Reader Spotlight: Adi Thompson

Meet Adi Thompson, who switched originally switched to bass after joining a band with three guitarists. He never looked back.

Adi is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight. Here’s his story…

Bio:

Originally from Lincolnshire, I moved to Norfolk 20+ years ago after playing in numerous bands.

Location:

Kings Lynn Norfolk United Kingdom

Day gig:

I work at a local college in an Electrical Installation Department

Years experience:

Nearly 40 years

Bands & Gigs:

I’m currently in a cover band called DNA. The drummer and I were previously in a band for nearly 15 years, which disbanded (the guitarist didn’t like the drummer and me depping in others). The drummer’s son came back from playing around hotels in Dubai, so we got together. Dan the guitarist is one of the most melodic/musical players I’ve ever played with, and as a band, we gig about 160 times a year. It never gets boring.

Gear:

• Mayones Comodous 5 is my may main bass fitted with stunning Aquilar OP3 circuitry. Stunning sound and beautiful to play.
• Musician Stingray 4 (1984) Brilliant for the slap funk rock stuff. I’ve had it for 30 years.
• Ibanez Studio 824 (de-fretted and fitted with slap plates) Used primarily on recordings with a band called Monkeys With Clothes On (mid-80’s band)
• Dean Exotica electro-acoustic. Lovely sound and to play. Pick this up with fitted case for £200. Bargain.
• TC Electronic RH450 amp. Love it. The sounds I can programme in are stunning.
• TC Electronic RS210 and RS212 (I pair up both cabs for bigger gigs, but mainly used the 210)
• Line 6 bass pod xt live. More studio use than live.
• Line 6 JM4 Looper. Great for home use for the drum kits to practice to and to experiment with in recording material.

Why I play the bass:

I joined a band with three guitarists, so I moved over to bass and never looked back.

My bass superpower/claim to fame

I am known for my ability to stand in at the last minute on any gig. Fretted/fretless, 4- or 5-string… Also being a sparky/PAT tester, I get to maintain loads of equipment for a small price – now a claim to fame. I have played with some great musicians over the years: Nigel Portass on keyboards (Van Morrison, Tom Jones, and god knows who else Nigel has played with), John Wilmott on sax (James Taylor Quartet), vocalist Liz Wolfe (Wolfe/rock band), guitarist Eddie Tatton (session player – we formed a jazz/rock/funk band in the late 80’s called What Next). Stunning guitarist. Check out the Kevin Thorpes (RIP) band “Out of the Blue” to hear Eddie play – drummer Steve MacKrill (I have added Steve to my list as he is the most talented/undiscovered drummers I have ever had the pleasure to play with in 40 years. Just an outstanding musician).

My influences

I play all styles of music, but at heart, I’m a rocker. In my first music lesson, we were introduced to a classical music piece. My teacher gave me the score to the William Tell overture and to my amazement I could read it while listening to the music. That got me thinking seriously about music at the age of 13. I was given my first album at 16: Warrior on the Edge of Time by Hawkwind. The bass player was Lemmy. And so the interest in bass playing began. I love so many other players, not just bass players – and there are so many more great players emerging every day. Now because of the internet, I listen to so many more different styles and influences from around the world. So many brilliant musical styles around.

More on the web:

• DNA website
• DNA on Facebook