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.

Gospelbasslines: Tell us about your Discography, and gigs you have played on.

 Derrick Hearne: I have played for a lot of artists. Some you may have heard of and others you may not. My recordings are a lot in number but the most notables would have to be Ricky Dillard’s (no Limit, Unplugged, The 7th Episode). As far as gigs…wow. I have played (or had the opportunity to play) with a lot of the “well known” artists from Jay Moss to Kurt Carr, etc. My list of gigs may not be as long as others but understand, that is clearly by choice and I am very content with it. I remember the days when the “Tommies” were really hot. They would have the same band that totally defined their sound. You never hardly saw those musicians, in that era, playing all the time with everybody. I wanted to do that with the ministry I am with.

 Gospelbasslines: How long have you been playing bass guitar?

 Derrick Hearne: I have been playing bass for 19 years now (14 years professionally)

 Gospelbasslines: Did you musical journey start with the bass guitar, or did you start out on another instrument?

 Derrick Hearne: I actually, like most musicians, started on the drums. Unfortunately for me, our church at the time had a slew of drummers already and my PT [playing time] was very limited. My cousin Jayson, who is my right arm to this day, was the first in our age range to take the step to another instrument which was the organ. This lead me to think, “If I played bass, we’d have a full band over here”. In high school I did play a little of trumpet but for some reason I liked the bass so much more. I will never forget when our marching band entered the city jamboree and the people saw we had a bass player on the field with real drums and keyboard doing radio songs! It was amazing!

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

 Derrick Hearne: I actually have 3 people who influenced me the most Victor Wooten, Marcus Miller, Jaco Pastorius. I am a prodigy of all three! Each of their styles can be incorporated in gospel in so many ways. I am sure that people who have really heard me would agree. Marcus’ style is for the more funkier stuff and so is Jaco’s in a different way but Victor, I usually bring that out for soloing. I really didn’t get into these guys until late 2002. I had a style but I felt like my threshold had reached. All I listened to was gospel and no offense to no one but I was doing at 15 years old what some of the “top” bass players in the gospel industry are doing now. I wasn’t growing. I wanted to start a whole new thing. My friend Kevin Randolph (No Limit), who along with a couple of others has to be the most gifted keyboard players I have ever met, turned me on to jazz and since then, it was new and fresh. No one I knew at the time was doing it this way, some couldn’t.

 Gospelbasslines: What aspect of listening to Jazz, caused your playing to move to the next level?

 Derrick Hearne: Well understand that I grew up on gospel. That’s all I was ever allowed to listen to as a child. I didn’t even know who Earth Wind and Fire was until I was 18. Ain’t that a mess? I guess you can say I was “closed in a box”. A friend of mine, Kevin Randolph (New G, Mary Mary, Ramsey Lewis) actually turned me on to Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten, etc. It opened my mind up to a whole new world of bass playing. I mean the scales, the approaches, and the overall execution was something I wanted to be able to do. I mean I listened to my fair share of “smooth” jazz but FUSION, it’s a totally different beast.

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

 Derrick Hearne: Fingering believe it or not. Though I was learning Jaco’s technique, I was never as fluid as I wanted to be. I had slapping down to the point where I was getting comfortable but fingering, it was hard for me because I never really got into it. I grew up listening to Andrew Gouche’, Steve Huff, Joel Smith and on the albums I had they were slapping even on ballads! (LA Mass “Love Lifted Me”) Needless to say, the whole element of walking, let alone the tone Jaco has, was a beast to conquer.

 Gospelbasslines: How did you overcome the issue with fingering?

 Derrick Hearne: Actually I practiced a lot of scales over and over. First slowly and then I noticed my dexterity and speed increased over some time. I still practice on getting faster because doing 16th notes in “shout” music is a killer!

 Gospelbasslines: Share with our readers, how you approach playing in a gospel/worship environment, from a spiritual standpoint.

 Derrick Hearne: I pray before EVERY service, concert, session, gig, rehearsal, etc. Even if it’s a simple, “Thank you Lord for another opportunity to minister.” I can’t understand how some musicians walk out on prayer, praise and worship, spoken word. I have actually been in musicals where there were a host of musicians and no one wanted to play in praise and worship. It was just me on the bass. No drummer. No organist. No pianist. The praise leader started singing anyway and FINALLY they made there way up there to play. I sometimes hate to play at musicals because when somebody does a “riff” you hear hollering, screaming, and yelling. Yet these same people are quiet as church mice when someone says,”Let’s worship the Lord with the fruit of our lips.” {perplexed} I take my walk seriously and I give my all every time I play whether it’s at a packed house or not, a big church or a store front, paid or unpaid. God was generous enough to bless us with this gift! We should NOT take it for granted. I honestly couldn’t care less if I’m everyone’s favorite bass player, as long as God is pleased! (End of message) The doors of the church are now open..lol!

