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Interview with Craig Schoedler
By Scott Hubbell

During the late 60’s, and into the 70’s, bass players were stepping out of their usual role and experimenting to the fullest extent possible.  Visionaries like Jaco, Stanley Clarke, Jack Bruce and John Entwhistle to name a few demonstrated the unrealized potential of the bass as an “up-front” instrument.  Alas, the 80’s came and the bass was once again dumbed down and placed into the background of popular music. However, during these dark times a rebellious underground was vigilantly studying the sacred works of their predecessors, and from the ashes rose the Phoenix in the likes of John Patitucci, Michael Manring, Victor Wooten, Stu Hamm, Marcus Miller and many more.  Proving that bass was more than just a default instrument, these players took the bass beyond what even the greats of the past proved could be done.  The success of the bassist as a leader has paved the way for a new generation of players that have stepped up-front.  Craig Schoedler is one such player.  I caught up with Craig via e-mail to talk about his solo debut “By The Water” which is a great mix of melody, tone, groove, and great playing and writing.  Also to learn more about Craig and his thoughts on music and bass in general.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am 36 years old. I grew up in Wilmington Delaware, and now live in
southern New Jersey with my wife Helen. My wife is an outstanding salesperson for AFLAC, and looks like a NFL cheerleader. She is just a great human being. I have two boys, (Miles and Alex). Miles is 9. While Miles has the intelligence to do whatever he wants, I would not be surprised if he ended up as a professional athlete.   Alex is very creative with a capitol C.  I’ve been playing bass for 25 years. I recently recorded my debut CD “BY THE WATER”, which I have been promoting via my web site-www.craigschoedler.com.

I read somewhere that you did the basic tracking for “By The Water” in 8 hours.  Is this true?
The basic tracks for “By the Water” lasted 8 hours. I mixed the CD
along with Paul Wickliff over a few more sessions at his home studio in North Jersey. Those were probably some of the most intense days of my life.

Your bass tone is fantastic.  What gear was used?
Thanks. I played my Ken Smith 5 string with a Sadowsky outboard preamp for my recording.

Your featured players are like a bass player’s wish list.
I think most bassists would love to play with the musicians that recorded my CD. I was really happy with the line up. The featured artists were Mike Stern, Vince Colella, Tom Petroski, Steve Jordan, and Ralph Bowen.  All of these guys can play at a very high level, and their playing styles fused just like I was hoping that they would.

Your songs are so fresh.  How do you go about the composing process?
When composing, I start with a drum groove. I usually try to come up
with some kind of keyboard intro that I like. Sometimes I do compose songs around a bass line, but that’s kind of rare. My writing process is very simple. I just invision playing my compositions at a jazz festival. I just compose tunes that make me want to play bass, and that make me feel good. Maybe that’s why you said that they sound fresh. The only expectation that I force upon my songs, is my own happiness. I usually just write sections of a tune at a time. I learned this from Jim McNeely. Jim is an outstanding pianist and composer. I’ll write a section of a song, and then just leave it alone. I have a folder where I store all of my tune fragments. I think that my compositions are a product of the music that I listen to. I usually listen to Jazz, R&B, and Rap.

Are you gigging in support of your CD?
I am currently putting together a US tour. I am looking to play
primarily on the East Coast this winter. I will be adding a schedule to my web site.

I see you recently got an endorsement by Warwick.  First congrats.     Second, how did that come about?
I just received my Warwick 6 string today. It has a great bottom end!
I played a Warwick at a local store and loved it. I then sent them an email conveying how I liked the instrument. They were kind enough to send me a 6.

I grew up in a rural setting about the same time you were growing up on the East Coast.  Needless to say, my exposure to bass players was limited; I was in my early 20’s before I even heard a Jaco or Stanley record.   Since you are from a more culturally diverse area, whom were some of your influences growing up?
I have never lived in an area that was on the cutting edge of any kind of music or artistic scene. I did commute to NYU for two years while getting my Masters degree in Jazz. That was a really great experience. Other than that, I have always felt like a farmer living in a Sea Port. My first influences include Earth Wind and Fire, Rush, Miles Davis, and all of my teachers.

You have studied with some great players, how has that impacted your playing?
I think the fact that I have studied with great players, has had a huge impact on my playing. I think that their guidance has made up for the reality that I have never lived in a cultural hot spot. There is nothing like studying with a few of the best players on the scene. I feel very appreciative toward all of my teachers: Jeff Andrews, Lincoln Goines, Mike Richmond, Vince Fay, Jim Mcneely, Adam Nussbaum, Chuck Anderson, and Chris Hetrick.

What is your take on the current state of the bass? 
I feel that the bass world is kind of uninspired at the moment. I think that there are a great deal oftalented players out there, but not a lot of trendsetters. Instead of trying to emulate all of the top players like Marcus, Dann Glenn, Victor Bailey, Victor Wooten, Anthony Jackson, Jeff Andrews, etc. etc. etc., I feel that bassists should try to find their own voice and go left, while everybody else is going right. I do think that it is great to study the work of great players, but at some point, you have to establish your own voice.

Who are you currently listening to?
I listen to R&b, Rap, and different forms of jazz. I do find myself returning to Anthony Jackson, John Patitucci, Dann Glenn, Jeff Andrews, Mike Stern, Michael Brecker, Kenny Garrett, Tony Levin, and Lincoln Goines. I also love the music of Sting and Luther Vandros.
 

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and background with us, is there any advice you would like to offer to the viewers?
I do have advice for up and coming players. The music industry is so flooded with artists and very few gigs. I feel that it is very important for players to diversify. When looking at your career, look at it in terms of a number of avenues, instead of just playing. If you teach privately, play gigs, sell CDs, visit schools as a guest lecturer, write arrangements, and do something like web site design, I think that you have just increased your chances of staying in the music industry for the long haul. If you just try to play music and support a family, I think that you might be setting yourself up for a lot of stress. If you are 17 and your parents are trying to talk you into going to school for something other than music, listen to them. I think the key is balance. You might be one of the best musicians to ever walk the earth, but the reality is, --most people don’t understand, and don’t care. If you really want a career in music, you have to be prepared. It is not an easy road, so you have to get your financial ducks in a row.

Craig’s CD can be purchased at his website, www.craigschoedler.com 

This is an interview I conducted shortly after the release of  “By the Water” a couple of years ago.  Since then Craig has released another called “Bach to Bass” which is all solo bass on Bach suites. 

Scott Hubbell on the web.