Code name: MK

Instruments: 4, 5, 12 String Basses, Upright Bass. Background Vocals.

The Gear: Waterstone TP 12 String Bass, Rickenbacker 4003, MusicMan Sting Ray 4 HH, Fender Jazz, Fender Precision, Fender Jazz V, Fender Precision V, E. Wilfer String Bass, Schecter Strat, Yamaha Acoustic, Peavey Amplification: ProBass 500, TransTube FEX Pre-Amp, Avatar Bass Cabinets, Roland JV 1080 with Orchestral Expansion Board, Pro Tools, Digital Performer Sequencing Software, MAC Computers, SansAmp Bass DI, Lehle P-Split, Radial Twin City Splitter, Bass Big Muff Pie, D'Addario Strings, Ernie Ball Strings, Canare Cables and Stereo 'Dan-O-Box' (for the Ric) custom made by my brother Danny, 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.