Andy Bossola

Born June 9, 1976 in Detroit, Michigan (Motown Baby)

Instruments:

• Modulus Quantum 5-string, Bartolini pickups with active bass, mid, treble (NTMB),Alder body with a Bubinga top w/ Graphite neck and fingerboard

• Modulus Genesis 5-string,Bartolini pickups with active bass, mid, treble (NTMB),Alder body with Quilted 5A Maple w/ Maple fingerboard

Bass Rig:

• Eden 4x10 cabinet
• Eden 1x15 cabinet
• GP12X Trace Elliot head
• Joe Meek VC6Q compressor
• Sabine rack tunerEffects:
• Boomerang phrase sampler
• Boss Octave pedal
• Q-tron
• Route 66 overdrive
• Ibanez vintage flanger)

Since a very young age I was drawn to music.  As a younger of 3 brothers I quickly learned to play the instrument that was in high demand around the house.  My first bass was purchased and I started taking lessons at age 12.  Once I figured out I could get out of a few classes here and there by playing bass for the school band in the 6^th grade I knew this was the instrument for me.  I continued to play in jazz band all through my junior/high school experience.  Once I was old enough to drive I was gigging late on school nights at the Jewish Mother in Virginia Beach.  Several other bars were slack on checking ID’s so they too became popular with aspiring young musicians.  The first real band I formed, Soul Circle, was in that same area around 1992.  High school parties and slow to ID bars were all the rage with us.

Nothing lasts forever so I decided to pack my bass gear and move to Richmond, VA.  Upon my first year at VCU I found a very nice hippie couple playing Phish covers at Buffalo Joes.  I loved Phish and I had never seen anyone attempt to cover them so I was hooked.  That couple was Anne and Pierre Picardat. I convinced them that they needed a bass player and from there we formed what would be one of the most memorable musical experiences of my life: Solid Gold Fish Bowl.  5 years later, 2 studio albums, an oversized band, and a constantly breaking down tour bus I had decided that I needed a break from the insanity.  SGFB opened up for some great acts like: The Jerry Garcia Band, Everything, Emmet Swimming and The Wailers just to name a few.  We played several successful gigs at Innsbrook Pavillion and Friday Cheers. Almost all of the best Richmond Live venues were ours for the taking.  I recall countless sold out Alley Katz shows.  We traveled a lot, all over Virginia spreading the SGFB gospel.

I needed a break from touring and partying and SGFB was already nearing an over-the-top ending. At that time I formed HH3.  HH3 included Trip Hill from SGFB and Thomas Coleman from Schwill. Although we had a great crowd response we simply didn’t put enough time into the rehearsals and we all felt that the fans deserved more. The 3 piece band was for me. Once HH3 broke up I formed another band by the name of Loop.  We gigged all over Virginia and we all put a lot effort into the music.  At some point the well ran dry and we decided it was best to stop.  4 years and two hiatus’ later we finally threw in very wet, smelly towel.

About a year later the phone rang and it was Zach from SGFB.  Apparently some friends of his band needed a bass player and I got the gig. That band was 11^th House.

 Influences:
Anything/Anyone that can keep a beat. I love all music. Bluegrass seems to be pretty much taking over my stereo in the car and at work. Jazz, Afro beat, funk blues I love it all. I’m a metal head, a phishhead and when I don’t play enough a hothead.

Most memorable musical experience:
Opened for The Wailers in front of several thousand people on a beautiful sunny day. I got to meet Family Man, it was a good day.

Last cd listened to in car:
Bluegrass and any kind..I can't stop listening to it.
 
Most memorable live band performance:
Phish…duh…Big Cypress. Midnight to sunrise.

Top 3 fav music styles:
Reggae
Bluegrass
Space funk

Fav all time song:
Ooh child

Fav all time musician:
Miles Davis

Fav musician of your own trade:
Oteil Bourbridge