Greetings All!
In the latest issue of Bass Player, I had the chance to interview Oneida James. Feel free to comment on Oneida answers, suggest new questions, or give your own answers to the BP questions . . .
Since 2001, Oneida James has filled the bass chair with living legend Joe Cocker. Her stellar groove and sound can be heard on Joe Cocker – AVO Sessions, 2007 [AVO] as well as on her solo tracks at
www.myspace.com/oneidajames. In 2006, James released her bass method Groove Mastery, The Bassist Guide to Time, Rhythm and Feel [Hal Leonard] which she supports with an interactive online learning program [www.groovemastery.com].
BP * What is your idea of a perfect gig?
Oneida James: I feel extremely blessed and happy with the gig with Joe Cocker . . . gig that allows me to be creative, grow as musician, happy and well, well-compensated, cause there’s no romance without finance—especially if the romance is with music!
BP * What is your most treasured possession-musical or otherwise?
Oneida James: I have and 1958 Gibson ES355 guitar that I inherited from my father when he passed.
BP * If you were to die and come back as any musician, who would it be?
Oneida James: It would be my father, for many reasons, but in this instance it could mean that he could follow his dream to be a musician and not just tinker around with it on the sidelines.
BP * What is your third all-time favorite record and why?
Oneida James: That’s a very hard question; I have a hard time naming a favorite or third favorite anything musical because I love music. Having said that . . . Quincy Jones, Sounds...And Stuff Like That!! [A & M], specifically “Tell Me a Bedtime Story, featuring Herbie Hancock.
BP * What is your dream scenario?
Oneida James: To have enough mailbox money to be able to go on tour, stay home and write, record and/or teach, work on some home beautification projects, spend time with my family . . . or not.
BP * What annoys you about the music business?
Oneida James: What bothers me about the music business is that it is run by people who don’t give a shit about music. Their bottom line is money and, thus the conundrum; the mess of a music business that we have today!
BP * Who are your heroes-musical or otherwise?
Oneida James: It’s cliché for a bass player, but I have to say musically, Marcus Miller, the musician’s musician.
BP * What was your most recent big mistake?
Oneida James: Thinking I could come home from tour and quickly jump into record mode with a new studio setup with new learning curve.
BP * What is your goal for the coming year?
Oneida James: Finish up several recording projects, start new book project; and have a great tour with Joe Cocker.
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