
- 26 November 2010 – Truro, Hall for Cornwall
- 27 November 2010 - Portsmouth, Portsmouth Pyramid Centre
- 2 December 2010 - London, Kentish Town Forum
- 3 December 2010 - Wolverhampton, Wulfrun Hall
- 4 December 2010 - Nottingham, Rock City
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