Bass Bottom Feeder Gear of Andy Hess

By Mark Grove

This is a Fun Interview Done With Andy and Matt From Gov't Mule. I call it the "Fucked Up Interview," or another day in the neighborhood. Won't you be my neighbor? Ah,come on.




One of my favourite Bass Players is from the Jam and improvisational band---Gov't Mule. Andy Hess has filled the void for Allen Woody quite nicely, after being a free lance bass player for a lot of years. Hess built up his session playing resume with a number of top Jazz artists like Freedy Johnston and John Scofield, as well as a number of pop artist's. Andy is mainly a blues player who honed his chops in the club circuit.

Andy is of the ilk that less is more. He feels that a bass player's job is to keep everything together, and not play above everyone else. One Mule album he shines on is"High and Mighty". Gov't Mule has an intense touring schedule and learning The Mule's huge back catalog has been a challenge for Hess to say the least.


Gov't Mule's improvisational techniques lead to timing changes most bands don't venture into, except for band's like Tool and other blues like Jam musicians like Dee Curtis in Canada, and prog guitarist Steve Lukather. So you could say that Andy Hess has applied the bass technique, not of a drummer, but a lead guitarist. This shows focus to his craft most bass players don't work at. If you get a chance to go watch Andy Hess with Gov't Mule, or even The Allman Bros, bite the bullet and buy the ticket or get a CD of theirs.


Andy Hess and company will take you on a blues and rock improv journey.



Andy Hess---His Bottom Feeder gear


Strings: D'Addario's Flatties and rounds


Bass: 64' Fender Precision


Amp: Ampeg SVT Classic, Ampeg 8x10 Cab


Mark Grove: Canadian Guitar Player


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