Andrew Gouche Bassplayer Interview

Dr. Cheese · #1 12-18-2009, 07:26 PM

The new, January 2010, issue of Bass Player has a great featured interview of Andrew Gouche. Bass Player interviews can be fluff pieces, but this one really gave me some insight into Gouche as a player, and how he developed. I was super impressed with his conception of his style, and how truly improvisational he is. I also liked the fact that he acknowledged that he likes sixes because he doesn't have to fly up and down the neck so much (if a master like Gouche admits it, I don't feel so guilty

.)

It was also interesting to know that he is a non-reader, but has perfect pitch and can hear every note in a chord. That, along with great fretboard knowledge lets him constantly improvise the way he does.

I already admired him, but now I am truly a fan.

J. Crawford · #2 12-18-2009, 07:29 PM

Yes, great article.

And the basses, and the car, in the article were almost as awesome!

Im sure you can agree Cheese!

bottomzone · #3 12-19-2009, 08:42 PM

I agree-great article and insights! He might be the very first gospel bassist to make the cover of Bass Player. I'm looking forward to the release of his CD and attending the G-Music Summit that Andrew is putting together April 30-May 1 in Los Angeles next year!!! Check out http://g-musicsummit.com/Home_Page.html

A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste!

Dr. Cheese · #4 12-19-2009, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bottomzone

I agree-great article and insights! He might be the very first gospel bassist to make the cover of Bass Player. I'm looking forward to the release of his CD and attending the G-Music Summit that Andrew is putting together April 30-May 1 in Los Angeles next year!!! Check out http://g-musicsummit.com/Home_Page.html

A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste!

I sure wish I could go to the G-Music Summit!

Maybe year after next. That will be a treat to myself and my family! The kids could see Disneyland too!

BTW, I was really struck by Gouche's remarks concerning Chaka Khan. He mentioned how she really notices bassists, and that he reminded her of Anthony Jackson, not in sound, but spirit. The first three Chaka Khan CDs feature the greatest bass playing I have ever heard. It is clear that the great music at least partially a result of her vision. It is a reminder that singers are musicians too, even if they don't an instrument. Their vision can shape the music powerfully as has been the case with Chaka Khan, or more famously, Michael Jackson.

BTW, I just dig how Andrew Gouche maintains his take me or leave approach to bass. So many people are doing whatever to get a gig (which I understand and respect,) but I really admire someone who says "this is what I do, if you can use me, cool."

()smoke() · #5 12-19-2009, 10:34 PM

yes, this is a great interview in BP--i haven't read it fully yet, but the few passages i caught definitely read well

i liked how he talked about why he started tuning a step down, and then mentioning the reaction of the bandleader once when he hit that open low A

JAUQO III-X · #6 12-19-2009, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

I was really struck by Gouche's remarks concerning Chaka Khan. He mentioned how she really notices bassists

Yes she does.

Her first husband is bassist Hassan Khan.

Here he is receiving his new fretless MTD from Mike Tobias.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXMUYlbKgAI

eddievanbassman · #7 12-19-2009, 11:04 PM

Man he's such a "Gouche Bag"

chicago_mike · #8 12-19-2009, 11:09 PM

Jauqo beat me to it!

Is the issue out in chicago? I checked a couple days ago and didnt see it.

Kitsapbass · #9 12-19-2009, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAUQO III-X

Yes she does.

Her first husband is bassist Hassan Khan.

Here he is receiving his new fretless MTD from Mike Tobias.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXMUYlbKgAI

WOW - what a gorgeous bass that is too!

JAUQO III-X · #10 12-19-2009, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kitsapbass

WOW - what a gorgeous bass that is too!

Yes it is. I've had the chance to play it and it plays great and sounds awesome.

Kitsapbass · #11 12-19-2009, 11:30 PM

Even through my crappy logitech computer speakers it sounded good. Thanks for posting that video man - i appreciated it!

