Kubicki Ex-Factor bass, in Pearlescent Blue. Purchased in New York 15 years ago, and still going strong 2000 gigs later! I also own a Jaydee Supernatural Custom, Jaydee Roadie Fretless, and Ibanez basses. My stage rig is a home made bi-amped 4 x 10 and home made power amps with a Trace Elliot GP14 pre-amp. I am currently working on my next rig which is the culmination of about 10 years' design work.
Who are the bass players you most admire?
I'm not really bothered about who played what. I'd rather listen to music than read biographies. But I used to quite like Pino Palladino, and whoever the bass player was in the early Jamiroquai stuff (RE: Too Young To Die). My favourite bass riff of all time is on "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes" by Paul Simon, but don't ask me who played it - some African guy I think.
Which instrument would you love to be able to play? And why?
Drums to a higher standard. I play an electronic kit at home for fun. I would also like to play keyboards as I collect vintage synths - but can't really play them to any reasonable standard.
Who are your favourite musicians and groups?
How much space have I got? I have an extremely wide, cross-genre appreciation of all music. I like originality and creativity. My recent favourite artists are Corrine Bailey Rae and K T Tunstall, followed by Alicia Keys, Average White Band, Beatles, Billie Holiday, Bowie, Brand New Heavies, Crowded House, Fiona Apple, Incognito, JTQ, Jamiroquai, Keane,
Maze, Muse, Queen, Lennon, Pink Floyd, Nat King Cole, Nina Simone, Prince,
Radiohead, Seal, Stevie Wonder, Supergrass.... My favourite songwriters are
Stevie Wonder and John Lennon.
What is your personal aim in music making? What do you hope to achieve?
To push boundaries in my playing technique, and continue to develop my sound. Being the best is more important to me than making money. More "artist" than "entertainer".
What other things do you consider important?
I design and build audio equipment. My latest creation is the band's PA system that we use for the larger gigs. It is about 8kW, and comprises 7 power amps and active crossovers, with all the features that are too expensive to build into production-line equipment. And it all fits in an Escort Van! It is so self-indulgent to get exactly what you want!