My approach to playing the double bass and to playing music has always been idiosyncratic. I freely admit that my techniques are my own and would not work for everyone. They don't even work for me sometimes!

However, my method has helped me find an individual voice, which to me is just about the most important thing. All parts of my technique, left hand, right hand, bowing, posture etc allow me to be, and sound like, me!

Of course my methods are not really "my own", they are just my version of what we all do. I agree with David Walter who said that there was not a bass that he didn't like. I would go further and add there is not a bass player that I do not like!

I find the guitar, and of course guitar players, a huge inspiration. All musicians naturally help in one's development, but as an improvising bass player I have learnt the most from guitar players.

I enjoy helping  bass players find out more about their instrument and how to express themselves more easily. There are a lot of things that I can help you with,  if you want to find out more please contact me. I am also happy to help with any artwork related questions.

Finally, one of the reasons I perhaps perversely play an obsolete bow, the magnificent out curved Dragonetti bow, is that by doing so it frees me from the tyranny of the norm. Nobody plays these things any more.

About 30 years ago when my friend and great violin maker John Dilworth restored and gave me one of these bows, I didn't know they were obsolete and loved it instantly. When I found out more I tried to play modern German pattern bows, but they never felt right, despite years of work, lessons and practice.

I eventually and suddenly gave up and went back to the wonderful Dragonetti. That means I have to answer enquiries about my bow on almost every gig, but I really don't mind. It was the right thing to do.

This story I think is a metaphor  for my whole approach, do what feels right.