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Take Five With Mathias Wedeken
Mathias Wedeken started playing bass at age 14, studied in Groningen (The Netherlands) and Copenhagen (Denmark). Active as sideman in Germany, with concerts and tours in Germany, Russia and Netherlands until moved to Copenhagen for good in 2009. Started his own Quartet, Quarterpounder in 2011. Released one album with Quarterpounder as leader, has played on a handful small-scale releases in Germany as sideman or co-leader.
Instrument(s):
Double bass.
Teachers and/or influences?
Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen
bass1946 - 2005
Ralph Peterson
drums1962 - 2021
David Berkman
piano
Conrad Herwig
tromboneb.1959
I knew I wanted to be a musician when...
I first heard
Jaco Pastorius
bass, electric1951 - 1987
Weather Report
band / ensemble / orchestraYour sound and approach to music:
I hope I have one. I try to be as strong as possible acoustically, I don't like dorking around with electronics, so I have a mic and an amp. Sound has to be pulled out of the instrument. I continuously work on that.
Your teaching approach:
Everyone is musical.
Your dream band:
I would have loved to have been a part of
Miles Davis
trumpet1926 - 1991
Wayne Shorter
saxophone1933 - 2023
Herbie Hancock
pianob.1940
Your favorite recording in your discography and why?
At the moment, "Quarterpounder"s debut, becoming. It feels good to hear it.
The first Jazz album I bought was:
I don't remember with certainty, but Miles Davis' Kind Of Blue (Columbia, 1959) was one of the first.
What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically?
The lowest note at any given moment. Energy. Humor.
CDs you are listening to now:
Dave Holland
bassb.1946
Chris Potter
saxophone, tenorb.1971
Ralph Peterson
drums1962 - 2021
Branford Marsalis
saxophoneb.1960
Desert Island picks:
Miles Davis, Kind Of Blue (Columbia);
John Coltrane
saxophone1926 - 1967
Bill Evans
piano1929 - 1980
How would you describe the state of jazz today?
Lots of very amazing players. Lots of brains. Heart is harder to find. But definitely there.
Tags
Mathias Wedeken
Take Five With...
Denmark
Copenhagen
Niels-Henning ?rsted Pedersen
Ralph Peterson, Jr.
David Berkman
Conrad Herwig
Jaco Pastorius
Weather Report
Miles Davis
Herbie Hancock
Dave Holland
Chris Potter
Ralph Peterson
Branford Marsalis
John Coltrane
Bill Evans
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