Reader Spotlight: Will McGee

Will McGeeMeet Will McGee, a bassist from Memphis, Tennessee and our player in the spotlight for August 24, 2010.

Bio:

Well, there’s not much to tell, I’m a kid really, only 16. I picked up bass when I was about 12, and I haven’t put it down since. My musical interests and inspirations have morphed through out my span as a bass player. I started out heavily influenced by the early pioneers like John Entwistle, Paul McCartney, John Paul Jones and Geddy Lee, but now my study of the low end masters has grown to include the greats such as Jaco Pastorius, James Jamerson, Rocco Prestia, Pino Palladino, and funk masters like Flea, Larry Graham, and Bootsy Collins. I know I have a long road a head of me but all I can do is keep an open mind to new music and opportunities. I hope to have a long career holding down the groove like my idols before me have done.

Location:

Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Day gig:

I’m a high school student

Years experience:

4 years

Bands & Gigs:

Right now I’m in my first serious band, a blues funk rock band called Mud Pie. I’ve been playing in this three piece for over a year now, and the three of us are air tight. We enjoy covering soulful, classic rock staples as well as a few of our own funky originals. So far we haven’t had much time in the spotlight, but we continue to work hard and push toward success.

Gear:

  • G&L L@2000 carve top bass
  • Aguilar AG500 bass head with 4×10 cab
  • BC Rich Mockingbird bass reissue
  • Squier P-bass that I have converted into my own fretless “Chameleon” bass with a purple to green color-changing paint job

Why I play the bass:

To be honest, it was my brother. For his 12th birthday, he received an electric guitar, and since we disagree on everything, I decided right then that playing guitar was out of the question. I decided I would have to go in the opposite direction which lead me to my first bass guitar.

My bass superpower/claim to fame

I would say its my razor sharp ear. I have a knack for recreating just about any riff, lick or fill I hear, and I can pick up songs and groove quickly. For a young player, I feel I have a good ear and good feel.

My influences

Geddy Lee, Geezer Butler, Flea, Jaco, Rocco, Victor Wooten, Larry Graham, Pino Palladino, John Paul Jones, Duck Dunn, James Jamerson, Bootsy, Chris Wood…

More on the web:

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