JJ Rocks article # 8: My music student: Leroy Woods

By James (JJ Rocks) Johnston

Leroy Woods has been my bass student now for around three years. He’s never been a demanding student as far as what music he wanted to learn. He has always trusted my judgment on what directions to go in, after he leaned his basics of course. A student who does his homework, Leroy has always come through for me with on what ever I give him to practice. And at lessons, what ever chart that I decide to pull out he will try to play. No matter how many times I ask him to go through a piece if music, he’ll never complain. Recently, he’s really shown a great interested in playing melodies. This ability is very hard to find in a bass student. Whether it’s a piece by Bach or the head (melody) to a Charlie Parker jazz tune, Leroy is always up for task. He has several basses, but prefers to play his Ibanez electric/acoustic bass. So here we go with our first music student of the month interview!

SCM: When did you first get interested in playing the bass?

LW: In 2001

SCM: Do you have a favorite type of music to play?

LW: Jazz

SCM: What is it that you like about jazz?

LW: Technical challenge of the style.

SCM: Do you like funky groove jazz with smacking and
popping techniques, or do you prefer the standard
walking jazz bass?

LW: Standard walking jazz bass

SCM: Do you like to take bass solos?

LW: Yes

SCM: What are some of your favorite melodies to play
on the bass?

LW: Autumn Leaves, Four Blue Bossa, etc.

SCM: How often do you practice?

LW: Daily

SCM: What would be some advice that you would give to
bass students just starting out?

LW: Practice, Practice, Practice

SCM: What are you goals as a bass player?

LW: To be the bass player in my retirement home band.


Well, obviously a man of few words, his answers are in a way like his bass playing. They’re solid, meaningful, and right to the point. Thanks LeRoy!
So the next time you’re at golden rock, stop by his “Quality One Hour Photo” store
and tell him STCROIXMUSIC.COM sent you. He likes to talk jazz. - JJ Rocks www.stcroixmusic.com


October, 2006