You’re classically trained as a bassist. Is Berklee where you got most of your schooling?
I took a big jump forward when I went to Berklee. Before that, I was a combination of self-taught and having [had] a few really great teachers on Long Island who got me going in the right direction. They pointed me towards Berklee, and at that point I started practicing all the time, and wasn’t doing anything else other than music. I’ve studied way more jazz than I do classical, but I do have some classical training as well. Then, I moved back to New York and started working.
You did some sessions once with Lauryn Hill. Any other notable collaborators?
I actually did a lot of R&B and hip-hop sessions. I played with Lauryn, and I did a track with Mos Def and Common. I played on the Shaquille O’Neil record, and I also played with Del Amitri. That was great. I had a good time doing that. I also play a lot more obscure jazz sessions when I’m in town. I’ve had a really nice time playing music, and I’m grateful that I’ve been able to do a lot of diverse things.
Looking at your tour diary, there’s a lot of talk about coffee. Do you have a recommendation for the best cup?
Welllllll, no . . . I mean, my favorite way to have coffee is to get a French press, you ever have that?
Oh, I do every morning, and once I went I never switched back.
Mmmmmmhmmmm . . . that’s like the nuclear blend right there. It seems that no matter what coffee you put in there it comes out really strong. I would say that, for most of us, smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee is sort of our rock band fuel. I’ve watched Adam drink a dozen cups of coffee on a New York to LA flight before, and when I say a dozen I’m not exaggerating. And airplane coffee is shit anyway.
What are some of the best live acts you’ve seen recently? And tour mates don’t count!
I can answer that. It’s based around the undeniable power of the live show, and it’s the best thing a band could have going for it. I saw Nine Inch Nails and Queens Of the Stone Age at the Hollywood Bowl when we were recording Louder Now in LA, and it was probably one the best concerts I’ve seen in my life. The production, the sound, the playing, and the intensity of both bands; I’m a huge Queens Of the Stone Age fan, and I’m an old NIN fan. I was excited to see them, but I left there a mega-fan! More recently, we saw We Are Scientists in London, of whom we’re friends and fans. I think they’re really a great live band, and brilliant, funny guys. I have yet to see the Mars Volta, and I’m dying to see them. I haven’t been able to catch a show yet, so I’ll hold my tongue until I get to see them.