Dr_Funkdamental · #12 12-20-2009, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddievanbassman

Man he's such a "Gouche Bag"

Timeless FAIL. Maybe you should learn how his name is pronounced.

Dr. Cheese · #13 12-20-2009, 05:00 PM

I know why I love this interview so much. Andrew Gouche is one of the few really influential bassists for whom I had never read a really indepth interview. A fresh interview subject beats the pants off the 13th Marcus Miller interview where its clear he's just pushing a new CD or endorsing some gear.

Another point about that interview that really stuck out was Gouche noting what a great influence the Gap Band's Charlie Wilson was for him. That is something that he and Victor Wooten have in common, which should tell us all we need to know about how good Charlie Wilson's playing was. I know he impressed me the first time I heard the song, "Shake," and I was impressed by his bass scat solo at the end of the song. I also noticed his detuning on "Yearning for Your Love," just like Andrew Gouche did too.

JAUQO III-X · #14 12-20-2009, 05:18 PM

The Gap Band - Shake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWBz99GIUnk

The Gap Band-Yearning For Your Love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubWwdI0KIVM

Charlie Wilson sings lead and Robert Wilson is the bassist.

diglo · #15 12-20-2009, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

I know why I love this interview so much. Andrew Gouche is one of the few really influential bassists for whom I had never read a really indepth interview. A fresh interview subject beats the pants off the 13th Marcus Miller interview where its clear he's just pushing a new CD or endorsing some gear.

Another point about that interview that really stuck out was Gouche noting what a great influence the Gap Band's Charlie Wilson was for him. That is something that he and Victor Wooten have in common, which should tell us all we need to know about how good Charlie Wilson's playing was. I know he impressed me the first time I heard the song, "Shake," and I was impressed by his bass scat solo at the end of the song. I also noticed his detuning on "Yearning for Your Love," just like Andrew Gouche did too.

The Gap Band's bassist was his brother Robert Wilson.
This article is really inspiring to me. Nothing wrong with theory, but he didn't let it stop him from becoming a great bass player. I admit, I have a problem with learning theory, because I started out learning music by ear. So, I always have a fighting match between my eyes & ears. But, the ear usually wins and I'm still pushing myself on the theory too.

bass12 · #16 12-20-2009, 05:37 PM

Thanks for the heads up, doc. I haven't bought an issue of Bass Player in around a year but I'll definitely make a trip to the local magazine store for a copy of that interview.

MisterV619 · #17 12-20-2009, 05:39 PM

I got to see Andrew Gouche at Pasadena Bass Day. To see the man play live was a awe inspiring experience. If you ever get the opportunity to see him in person, take it. For those of you in the LA area, he's got a Sunday night gig at a place called the Townhouse starting at 6pm. I think it's located on La Tijera.

kirkm24 · #18 12-20-2009, 05:46 PM

It was a great interview. Although I don't play like him and my tone is nowehere near his, I appreciate the talent, skill and diverse playing style. He is no doubt an "A" list gospel player.

JAUQO III-X · #19 12-20-2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirkm24

He is no doubt an "A" list gospel player.

He's one of the pioneers of modern Gospel bass and he's also an extremely versatile bassist. Playing in many genres besides Gospel.

Dr. Cheese · #20 12-20-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diglo

The Gap Band's bassist was his brother Robert Wilson.
This article is really inspiring to me. Nothing wrong with theory, but he didn't let it stop him from becoming a great bass player. I admit, I have a problem with learning theory, because I started out learning music by ear. So, I always have a fighting match between my eyes & ears. But, the ear usually wins and I'm still pushing myself on the theory too.

You and Jauquo are so right, Robert Wilson is the monster bassist. I guess I just can't get Charlie Wilson's current hit, "There Goes Myh Baby," out of my mind.

BTW, Diglo, Gouche said he was a reader, he said he learn harmony and theory from church keyboardists as a young man.
It would be really hard to fly around like Gouche if you didn't know your chords and progressions.