Young Gun Loaded with Talent

20 year old phenominal Bassist, Al Kelly has wowed online subscribers with his ability to play, while not speaking a single word. Bass Players all over the world have watched and wondered who is this guy. Well Al, has graciously agreed to speak with GospelBassLines.com.

 Gospelbasslines: How Long have you been playing? 

Al Kelly: I have been playing for around 7 years

Gospelbasslines: Is bass the first instrument that you have played?

Al Kelly: Before I picked up the bass I played the drums, piano, and alto sax.

Gospelbasslines: When was the Eureka moment in your playing, and the light just went off?

Al Kelly: I guess it would have been when I first got my bass. Before I got my bass when I listened to the instrument it seemed like a simple concept of one note lines put over a beat. So when I finally got my bass playing seemed so natural. I started playing at my church the week after I got my bass.

Gospelbasslines: You must have, already had a pretty solid ear. Is there any advise you can give, about training your ear?

Al Kelly:  I think the main thing that helps me is just listening to a wide variety of gospel music. One of the first things you learn when you start gospel bass is that most gospel songs are just patterns and changes and the more you know the easier it is to identify bass lines.

 Gospelbasslines: You have great control, and speed in your playing. How do you practice?

 Al Kelly: The exercises I use are from Anthony Vitti’s accelerate you bass playing by berklee press. They helped me make more distinguished notes and gain control over my speed.

 Gospelbasslines: Any particular type of excercises?

 Al Kelly: I usually just practice random songs I have on my computer. I rarely practice techniques but at least once every two weeks I break out the metronome and do like an hour of exercises. I also often just use a metronome and groove along with the beat. It has helped me a lot with my creativity.

 Gospelbasslines: Many people have seen you on YOUTUBE, the videos are amazing. Who are some players that you look at and admire there style, and how do they influence your playing?

 Al Kelly: Some players who I admire are of course Tim Williams, Justin Raines, Dale Black, Terrance Palmer, Maurice Fitzgerald, Daryl Freeman, Dwayne Wright, Fred Hammond, Damian Erskine, Tommy Brown, etc. When I first started playing there where two main bassist that inspired me. One was Bro King that plays at Galilee Baptist in Lawton, Ok. He was so seasoned on the bass and played with so much emotion. The other one was a young man from Mt Zion Baptist in Wichita, KS I never knew his name. He used to do things with a bass that I could believe. I would practice for hours after hearing these guys play.

 Gospelbasslines: If you were stranded on a dessert island, and could have 1 song, what would that song be and why?

 Al Kelly: I am not sure if who composed it but a jazz inspired instrumental of we fall down. Its is one of my favorite songs

 Gospelbasslines: What gear do you play through? (Bass, pre-amp, rig, etc.)

 Al Kelly: I play a Rogue LX-406pro 6 string into a Behringer V-amp Pro Preamp, into a Behringer EP2500 Power Amp, into a Custom 2×10 and a Custom 4×10 both with Madison Knight Speakers rated at 250rms and 500 max a piece.

 Gospelbasslines: You definitely, are a testimony, to its the musician not the instrument, and I know your gear is not the High end of the spectrum as far as pricing goes, but do you have a wish list of what you want to eventually purchase? If so, what would it be?

 Al Kelly: I am pretty satisfied as far as gear goes but If had to upgrade I would probably get a MTD Z6 bass into a BBE BMax SS Preamp. I kind of want to try out a Conklin 7 string.

 Gospelbasslines: Is there any advise that you would share from your experience to those just starting out with the Bass? To those who have been playing for a while, and want to grow.

 Al Kelly: My advice to all bassist would be to find some artist with bass players that you like and study them. I learn the majority of what I know by doing this.

 Gospelbasslines: What has been the greatest advise you received, concerning bass playing?

 Al Kelly: “If I want to be a great bass player … I need to listen to bass players, If I want to be a great musician, I need to listen to all of music,” Victor L. Wooten

 Al is currently attending Grambling State University, where he is majoring in Electronic Engineering Technology. He plays for First Baptist while at home and Miracle Temple COGIC while at school occasionally stepping in with a couple of choirs when called upon. You can locate Al on the web at: http://www.myspace.com/darkknightofbass