Why do you play bass?
In the 7th grade my friends wanted to start a band, but no one wanted to be the bass player. I wanted to be in a band so bad that I volunteered. Soon I was practicing eight hours a day—it just took over my life. It also helped me meet girls.

Do you practice? If so, how?
I practice quite a lot. Practicing jazz standards helps me keep up on my tune repertoire and improves my soloing over changes. I also work on rhythmic ideas and continue to develop my phrasing and feel. Since I moved to New York I’ve found that I do a lot more reading on gigs, so I try to keep up with that also.

How do you stay focused on a gig?
For me it’s hardest to stay focused when the music is not happening. When the band is working together and everyone is on the same page, the focus comes naturally—there’s an almost mystical lack of focus because of the easiness about it. If I find my attention drifting, I try to focus on something small, like the length of my notes or the drummer’s hi-hat—just a little something extra to stop my mind from wandering. If that doesn’t work, I drink a Red Bull.

What musical concept have you had to learn the hard way?
That you can’t be all things to all people.

What non-musical thing inspires you the most?
The wilderness. I love to camp and hike. It clears my mind and helps keep everything real.