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Interview with Glenn Haggis |
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What started you playing bass ? Ever since I was a youngster I found the bass parts of songs to be the most appealing and the most prominent part of music. I always listened to the bass and gravitated to the instrument early on. I have played for some time but have got serious about from about 5 years ago. Do you study or take lessons? I am in my second year of studying with Carlo Mombelli. I have found him to be a great teacher and he has helped me understand things that I would have taken years to understand by myself. What in particular has he taught you? Ear training, which is invaluable. He has also taught me technique, the modes and the lessons continue. Its great fun. He has also helped me in developing a strict practice regimen. What do you want to achieve from your playing? I aim to become a proficient, grooving bass player. Are you playing at the moment? I play in our church praise and worship team. Lots of challenges and many styles. We are aiming to a blues band going this year. What is your current gear setup and what would you really like to get? I play a 1964 Fender Jazz that used to belong to Bob Hill. I use a SWR Basic Black combo. I would love to get a Fodera Imperial 5=20 and a SWR 350 head with 2 2x10 cabs for portability What music are you currently listening to? Joe Zawinul - Faces and places. The new live Weather Report (previously un-released) Richard Bone - both discs Which 2 South African bass players inspire you? Carlo Mombelli for his originality and ability to continually push the envelope. His compositions are always great. Denny Lalouhette for his ability to groove in all styles. Both are great guys and are very approachable. Who are the greats for you? At the top of the list is Jaco Pastorius who has always been the greatest for me. I also love Richard Bona as he has been influenced by Jaco but has found his own very lyrical voice. I saw Richard last year and spoke to him a while and found him to also be very approachable. Going to his workshop was a highlight for me. What are you're thoughts on the current state on the South African live music scene? Not as exciting as 10 or 15 years ago as there are such a few venues and it seems that the public are a bit apathetic to local live music. General comment? I love playing bass and learning more and more about music and hope to be gigging a lot more in the future. I also find that the majority of bass players are great people. There is a real joy in music. |
