Andrew Sussman is the bassist with the excellent Frogg Café, a New York based prog/jazz bandw ho began as a Frank Zappa tribute band known as Lumpy Gravy. Frogg Café's website is at - http://www.froggcafe.com

What inspired you to first pick up a bass and what were your first attempts at playing it like?

I am a classically trained cellist, so adding the "cool" rock and roll bass was something that was attractive and easy for me.  But I soon learned that bass gets real hard once you get away from I IV V chord changes!

Who were your early influences and what did you learn from them?

 

I always loved listening to Van Halen and Pink Floyd when I was young but didn't have a bass idol until I heard Jaco play.

Did you take lessons or are you self-taught?
 

Self-taught on bass, classically trained on cello

What's the most important bit of advice you were given by another musician?

Always be humble and never say "How's everybody doing out there tonight" in the mic.

What's the most important bit of advice you could give to new bassists?

Learn how to play lines and not just chords and play with other musicians, don't isolate yourself.

Do you play 4, 5 or 6 string basses mainly? Fretted or unfretted?

4 string Music Man fretted

How would you define your style of playing?

Prog Rock/Jazz Fusion playing

Tell us a little about the artists and bands you have worked with, and how/if you adapted to playing with each of them?

I just played in Germany with Ed Mann who is an amazing percussionist (Zappa band '75-88).  When you add another member to the band, even for one gig, you need to listen much more carefully to the balance of sound on stage.

Of the artists and bands you've played with who was the most inspirational and why?

Nick Lieto of Frogg Cafe always inspires me with his great songwriting and deep, deep talent.

Do you warm up before a concert and if so how?

I stretch out my wrists and arms.

Do you have any other last minute rituals or habits before a concert?

I try to relax and get my inner thoughts under control.  Nerves can always cause bad things to happen on stage

What do you drink onstage?

Usually water or a beer or both.

What's the biggest disaster you've ever had onstage, and how did you cope with it?

We once had the power shut off on us because our set went long!  We just stopped playing, pretty lame of the club...but that's how you get treated when you play original music in America.  Europe is much more respectful.

What's the biggest disaster you've ever had in the studio, and how did you cope with it?

No disasters, just some bad miking which we fixed the next time around.

What's been your proudest playing moment?

This summer in Germany playing at the Zappanale Festival in front of 2,000 appreciative fans.

What's been the most fun playing moment, and why?

Same gig, the energy of the crowd was amazing.

What's been the least fun playing moment, and why?

When the sound balance on stage is bad, it isn't fun.  That's happened a few times.

What equipment do you use live and in the studio and why?

Harke Cabinet/GK Head...they sound great!
Tech 21 Pre-amp pedal.

Boss effects unit.

Are you fairly flexible about the equipment you use or must you always play with the same gear?

I try to play on the same gear, but sometimes that not possible.

What one piece of equipment would you advise all bass players to own?

A metronome to practice with!

Do you read music?

Yes

Do you play any other instruments, and how well?

Cello and guitar professionally.

Do you write or co-write songs and if so do you write on the bass?

I write some songs for Frogg Cafe, but usually on the piano or acoustic guitar and then transfer them to manuscript on the computer.

Do you ever play cover versions, and if so how do you learn the originals note for note or do you improvise you own parts?

Depends on the tune.  Zappa - note for note.  Improv sections, I play what I want within the groove.

Do you sing? Do you feel it is important?

Yes, back-up.  Very important.

If you could nominate one song that you've recorded to sum up your playing style and feel which one would it be?

The Abyss of Dissension, due out Jan '05

What have you been doing recently?

Recording our 3rd studio CD called "Fortunate Observer of Time"

Do you have a personal or band website? Or would you like to recommend any other useful websites?

http://www.froggcafe.com