Code name: MK

Instruments: 4, 5, 6, 8 String Basses, String Bass. Background Vocals.

The Gear: MusicMan Sting Ray 4 HH, Fender Jazz, Fender Precision, Fender Jazz V, Rickenbacker 4003, Hamer 8 String Bass, Carvin 6 String Bass, Schecter Strat, Yamaha Acoustic, Juzek String Bass, Peavey Amplification: BAM 2x10, Yamaha SY55 MIDI Keyboard, Roland JV 1080 with Orchestral Expansion Board, Digital Performer Sequencing Software, MAC Computer, SansAmp Bass DI, D'Addario Strings
Monster Cables, and Dunlop Tortex Picks (the yella ones).

Q: How did you come to the Grip Weeds?

MK: I had been working with Kristin for about 6 months in a band called The Rooks, which she left shortly thereafter. I told her to keep my number just in case there was the chance for us to work together again. I caught a glimpse of a GW show at Arlene’s Grocery in New York City and was totally blown away by the performance. I remember thinking: "who the hell is that drummer?" As fate would have it, Kristin thought it would be a good idea to meet over beers to discuss Bass, pools and all things Grip Weed. Many beers later, she handed me some GW CDs and asked: "How would you like to play for your people in Ireland, Spain, London, Liverpool and Canada?"

Q: What was your most memorable Grip Weeds experience and why?

MK: So many great memories, all involve beer for some reason. One that is really special to me has to do with the live picture of the band on the new GIANT ON THE BEACH CD. That photograph was taken during a live GW performance at the Knitting Factory. My son Max was just born, 6 weeks early and just 3 days before that gig. With a total of about 4 hours sleep in 4 days, I literally had a car drive me directly from the hospital to the club. Rick was there at the door, put his arm around me and led me to the dressing room where Kurt handed me a beautiful black Fender P-bass, which I plugged in and played through the set, while Kristin supplied much needed bottled inspiration during the show. I just remember I could not have been happier than that night. After the last note and much deserved applause, I handed the bass back to Kurt, got in the car waiting outside and rode back to the hospital to tell Max all about the gig.

Q: What are your musical influences, favorite artist and bands?

MK: My musical influences and favorite artists span all musical genres. My early formative years were mostly influenced by classical music from composers like Debussy, Copeland and Bartok. Then, my aunt bought me Creedence Clearwater Revival's album "Cosmo's Factory", and it was then I dove in head first and listened to everything from the Beatles, Janis and Led Zepplin , Little Richard, Joe Jackson and Yes. I was heavily influenced by the Beatles, especially Paul. I also learned from the gospel according to Chris Squire of Yes. Both bass players use a pick, which is sacrilege to some, but a stylistic choice that helped my form my own musical voice on the instrument. Bass players, make peace with the pick.

Q: What is your favorite GOTB track and why?

MK: My favorite track on the GOTB album is “Realities’ - It's an incredible song and stylistically represents what I love about the GW music and the role of the bass. It also best represents my own personal style with no doubt about who my musical influences are. I used a Ric and a pick.

Q: If the Genie granted you three wishes, what would they be and why?

MK:

1. More Basses, you can NEVER have enough basses
2. Rid the world of the word "NO"
3. What's so funny about Peace, Love and Understanding? Yeah- more of that!