Fifteen year-old bass player Andrew Vinther is a sophmore at Mountlake Terrace High School and is KNKX's guest DJ on October 4 from 8 - 9 p.m. He is also co-leader of the band, Blue North Trio. See them live at the Red Twig in Edmonds every Friday from 5 - 7 p.m.
Which instrument do you play and why?
I play the bass, also known as the string or double bass. When I started actually playing an instrument, I was eight years old and on trumpet. As I progressed through the school band program two years early, once I reached fifth grade, I was given the choice of various "scholarship instruments" by my mother. These were, oboe, bassoon, tuba, french horn, and bass. I settled on the double bass because I was interested in playing jazz. Now, because I chose the bass those years ago I have gotten many wonderful opportunities and have gotten to meet so many wonderful people and musicians.
What’s your all-time favorite jazz piece?
This was a hard one, but I think I have to say that my all time favorite jazz piece is "The Tattooed Bride" by Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington. I absolutely love the repetition of a motif, how it develops, and the rich harmonies and wonderfully crafted solos that Ellington put into this masterpiece.
Who is your jazz hero?
My personal jazz hero is the one and only, Ray Brown. He masterfully plays the bass with melodic lines and solos, as well as impeccable time. He shows how the bass is meant to be played, and I am working hard to achieve the level of skill that Ray had.
Why jazz?
Jazz is how I express myself. It is a true art form that allows you to communicate with anyone else who has worked to learn the language. Without jazz, I would not be the musician, or person, I am today. Jazz teaches you how to listen, how to interact with people, how to be respect yourself, the music, fellow musicians, and other humans. Jazz really is the best way, I believe, to interact with one another.
ANDREW'S PLAYLIST FOR OCTOBER 4, 8 - 9 p.m.:
"Superbass Theme" R. Brown/J. Clayton/C.McBride (Superbass 2)
"Ain't Misbehavin'" Ray Brown (Jazz Cello)
"Seven Steps to Heaven" Miles Davies (Seven Steps to Heaven)
"April in Paris" Joey DeFrancesco (All About That Basie)
"Tricotism" Ray Brown (Ultimate Ray Brown)
"Cherokee" Christian McBride Trio (Out Here)
"Killer Joe" Ray Brown/John Clayton (Superbass)
"Too Close for Comfort" Jeff Hamilton Trio (From Studio 4, Cologne)
"Linus & Lucy" Wynton Marsalis/Ellis Marsalis (Joe Cool's Blues)
"Theme from Asphalt Jungle" Duke Ellington (The Great Paris Concert)
"Everyday I Have The Blues" Take 6 (All About That Basie)
*Follow Andrew on Instagram: @advintherbass
*Follow Blue North Trio on Instagram: @bluenorthjazz