 Gospelbasslines: What would you tell a musician wanting to get into the industry?

 Derrick Hearne: If you want to do it because you love gospel and ministering then great! If you are in it to make money…ummm..no. I am not saying you couldn’t make a decent living doing it but it is a “hustle”. I didn’t want to have to be gone all the time so I have other things I do and I am in school to get a degree in software engineering. If this is what you want to do then….but for me it was not feasible. As far as getting into the industry, I have found in my life that God indeed honors faithfulness. I tell everyone to be faithful to your church first and and whatever ministry you are a part of secondly. I didn’t get my opportunity by playing with everybody under the sun. It was by playing with a group that was faithful to from the beginning. Understand that everything works in God’s time and if He feels that you are not ready, then you are NOT. Sometimes it could be that the group you are with was predestined by God was meant to be the next “Tye Tribbett and GA”. Having said that let me add that on top of these you should make a press package for yourself (Videos, Audio, resume, etc.) This way when you blessed to be in company of some artists you can then at least have a shot. Also it is always good to network with other musicians because sometimes they can help you get where you are trying to go.

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

 Derrick Hearne: I would have to say “Latter Rain” by Myron Butler. It just ministers to me in so many ways both lyrically and musically. It’s almost like they were talking directly to me!

 Gospelbasslines: Who is in heavy rotation in you CD player right now?

 Derrick Hearne: Because I produce and engineer my ears are usually fried a lot..lol But when do I listen to music the gospel albums I reach for first are… Myron Butler and Levi Tye Tribbet “Life” Kevin Vasser “So Glad”

 Gospelbasslines: What Basses do you play, Strings you use, Amps, Cabs, and if you use any effects or pre-amps, etc.

 Derrick Hearne: I have 8 basses. I could never get around to getting an endorsement. Maybe I should one day….

 Fender Deluxe Jazz Basses (4&5 string)
4 string Music Man
6 string Ibanez (EMG electronics)
5 string Warrick Corvette
5 string fret less (Peavey)
5 string Peavey Millenium. (I like the sound of Peavey basses, the active ones anyway.)
8 string (No name Company) I’m decking it out with Bartolini electronics and pickups, a new bridge, etc.
I use DR strings with D’Addario as a backup

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

 Derrick Hearne: I can honestly say what has helped me the most is developing my ear. I never ever had a real lesson. My teachers were ALL what I like to call INDIRECT PROFESSORS. They were teaching me and didn’t even know it. I would say as advice is to find a bass player that you admire and BUY the cd’s that they play on. This way you shouldn’t get bored listening to it repeatedly. Eventually you should be able to at least hum the bass line..believe it or not you are have way there because from here with time you will be able to translate what you hum to your instrument. Once I was able to hear something and then play it exactly like I heard it, everything came quickly from there. Learning notes are valuable but if you have a good ear as well, you will constantly get called for gigs.

 Gospelbasslines: Are there any upcoming projects, or links you want to promote?

 Derrick Hearne: I actually produce as well and right now I have been in the studio working on some upcoming projects. I am trying to get them done before the TOUR RUSH. I will start posting them on my Myspace page real soon.

 Special Thanks to Derrick Hearne for taking time to speak with Gospelbasslines.com. It was indeed a pleasure to speak to such a gifted musician who is willing to share his lifes experience. To find out more about Derrick Hearne, be sure to visit him at His Myspace Page.

 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

Gospel Bass Lines: I see that you played instruments prior to the bass guitar what made the bass your primary stop?

Dale Black: I started playing the clarinet in 3rd grade. My dad bought it for me and I actually fell in love with it. Now that I look back Ii think Ii would have loved any thing my dad gave me, I just wanted to play music. I learned things like reading playing the clarinet but went in search of another instrument after playing it extensively throughout my early elementary school years. Its funny how I started playing the bass because it was kind of an accident. In 4th grade I had the option to play in orchestra and I signed up for the cello because I had always loved the sound. I later learned, the school was out of cellos and all that was left was the upright bass. I remember instantly falling in love with the mammoth beast, with its deep tone and huge stature. The rest is history! A few years later I was playing it in a talent show at church and the Minister of Music at my church thought I should play bass guitar. He sat me down with a guy named Edwin Livingston who is now a world class bassist. He played a 5 minute slap solo. I couldn’t believe it! The power and sound of the instrument was exiting.

