King of the Groove

East St. Louis’s veteran bass player, John King, took time with Gospel basslines to share from his wisdom and experience. Immediately I felt a connection with John, he is a great guy, and an exceptional bassist.�

Gospelbasslines: How long have you been playing bass guitar?

John King: About 25 plus years, since the age of 11 or 12.

Gospelbasslines: How long professionally? What made you know your were ready to step into the professional arena as a bassist?

John King: At the age of 15 I was introduced to playing professionally in high school. Then I had the opportunity of performing with my high school band directors band Images & Infiniti. So I never really weighed whether or not I was ready to play professionally or not. I was given an opportunity and I accepted it, I embraced it, and learned much from it.

Gospelbasslines: Lot’s of bass players gradually make their way to bass guitar, did you play any instruments prior?

John King: First, I was introduced to the piano. I had brief affair with the trumpet. I had a serious relationship with drums. And then I met the bass guitar, that’s where my focus has been since..

Gospelbasslines: Who has influenced your playing style the most? Why?

John King: I have had numerous of influences, making this a hard question to answer. However, I would say early on it was definitely Stanley Clark. Stanley was doing it all, great upright chops and crazy electric bass skills.

Gospelbasslines: Can you remember any particular concept or element of playing that gave you problems in your maturation process?

John King: Many. I have struggled with how to improve a technique, play a little faster, smoother, cleaner and or etc. Grant it, some problems I had then are not a problem today but in some ways, are issues that I continue to improve upon today. So with every obstacle, concept or element I conquered there’s maintenance and yet another hurdle or obstacle. What I’m getting at is, being a better or a great musician, I think, is a life long maturation process, where with every concept or element conquered there is still work to be done.

Gospelbasslines: Was there ever a time, you wanted to give up?

John King: Sure, there have been times when I wanted to throw in the towel and there will probably be others. But I’m glad to say, I’m yet holding on.

Gospelbasslines: Are there any technical aspects, or exercises you can give to those starting out, that are tangible enough to help them grow as a musician?

John King: Play with all of your fingers on the fret board. Always alternate fingers in the right. Be sure not to hold the bass with your left hand when playing. Find a comfortable position for holding your bass when going from finger to slap style. Expose you ear to as much music as possible. Listen and practice.

Gospelbasslines: Have you had any, Southwestern Airlines, “Wanna Get-away” Moments, as a musician?

John King: I’ve had other get-away moments but this one is the standout. I had a fall off stage during a performance. Fortunately, I was all good. Even though a lot of people saw me fall including the drummer, no one else in the band knew I had fallen. I was behind the other players and I never stopped playing. I was down but not out. I didn’t worry about getting up, I just continued to play and one by one my band mates noticed I wasn’t there, and when they did, all they saw was the bottom of my left foot still on the stage. Could have been worse.

Gospelbasslines: What gear do you own?

John King: Ken Smith 5 string, a pair of Auilar 12″ cabs and an Eden World Traveler Amp.

Gospelbasslines: What has been most beneficial to your growth as a bass player?

John King: First, a great family of musicians and lovers of music. To that I will add … being blessed to have been around some of our areas best. Which allowed me to grow musically in an atmosphere of respect, appreciation and understanding of what power and influence music has and is. This didn’t mean I always got to play but it gave me the privilege of participating form the inside. You knowﾅup close right in the heart of the action where I was humbled and learned to humble myself to the schooling I was being exposed to.

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

John King: A Word Form The Lord by Thomas Whitfield.

Gospelbasslines: Has God given you any vision or direction on what he wants you to do as a musician?

John King: Share and be a better example…with I’m sure more to come.

Gospelbasslines: Let us know what’s coming up for John King

John King: There’s nothing major I would like to pub right now. However, I would like to thank you for this opportunity and also thank James Ross for introducing us. Be sure to check out my group Good 4 The Soul at www.good4thesoul.net & www.myspace.com/g4ts. You can also check out my personal page at www.myspace.com/johnpking, my artist page www.myspace.com/johnpking1 and my Fanreach at www.reverbnation.com/johnking.

Shawn, thanks again for allowing me this opportunity. I really appreciate it and look forward to staying up. I have also included a banner code that I would like to add following the interview that will direct people to my reverbnation site where I will posting my music. If you have any problems with it you can also get it directly from my Reverbnation site.