Reader Spotlight: Andrea Morse

Meet Andrea Morse, a bassist from St Louis, Missouri, and our player in the spotlight for November 16, 2010.

Bio:

I grew up in NYC and have lived up and down the east coast before coming to St. Louis in 2003. My musical study began with drums at age 10 before spending time with guitar and violin before finding the bass at age 16. Having a intrinsic connection to rhythm explains my deep connection with bass, and the more time I dedicate to the instrument, the more thorough this connection becomes. I began playing covers and original material in local dives as well as places like the legendary CBGB’s and Max’s Kansas City. Today I find myself involved in many projects, including teaching, attending open mics throughout the city, producing/engineering radio programs and several other projects.

Location:

St. Louis, MO

Day gig:

I am the General Manager of an internationally recognized and highly respected test laboratory working in the areas of electrical and electronic insulators.

Years experience:

If I told you, you’d know how old I am. Suffice it to say, a long time.

Bands & Gigs:

Open mics and teaching at present.

Gear:

My basses presently include an Ibanez Prestige 5 string and an FLN Custom 4 string Fender American Deluxe Jazz (not only sounds awesome but this bass is beautiful too!).

Amplification includes Eden electronics and several Eden and SWR cabinets.

Why I play the bass:

Some decisions make themselves. Playing bass is simply something that fits me. And there is the benefit of there typically being only one bassist in a group… I like the individuality and focus that permits.

My bass superpower/claim to fame

Always keep things ‘in the pocket’, funky is better and step out front whenever you have the chance.

My influences

There are so many. As of late it would be folks like Scott Ambush (Spyro Gyra), Nathan East (Fourplay), Rhonda Smith, Kim Stone (Rippingtons) to name a few. And there will always be Jaco!

More on the web:

• Official website