Gospel Bass Lines: You have been playing for over 15 years, was there any particular point in your playing where you felt you got over the biggest hump, as far as learning the craft?

Dale Black: I think that would be learning jazz and theory. learning to read and play the heads, chords, as well as the bass part to so many jazz standards from Coltrane to Mingus. That meant learning my modes and relearning the treble clef. It was hard at first. I was in my first year of college at Wichita State University and a local jazz guitarist asked me,”Do you know Donna Lee by Charlie Parker”. I said, “Kinda”, having played a version of it in high school. He sat me down and said, “Solo over it”. He started playing chords and I couldn’t hear what to play over them. Having heard that I was all that, I was humbled at that point, because he told me I couldn’t play! “Man learn all of your chords and scales in all keys and work on your jazz”, he said! I took his advise. So I went to the wood shed and taught myself music theory, learning the bass all over essentially. 6 years later here we are. It was crazy and I felt like giving up at times but it was well worth it now that I look back.

Gospel Bass Lines: Who influenced your playing style the most? Why? How do you implement that influence into your playing.

Dale Black: I was into Stanley Clarke really hard for a good part of my early bass years. You can probably sometimes still hear that influence in my playing although life experiences new influences and maturity have made me the bassist I am today. Which is a mix of alot of people bassist or not. I think that its better to listen to people that do not play your instrument. I’ve been influenced by sax players and pianist as well as drummers. I sometimes challenge myself saying if he can do that on piano or drums or whatever why cant I do it on bass?

Gospel Bass Lines: You also teach? What do you want “Most” to get your students to learn? How do you go about that?

Dale Black: I start them off by learning their fingerboard and scales. The first month for most students is the hardest because all I do is teach scales. It usually shows who is for real and who just wants to learn how to play for other nonmusical reasons. I mean its the same with piano. Your teacher is gonna start you of with learning notes and scales. Its important to have atleast a basic knowledge of this on bass in my opinion. Other than that I show them proper technique as far as how to hold the bass so that your not fighting against the bass. Warming up and stretches are important because it keeps carpal tunnel and tendonitis at bay

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

Dale Black: That’s a hard one. It would probably be ….. man that’s really hard. One song would get old to me real quick no matter what it is ha! I’m a sucker for ballads so it would probably be some Nat King Cole maybe “Unforgettable”.

Gospel Bass Lines: You mentioned that God has blessed you with the gift to play and heal others. When did you realize that this was what God had given you?

Dale Black: Where I am from being a musician is not looked at as a livelihood. As a matter of fact, it is discouraged in a lot of ways. So growing up knowing how much I loved music I was always pressured into pursuing other more normal careers. Sometimes the money was good but I wasn’t happy. Having a God given talent but working at Chuck E Cheese sweeping floors while my bass hasn’t been touched for weeks due to my hectic work schedule and my manager tripping with me made me really re look things. It took me going through this and maturing spiritually and being closer to Him to really realize that this is more than something I liked doing. It was a calling. It is a gift straight from the Creator. When you see people worshipping God in church to the music your healing. Even listening to music in your kitchen has healing properties. Man music powerful! My intentions when I play both in church and out is to draw people closer to God inspire people to be positive, follow their dreams and love one another.

Gospel Bass Lines: In closing, can you give the players in the church/worship setting some encouragement or advise to keep them going?

Dale Black: Stay encouraged keep practicing. From the aspiring touring musician to the guy who just plays at church on the weekends. The more you practice the better you’ll be i grantee it! Although I preach theory You don’t have to learn theory and reading and all that to be a good musician. Some of the best have admitted to not knowing this stuff. So its not required but its the path I chose and I know it will help you alot, it helped me. Remember who your playing for, It’s okay to show off but there’s a time for everything. Chops and licks are cool but its the music that’s gonna save people and that’s our main goal as musicians right?

Gospel Bass Lines: What Basses do you play (I have seen your Lakland), Strings you use, Amps, Cabs, and if you use any effects or pre-amps, etc.

Dale Black: Lakland With DR High beams. A acquaintance of mine Jackie Clark who is endorsed by Ebs turned me onto their gear and ive been in love ever since. EBS HD-350 Head and Evolution Cabinets. I dont use effects other than the occasional wah pedal.

Dale Black is on the Latest GMWA CD to be released this summer, as well as GMWA Live in Kansas City 2004. Dale is also working on his album, that is slated for being out next spring. You can find Mr. Black on Myspace.com/bassicblack, check there for updates.

Join me in congratulating Dale!

Since the time of this interview Dale is now officially endorsed by Lakland basses.