Here's the man who broke my heart. (April Fool's :))
You started out playing bass, did you not? Why did you make the switch?
I actually started out playing classical piano when I was five, and not of my own volition - my parents basically dragged a piano through the door, threw it down in front of me, and said, "Play this for the next eleven years!" Slight exaggeration, but feel free to pity me nonetheless :p . I sucked at it and didn't like it at all, so I picked up the bass on the side when I was thirteen. It was MUCH more fun, and I learned loads more about music than I did with the piano - the bass actually got me listening to and appreciating music, which was something I'd hardly done up to that point. About two years ago, I dropped the piano altogether, and six months later I picked up the guitar as another instrument in addition to the bass. That turned out to give me the most fun and education I've ever had with music, so I began focusing on it as my main instrument.
Do you still play any bass?
Since I've been working on my rhythm guitar skills, I've definitely been playing a bit more bass than usual. The thread on the forum about bass players inspired me to have a go at some funky riffs again! But I can't play it well enough to be a bassist in a band or anything, although I think that would be pretty cool.
You have a gig coming up sometime soon. Tell us about that.
It's just going to be me and my guitar teacher, each with a classical guitar, playing some minor-key European folk stuff, in a local pub. I'm really looking forward to it, having never played a gig as a guitarist before. A little nervous about playing the wrong chords, but still very excited.
I hear you joined a guitar ensemble at University as well. How’s that going?
We had the first practice yesterday, and it was fantastic. There's such a broad range of musical backgrounds, from bluesmen (and women) and pop players to classic rockers and metalheads. I've already learned a lot from just one two-hour session - ie. that no, not everybody knows your favourite songs, and yes, a tube amp does sound better than a solid-state! And I've got a gig with those guys as well, which is really cool.
What gets you most inspired to play these days?
Three things. Firstly, as always, listening to my favourite bands - Jethro Tull, Steely Dan, the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Megadeth, and the almighty Floyd. Secondly, jamming with other players - like I said, there's always something to learn and incorporate into your own playing. And finally - cheese alert! - the forum here at GT, which has taught me more about music than slogging away on the piano ever did!
Now, now, Ben. Go easy on the piano.
Apr '07 GT interview -- jiujitsu_jesus

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