A Mel Bay Publications, Inc. Webzine
April 2007 · Bimonthly
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In this issue: "The Queen of Bass" Double Z |
Life on the Road: With a little change of pace | Time as Mantra | Anthony Wellington of the Victor Wooten Band Print this Article (PDF) Email Article to a Friend 
"The Queen of Bass" Double Zby Kenn Smith When we think of great bass players, we usually only mention the players of the male persuasion. There are many great female bassists who have also carved their path into music history. With this interview I'd like to introduce one of those female greats. Ladies and gentlemen .......... Madame Double Z. Lizz Chisholm a.k.a. Double Z is a self contained, powerful, multi-instrumentalist, soulful singer, writer, and performer. Her first CD "IN Z MOOD" (Quest), features her brand of bold, sexy, hard-driving funk, which she calls "Strip Hop." Double Z's uniqueness is in her combination of a hot, sexy, look with world-class musicianship for which she is widely known and respected worldwide. Coming out of Jamaica Queens along with artists such as Najee, Omar Hakim, and Lenny White, she is credited by legendary bassist/ producer, Marcus Miller as being a major influence and inspiration. She has toured and /or recorded with a number of major artists such as rap pioneers, Grand Master Melle Mel & the Furious Five, Al B. Sure Luther Vandross, and most recently, with Kid Creole & the Coconuts, and Zhane. 
As of this date, Double Z is stepping out front and taking center stage with her "Strip-Hop" Show, commanding and receiving your full attention and the respect that she so rightly deserves. She is also writing and performing music for TV and film. One of her current projects is the ABC Prime Time show, "The Bachelor". During the interview, I found her to be very direct, tough, and to the point. She is a very strong- minded person. These characteristics are sometimes a must for female musicians such as Double Z, in order to survive in the business of music. You've got to know who you are, what you want, and not settle for anything less than the best for yourself. Kenn: How would you describe yourself as a bass player? Who is Double Z? Kenn: Who are your biggest influences? Kenn: So how do you prepare for tours and sessions? Kenn: I feel you on that. Some gigs are just about the money. Get it done, get paid. I remember sometime back we were talking about the basses you use. Could you tell my readers a little about "The Double Z Bass Collection"?
And then there is my pre-CBS Fender Jazz bass that is truly Larry Grahamn-ified in sound. I've played some Music Man basses that were soooo funky by themselves, that I stayed in the music store playing them for hours! All of my basses are the best for me, which is why I own them and love them. Kenn: What rigs do you use live and in the studio? On the floor, I use one stomp box. It's a unit called the Deep-Impact. Not many people have it or have even heard of it. I have several tuners, some are rack mount, some are just floor tuners. In the studio, I have the Line6 Bass Pod Pro. That's really all I need. I make it do what it do, baby. I'm more experimental in the studio since it's in my house. I make sounds with basses by doing some unordinary things to them, then I'll sample those sounds and build the song! Listen to "Back 2 Bass-Sicks" on my MYSpace page. All the instruments are bass guitar except the hi-hat and crash symbol. Sometimes I'll set up my small rig and mic it for that true Double-Z sound. Believe me, it's one of a kind! Kenn: What are you doing nowadays? Do you have any new CD's coming out? The only CD still available off the internet is my CD on Qwest/Reprise label "IN Z MOOD". This CD showcases all that I do. On this CD I played all instruments, sang all the vocal leads, and background, wrote all the jams except one, (Let's Get Serious), and co- produced it. You can download some cuts from it on my MYSpace page. Kenn: I know this is a typical question, but I only ask it of the best players. How would you like to be remembered? Kenn: You have truly made your mark in the bass world, no doubt about! What were some of your shining moments as a player or artist? 
Kenn: Tell us about some of the great gigs you've done. You know, the ones you will always remember and what you would consider the "Dream Gig" to be? Kenn: What are your views of the music scene today? Kenn: Well Double Z, as we come to the end, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you for taking the time for this interview. As always, it has been a joy talking with you and an honor knowing you. In closing, to help up and coming players can you tell us what you feel is the most important thing a bass player should know. Second, know your stuff. Don't half step by playing what you think it is! Do your homework. Many bass lines make the song what it is. Be professional at rehearsals and gigs by not noodling Jaco lines when everyone's stopped playing and are trying to talk down a part. That's really annoying! Third, work on how to get your sound, no matter what rig you're playing on. On most tours you don't get what you want, so make that other stuff work! About the Author Kenn Smith: Solo Performer/ Clinician/ Instructor/Author, 21 Years Professional Touring & Session Bassist & Guitarist. Kenn has performed with many great artists such as: Tower of Power, Stanley Turrentine, Stanley Jordan, Wynton Marsalis, members of the Miles Davis Band, and many more. He has written and performed in various styles ranging from Classical to Jazz, Funk to Progressive Rock and World Music. He has released two guitar discs "BLUE" and "TWO" and a solo bass CD titled "Short Stories". Kenn is currently performing, recording a new CD and writing articles for bass related books and magazines. Visit his sites at: www.kennsmith.com myspace.com/kennsmith [ top ]
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