News
The Interview
2 December 2008
What makes someone get into playing an instrument? Do successful musicians still have heroes and role models?
Take it away spoke to Jonny Bridgwood - double bass player with the likes of Kathryn Williams, The Memory Band, Lisa Knapp, and Essie Jain - and found out.
Tia: How did you get started playing music?
JB: As a small boy I had only two interests, football and music. I was either going to be George Best or Marc Bolan! Unfortunately I didn't get the opportunity to take up an instrument as a child, I had to wait until I was 18. As a teenager I got heavily into the Rock n' Roll sounds of the 1950's, I fell in love with the double bass when I heard Elvis' That's All Right Mama. It was 1977, Punk was all the rage, but Rock n' Roll shouted louder for me to follow.
When I left school a group of like-minded lads and I would hang out at a Rock n' Roll/Rockabilly club and formed a band, we didn't have as much as a drumstick between us but it didn't seem to be an obstacle!
Eventually things were kick started when my mate got a guitar for his 16th birthday, some 3 months later when he was buying strings he told me about a double bass in the music shop. I was in there quick as a flash asking if I could have a go on the bass, my life changed in an instant. To my astonishment (and that of everyone present) I managed to actually play, albeit in a rudimentary fashion.
The bass was £180 (it was 1981, the same kind of bass would be around £1000 today), I had a £60 redundancy payment and bags of enthusiasm. I was in the shop everyday for a fortnight pleading with the good folk there to let me have the bass. I managed to borrow a further £60 from a friend’s parents and the staff at the shop let me take it away owing the balance of £60. Bless 'em. I sold my records and clothes and used all my dole money for 2 months to pay up. I'd play everyday until my fingers bled. I couldn't afford lessons so I taught myself, I'd put records on and play along. The first tune I ever learnt was That's All Right Mama.
What appealed to you about the double bass?
The sound, it's so fantastic, big and deep. Playing bass is so physical as well, you feel the resonance through your whole body. A bass is also a thing of visual beauty, the scroll, the f holes, the overall design is so aesthetic.
Do you play any other instruments?
I play guitar, a bit of piano and I can get a tune out of a harmonica. I only practice the bass seriously though, anything else is purely for fun.
Who are your musical heroes / who would you love to play with?
Gene Vincent was my first all consuming hero, he had a great band in The Blues Caps, they really inspired me to want to play. The great guitarist Davy Graham has had the most profound influence on me musically. When I first heard him it all made sense, folk, jazz, blues, modal tunes, improvisation. he did it all.
The bassists I most admire are Charles Mingus, Charlie Haden, Oscar Pettiford, Jimmy Blanton and particularly our own Danny Thompson. They all have a great sound and I never tire of listening to them.
I'm happy to work with anyone really, I'm chuffed just to get work! I wouldn't mind working on a Nick Cave album. I enjoy working with good singer/songwriters and I'd love to do some full on free improvised stuff.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Give your instrument your all and persevere, it will be your best friend. Also don't be afraid to just go for it, follow your dream, it's a fantastic adventure.
Jonny Bridgwood plays at the Southbank Centre in London on December 1 as part of a Sandy Denny Tribute.
