CHRISTOPHER HOFFEE

THE WHITE BUFFALO

What was your way into bass? My way into bass was atypical, I think. I began as a lead guitarist, then a singer-songwriter, recording and producing my own albums. Bass-playing became a necessity for my music project, but after releasing my albums, others came to me for recording, production and multiinstrumental skills. Bass has taken on a greater and greater part of my life, until now it’s a major part of my livelihood.

What bass gear do you currently use?

I use a Music Man 4HD Stingray, tuned BEAD. It’s useful in songs that are in C and D, especially in the three-piece band I’m in. I use the Darkglass 900 amp, which is wonderful for all the touring I do. The sound, power, and ease of taking it on an airplane as a carry-on is indispensable. I pair that with Darkglass’s new 2x12 1000-watt cabinet with Neo speakers, and I can do any gig without a large footprint, or heavy travel weight.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given about playing bass? There are a few bassists that I really admire, Carol Kaye and Tina Weymouth among them. They’re so melodically interesting. Carol thought of percussion rhythms and Tina thought of horn parts in their playing. Those ideas helped me break out of what a bass ‘should’ do.

Who is, or was, the greatest bass player ever?

It’s a mistake to say that anyone is the greatest of anything, but what James Jamerson brought to a song is justification enough. To me, the song is everything. There’s the recording, and then there’s the live show, and what you play should be different, as the soundscape and energy has changed. I don’t think James really ever played the same thing – it’s what he was feeling.

What are your current projects?

Check out our new album On The Widow’s Walk, out now on Spinefarm Records.

Instagram: @atomorr