"Prog Bassist" David Livolsi Interview
www.DavidLivolsi.com
Interview by Roger Zee (07/12/21)
Top/Bottom Photos: Trever Somerville
Roger Zee: Who inspired you to take up the bass? Do you sing or play any other instruments?
David Livolsi: I'm sure I'll surprise some bass players out there with this... But the person responsible for me wanting to play bass guitar -- Gene Simmons from KISS! I mean, come on. The guy had a nine inch tongue and shot fire out of his mouth. Who wouldn’t want to do that? My brother Mike and I admired the band so much that we joined their fan club, "KISS ARMY!" Probably between the ages of five to nine...
I would say that my biggest influence came from when I listened to AM radio as a child. Back then, radio sounded so diverse. You’d hear Chicago, Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, and then in the same hour, Joni Mitchel, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Seals & Crofts, Paul Simon, and Frank Sinatra. Truly a great time to get exposed to music...
Bass players like James Jamerson, Bob Babbitt, Carol Kaye, Willie Weeks, Chuck Rainey, Jerry Jemmott, Anthony Jackson, Tommy Cogbill, and so many more ingrained themselves in my Soul. Some of my favorite music comes from Aretha Franklin’s Atlantic years. As a teenager, I became heavily influenced by many of the Prog Rock and Fusion bands such as Rush, ELP, Kansas, Yes, Return to Forever, and Weather Report.
As my bass playing progressed, I started hearing about guys like Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorius, Louis Johnson, Larry Graham, and many more. Once I delved into that world of music, it exposed me to so many of the possibilities of bass. From there, I started getting into more traditional Jazz. I listened extensively to artists such as Dexter Gordon, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Count Basie, Gene Ammons, Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, and Chet Baker.
If stranded on an island and could only bring ten records, I'd take The Oscar Peterson Trio (w/Ray Brown) "We Get Requests," Aretha Franklin's "Young, Gifted, & Black," Weather Report’s "Heavy Weather," Israel Houghton’s "Live from Another Level," Donny Hathaway’s "Live," Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Beethoven String
Quartets, The Beatles "White Album," James Taylor’s "Live," and Rush's "Signals”.
My main instrument's the bass which I started at age nine. But I can play some guitar and drums, although it’s been a long time. So don’t be throwing me on any gigs! My piano chops remain pretty weak, but they’re good enough to play some chords in order to use the keyboard as a writing tool.
RZ: Tell me about some of the musicians and groups you've gigged and recorded with.
DL: I’ve never really done long, extensive tours. Rather mostly shorter, spot dates. The longest I went out on the road lasted four weeks. That said, I've worked with many artists including John Scofield, Bill Evans, Najee, Roberta Flack, Sam Rivers, Chuck Loeb, Chieli Minucci, Jazz Is Dead, The Platters, and many more.
RZ: What basses/amps/strings do you currently use?
DL: I usually gig with my Fender 5-string American Deluxe Jazz Bass with D'Addario EXL170-5 5-String Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, Light, 45-130, Long Scale. I also play a 4-string fretless as well as some 5-string fretted custom basses made by a great luthier named Frank Brocklehurst. In addition, I own a Fender 4-string acoustic bass and an Alvarez acoustic guitar.
When available, I play through an Aguilar bass amp. Usually with a 4x10 or 8x10 setup. On smaller, local gigs, I use my Fender Rumble Combo amp.
Never much of a pedal user but I did give it some effort "Back in the day." You might on occasion see me with the Boss T-Wah pedal which I got as a gift from my good buddy, Rohn Lawrence.
RZ: Talk about what and how you practice.
DL: If I’m lucky enough to practice, I usually start by playing major and minor scales through two octaves in all twelve keys, and in a specific, intervallic progression. That normally warms up the chops. Then I’ll run through some classical studies that I love, usually Bach. Of course, there’s always new music for upcoming gigs I need to get under my belt. If I feel extra zealous, I’ll work on some Bebop material or something else
challenging.
RZ: Do you teach music privately?
DL: No, I don't teach.
RZ: How has the Pandemic affected you? What's on the horizon?
DL: The Pandemic brought me much needed awareness as to what's important in my life. When the world suddenly shut down, I could really feel everything around and inside me slow up. It felt SO good to actually sit down, read, practice, cook, and spend quality time with my kids. Just doing things that I always wanted to do. I learned how to exercise at home using resistance bands and how to cook healthy foods.
Honestly, getting forced to stay home liberated me on so many levels. I don’t want to sound like this Pandemic felt so nonchalant and easy for everyone. I understand and empathize with the many people this truly affected. It could've gone pretty badly for me financially if not for the love and support I received from friends and family -- and of course the government assistance.
I look forward to playing some dates this year with Cheili Minucci of Special FX as well as Javier Colon. Colon's not only a gifted singer, but a really good guitar player. We both share a love for the music of James Taylor and recently performed a private, entire show of JT’s music. Truly a special gig for me. So hopefully we’ll see more shows on the horizon with that project.
RZ: Describe your most special and/or unusual gig.
DL: For me, a special gig consists of playing the music I love with the people I love being with. I'm the kind of person that if the band is killing but the hang sucks, I'd rather stay home!
RZ: How do you see the future of the music business?
DL: I honestly don't know! I feel hopeful that people will continue to need live music because, let's face it, nobody makes money off record sales anymore. You need to work as an entrepreneur with good social media skills, networking abilities, and be someone that people want to be around. When you travel on the road, you get very close to the other musicians. And that can lead to some trying times. Learn patience, LOL!
RZ: What advice do you give up-and-coming musicians?
DL: I recently read the interview you did with Jay Stollman where he suggested going to Law school. I agree completely for many reasons. Too many artists unfortunately sign contracts without reading them or understanding the legal wording. This ends up not benefiting them at all! Knowing how to negotiate terms, read and write fair contracts, and network with people in the business remain key.
You also need to be a "people person." Learn how to get along with engineers, producers, and other musicians. In terms of musicality, I say thank you to the Internet for giving access to incredible musicians all over the world with just the click of a button. I see some brilliant players of all ages. And that reassures me that the talent only grows stronger.
These days, I don't feel overjoyed with what I hear on the radio. However, "Pop" culture does include some very talented artists like Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa, Her, and more.
RZ: Do you live with any animals?
DL: I love animals but unfortunately I'm allergic to dog and cat dander.
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