I’M NOT IN AWE OF MANY BASS players. I’ve heard lots of great bassists, and even more not-so-great ones. Famous bass players are just people—like me and you. But when I received a pleasant response from Jack Bruce saying he would like to answer some questions for BASS PLAYER, I had a feeling of wonder that I hadn’t experienced since 1968, when I was wearing out Disraeli Gears trying to pick out the bass line to “Sunshine of Your Love.” I still marvel at this legend in the bass world—a free spirit who continues to explore and create magnificent music.
In the four decades since Bruce wrote “Sunshine of Your Love,” he has been a key figure in a myriad of projects with jazz and rock players like Tony Williams, John McLaughlin, Leslie West, Robin Trower, Kip Hanrahan, and Vernon Reid. When Bruce turned 65 in 2008, two boxed-CD sets were released to commemorate his life’s work: Spirit and Can You Follow. During his recent tour of Scotland, he was presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Glasgow Caledonian University. Composing Himself: Jack Bruce, The Authorised Biography [Jawbone Press] by Harry Shapiro is scheduled for publication in 2010. You can follow his current projects at www.jackbruce.com.
What is your idea of a perfect gig? The Cuicoland Express—Bernie Worrell on Hammond, Vernon Reid on guitar, Milton Cardona and Richie Flores on percussion, El Negro Horacio Hernandez and Robbie Ameen on drums, me, plus a few tasty guests at a sold out Garden, and the Dom Perignon never runs out.
Which of your instruments would you refuse to sell, and why? I don’t think I’ve ever sold an instrument, though I’ve given a few away. But if anything happened to my old Warwick fretless thumb bass, I might give up playing bass guitar for good, because she is irreplaceable—and I love her.
If you could transform yourself into any other musician for just a day, who would it be? Lang Lang, the concert pianist, because I’d love to experience what it’s like to have ten fingers on each hand.
What is your third all-time favorite record and why? “Smokestack Lightning” sung by Howlin’ Wolf.
If you had never picked up a bass in your life, what would your day job be? A dead guy.
When was the music business nasty to you? Quite a few times. For example; once many years ago, when my manager stole my children’s birthright—you wanna’ watch that one—and another time when I played some tracks with a full orchestra to an A&R man who spoke on the phone the whole time and then asked me if I had recorded it at home!
Who are your heroes? My parents, my wife Margrit, my children and Charles Mingus.
What was your most recent big mistake? To start writing a symphony.
What is your goal for the coming year? To keep walking about a bit and finish that symphony.