| JamiroTalk.net: |
Hi Paul, thanks a lot for taking the time
to tell us something about you, although we know that you're
busy with touring right now! |
| Paul: |
Hi everyone at Jamirotalk, thank you for
the questions and for your interest.
Here goes…
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On becoming a musician - Influences
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
When and how did you start playing the bass?
Why did you choose the bass as your main instrument to play
& can you play any others? |
| Paul: |
I started playing at 14. At the time I lived
on the Isle Of Man, between UK and Ireland. My friend had just
started playing guitar and we knew a drummer…….the
old story!
We were music mad and wanted to have a band.
I was shown basic technique and some scales by an older local
guitar hero, with whom I formed my first band doing rock and
blues. I did my first proper public gig when I was 15.
At that time the Isle Of Man had a busy tourist trade and so
soon I joined more bands and became busy on the local pub, nightclub
and hotel circuits. By then I was doing more soul and funk type
stuff.
I was mainly playing covers or original tunes influenced by
Chic, Level 42, Paul Young and 80s chart stuff.
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
Which bass players (or musical artists in
general) have influenced you throughout your career to date?
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| Paul: |
My first bass heroes were Andy Fraser and
Jack Bruce (of Free and Cream) and other favourite bands included
Hendrix and Zeppelin. I wanted to be a hippy at school and loved
the whole psycadellic rock bands from the late 60s early 70s.
Later I was particularly influenced by Bernard Edwards (with
Chic, Sister Sledge etc), Pino, Jaco and Marcus. Then I discovered
other studio greats like Anthony Jackson, Will Lee, Abe Laborial
I love lots of players, most of those I listen to are players
from 60s & 70s, such as James Jamerson, Willy Weeks, Nathan
Watts, Paul Jackson, Byron Miller, Mark Adams, Nathaniel Philips
and lots more.
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
Do you write your own music? |
| Paul: |
I’ve been involved in many
song writing bands where I have had input and been part of the
songwriting process and also do some “writing” with
dance producers. But haven’t really focused on my own music
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On becoming a member of JAMIROQUAI
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
Did you follow Jamiroquai before you joined
the group? |
| Paul: |
Yes, I had the first three albums and had
seen the band a few times. I had been in bands with Adrian Ravel
and Simon Carter who had both been in earlier line ups.
My wife had Synkronized and AFO too, so although I had never
sat and played the songs I’ve always listened to them and
knew them.
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
How were the auditions for the bassist position
in Jamiroquai, & what were your feelings when you were told
that you’d been successful? What do you feel helped you
be chosen over the other applicants? |
| Paul: |
I was called to audition along with about
10 other guys.
We played a couple of old tunes and also had a quick listen
to Starchild and played that.
The short (20 min) sessions were recorded and even though I
felt I was jamming it a little, they said they liked the way
everything felt.
I was asked to go back (as was another guy) for a longer play.
Unfortunately I couldn't make the second call as I was committed
to a gig with Annie Lennox for Nelson Mandella in S. Africa.
It didn't work out with the other guy and I was asked to go
back to Jay's when I got back to the UK.
Rob had said to listen to every album as Jay likes to call from
the entire back catalogue rather than a set. We jammed through
loads of tunes, some old ones and some new stuff that I hadn't
heard, as well as some spontaneous grooves.
To say why they chose me could sound boastful or disrespectful
to others, so I’d rather not speculate. All I will say
is I’m very happy they did!
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
How long did it take for you to learn the
songs: both the current & the older ones? Which have been
the hardest & also the easiest songs to learn? |
| Paul: |
Fortunately years of gigs and sessions has
helped me become efficient at learning songs. Be it picking
up just the bones and developing ideas or getting a close vibe
to an original.
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
A number of bassists played on Dynamite,
including names like Derrick McIntyre and Randy Hope-Taylor.
Was it hard trying to follow in their footsteps for live performances
or did you just stick to your own style of playing & approach
to the music? |
| Paul: |
Well I’ve known Randy for a long time
and have always enjoyed and admired his playing and enjoy the
other players too.
Following on from the previous question .….. I think it’s
good to feel confident in your own style but be aware of the
original performance. Especially when there’s a record
to promote. Quite often new songs are played closer to recorded
versions than older material but all artistes and bands are
different. Jay likes there to be development in the songs.
I basically always follow rule number one, make it feel good.
Fills etc should be how you feel them yourself unless they’re
a hook that’s necessary for a particular arrangement.
