Mark Adams: Groove Driver

 
Bass Player Staff ,Mar 04, 2005
 
 

How do you describe the groove?

From where I stand, the groove begins with bass and drums. In Slave, either [drummer] Steve Arrington or I would start a groove and it would inspire the rest of the band. That was the only way we knew how to do what we did; we seldom planned a groove. It was spontaneous.

How do you cultivate the groove?

What I do is listen for the spice between the hi-hat, snare, and foot-the overall ambience and the subliminal sounds.

How do you enhance the groove?

I've been fortunate in Slave that the band has always given me space to be a melody instrument and to lead the groove. I talk through my bass and step forward like a lead singer riffing; I'm constantly in freestyle mode. Steve calls it "annointing bass." I also look at my bass like a drum kit, using my thumb for the kick and my pops for the snare-like Larry Graham does. That's what I did on "Just a Touch of Love" [from Just a Touch of Love, Cotillion]. I don't know how Slave grooves like it does. It's hard to put into words, but it will always be in us.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Vedel Nerestant Abidjan Ivory Coast West Africa
Thanx for the great grooves. To me what you did on Funken town is the definition of True Funk.
rob rochester new york
hey mark ,,,, thanks for all the years of good music , my brother . are you doing any solo work ?
rob rochester new york
hey mark ,,,, thanks for all the years of good music , my brother . are you doing any solo work ?
sjames fresno ca.
hey mark i have been a fan since slide and will always be my #1 group. my kids are even a fan. wow the slave gang. i notice mark hicks is caring the group. i saw the new slave and i was shocked.. i was looking for you and the rest of the gang.hope to see you guys make it back
T.Smith Westville, NJ
Hey Mark, I've been a SLAVE fan since I was 18yrs old. When SLIDE came out, I was blown away with your bass playing. I bought a used guitar and learned how to play your bassline. I currently have a Ibanez GRS200 2001 model I still practice when I can. "Stonejam" is also another favorite song, where I just love the bassline too. If SLAVE ever perform in Philly, I'll be sure to be there. Take care.
 

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