How do you help Shooter achieve his vision of blending classic country with contemporary rock and blues?

I constantly study the background of American roots music, like early jazz from New Orleans, which grew into the blues, rock, jazz, and funk.

What kind of groove is the real deal for you?

Its that crossroads of country, rock, and soul. I grew up playing pop musicmelodic rock like R.E.M. and U2. Rhythmically, its simple, but it has a lot of melodic nuance. That opened up the door to soul music for me. [Motowns] James Jamerson defined how I hear the bass in the rhythm section, playing melodically. He always had a percolating, bubbling groove happening underneath.

What riffs give you inspiration?

On the rock side, I dig things like Frees Alright Now. Thats a bass riff derived from the old Motown sound. Guys like John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin took the Motown approach and gave it a rock & roll feel. When it comes to country music, its all the stuff that Bob Moore played in Nashville.

Your tone sounds muted.

I put a little piece of foam under the strings by the bridgelike Carol Kaye and Jamerson used to do back in the 60s. It gives the notes more attack but less decay, and takes away a lot of the high overtones. That way I can play more actively without it taking over the mix.

In addition to playing, you sing the high harmonies with Shooter. What do you need in your monitors to pull that off?

I try to have only vocals. Having bass in the monitors gets in the way and just makes everything louder and mushier. I always have the bass in the side fills or coming from behind me and keep vocals in the wedge.

Can Be Heard On:
Shooter Jennings, "Electric Rodeo" [Universal South, 2006]
Ted Russell Kamp, Divisadero and Nashville Fine Line [both on MilesofMusic, 2006]

Currently Spinning:
Muddy Waters, Folk Singer [Chess/Classic Compact Disc, 1964]
The Band, The Last Waltz [Warner Bros., 1978]
Nick Drake, Five Leaves Left [Island, 1969]
I love Little Feat and anything with Kenny Gradney playing bass. When he joined the band, he really added that Southern element. As for new stuff, the Raconteurs are great players, and their arrangements are really interesting.

Gear:
Basses: Gibson Thunderbird, 83 Fender Precision Bass Elite, Danelectro Longhorn, 73 Fender Telecaster Bass; medium La Bella flatwound strings; Gutz upright bass
Rig: Orange AD200 head and 4x10 cabinet; Ampeg SVT-4PRO with 6x10 cab