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
What are your opinions on the past bass
players of the band (Stuart Zender, Nick Fyffe) & their
style and performance? |
| Paul: |
Both Stuart and Nick sound great on the
relevant albums.
I can hear what music and players have influenced both and we
share many of those influences.
I've met both guys a couple of times in the past and found them
both cool and friendly.
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On touring with JAMIROQUAI
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
How has your work with previous artists
been compared to working with Jamiroquai? |
| Paul: |
I’ve enjoyed many different experiences
with some fantastic artistes.
I love music and genuinely enjoy playing an emotional ballad
as well as a “funk groove”. I am in no way a musical
snob and enjoy and draw from lots of different genres.
Jamiroquai is a GREAT band with infectious energy and vibe,
it’s a band I had always enjoyed as a punter and fancied
as a player.
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
So far on tour, what performance has really
stood out for you individually & also as a group? |
| Paul: |
Lot’s of them, I’m lovin’
it.
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
What's your favourite Jamiroquai song to
perform live? |
| Paul: |
Mmmmmm well I love loads but a favourite
that comes to mind is Butterfly.
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
Is there a Jamiroquai song which the band
doesn’t play live but you would love to perform? |
| Paul: |
Lots, but I’m sure we’ll keep introducing different
songs all the time so who knows. We rehearsed If I Like
It I Do It and recently Stillness In Time and they
sounded great!
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
How much involvement do you have in arranging what songs are
played on tour? How does this all work with rehearsals etc? |
| Paul: |
Jay wants to hear embellishment and input
to the songs, so we’ll all suggest ideas. Obviously the
final decision on something being used is his.
He likes to sing ideas, especially riffs and bass lines and
then develop them with the band.
That continues on the road as most of the songs are in a constant
state of change.
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
What kind of sensations do you feel when
performing in front of so many people? |
| Paul: |
Did I do my fly up?
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
How do you cope with “life on the
road”? How does travelling, seeing new sights & meeting
new people compare with home comforts? |
| Paul: |
Travelling and seeing the world in comfort
is the perk of touring, I’ve always enjoyed that.
The down side is being away from my wife and baby. We cope by
talking and video conferencing every day and by them coming
out on sections of the tour.
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Future plans
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
Are you going to become involved in the
song writing on future Jamiroquai albums? |
| Paul: |
Hope so!
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On life
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
If you could spend one day any way you wanted,
what would you do? |
| Paul: |
As I love playing music, an ideal day would
include a great gig in a beautiful place. It would also HAVE
to include some fun with my family too.
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
What is your life philosophy or motto? |
| Paul: |
I don’t have a motto but I like to be
happy and hate to see people unhappy. Be open minded, respectful
and love life.
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About Playing Bass, Technical “Stuff”
and Equipment
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
What is your bass rig like? |
| Paul: |
My amp set up is an Aguilar DB750 and 4x12
cab.
It's fat and warm but responsive too, so it’s perfect for
this gig.
It's also simple and quite old school in lay out. |
| JamiroTalk.net: |
Do you have preference between 4 or 5 string
bass’? |
| Paul: |
I do think 4s usually sound better. The E on a 5 doesn’t
sound as good. Period. However I like playing 5 and enjoy
having the option of the extra range of low notes without
detuning.
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
What equipment and or pedals do you use on stage? |
| Paul: |
My gig pedals include a 70s Mutron, 70s Bass
Balls, EH Micro Synth, Boss Octave, Bass Flanger, MXR Driver
and Auto Q.
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
Speaking about your “gear”: amps,
effects and pick ups, do you tend to use more old school style
or modern ones? |
| Paul: |
I prefer vintage stuff.
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
Which is the most exclusive vintage bass
in your collection? |
| Paul: |
My beautiful 1966 White Jazz Bass.
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
Can you say what bass and effects you use
when you play "Butterfly"?
What bass do you use for tracks with slapping like "Mr
Moon"? |
| Paul: |
Butterfly: I usually use my MusicMan Stingray and use the
Octave.
Mr Moon: I use a Jazz (either my '66 or '77 Fender Jazz).
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| JamiroTalk.net: |
Thanks for the interview, Paul!
Have a great time in USA! :-)
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| Paul: |
Thanks everyone, I hope you find my answers
interesting.
To those of you I’ve met after gigs thank you for the kind
words and support.
Wow I made it to the end!!!!!
xP
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PAUL
TURNER - new bassist of Jamiroquai
Paul on stage with
Jamiroquai 