Grammy® Award-winning producer and premiere bassist, Andrew
Gouché, releases debut solo album, We Don't Need No Bass, the anticipated
contemporary jazz project featuring vocalists Fred Hammond and Jackie Gouché on
Prayze Connection Entertainment, available now at iTunes.
With over 30 years experience as the bassist for many Gospel
and R&B legends as Prince and the New Power Generation, Gladys Knight,
Michael Jackson, Andraé Crouch, The Winans, and musical director for Chaka
Khan, We Don't Need No Bass speaks to Andrew's gospel roots but also showcases
a broader musical gift blending Jazz and R&B into a soulful variety of
songs. Although a self-proclaimed church musician, Gouché shows the world, with
this album, that he is much more as the project reaches out to music lovers of
all ages and genres.
After working with some of everyone across all genres,
Gouché decided it was time to complete his long-time effort. "I created
this project because, after years of supporting many wonderful artists on stage
as well as on recordings, I realized that I have my own voice," states
Gouché. "God has given me the gift of music, and allowed me to create music
that I believe will be a blessing to people all over the world."
We Don't Need No Bass covers a lot of ground and takes the
listener on a musical expedition. The title track, "We Don't Need No
Bass," is an interlude with Gouché speaking about actual experiences
playing in church, while "Eleanor Rigby & The Vamp," an
arrangement of his favorite Beatles song, ensures the listener that the project
has something for everyone. From "Sundays," a warm, beautiful melody,
all performed on the bass guitar, to "Jump Start," the funky,
high-energy piece with a beat that makes you want to dance, the project then
encourages you to reminisce with a "Secret Place," originally
recorded by the gospel group "Commissioned," featuring Fred Hammond
on vocals, and "Way Back When," a soulful reminder of how music was
done back in the day, before the advent of technology. You're then hit with
"Geronimo," a funky, upbeat song that takes you in different
directions and just when you think you've heard it all, you're pleasingly
delighted with the cleverly created rendition of "No Ways Tired," a
tribute to Rev. James Cleveland and it wouldn't be a complete Gouché project if
he didn't honor his signature bass with the song "MTD4Lyfe." Ending
the journey on a high note is "Early In The Morning," a tribute to
his favorite bass player, Robert Wilson of the Gap Band.
A world-renowned bassist, musical director, producer and
composer, he is best known for his creatively original bass lines and a unique
sound that bass players around the world have sought to emulate. His
distinctive-sound is the core of the Andrew Gouché signature line of bass
guitars. Having graced the cover of Bass Player Magazine and featured in
several industry interviews over the years, he has been tagged as a Gospel
music legend.
"I've known Andrew Gouché for almost 30 years and to
call him a bass legend is an understatement," states John P. Kee. "He
literally invented a style and sound that has been copied by musicians of all
genres! But let it be known because of his ability to transcend and stay
relevant, his genuine musicianship and authenticity will keep him in a class of
his own!"
His list of credits include, but not inclusive to, industry
greats as Rev. James Cleveland, Andrae Crouch, Quincy Jones, Julio Iglesias,
Madonna, Snoop Dogg, Warren G, Earth, Wind & Fire, Aretha Franklin, Y'anna,
Hidden Beach Unwrapped Series, Jimmy Reid, LA Jazz Syndicate, Smokey Robinson,
Patti LaBelle, Judith Hill, Kirk Franklin, Donna Summer, Gladys Knight, Yolanda
Adams, Dianne Warren, Heather Headley, The Winans, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Rev
John P. Kee, Edwin Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, Rev James Moore, Mississippi Mass
Choir, The Mighty Clouds of Joy and a host of others.
Adding to his credits, Gouché earned a Grammy for his work
on Mary Mary’s album “Thankful,” where he received full writing and production
credits for his version of “Wade in the Water.”
A true pioneer, he has made an indelible mark on the history
of Gospel music with the addition of bass guitar when there was none in church.
Today, bass guitar is a must-have in churches across America. Andrew Gouché has
paved the way and inspired today's generation of Gospel and R&B bassists.
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