Take Five With Prince Bulo

Meet Prince Bulo:



Instrument(s):

Bass/composer.

Teachers and/or influences?

Richard Bona, John Patitucci, Anders Jormin

I knew I wanted to be a musician when...

I saw musicians doing their thing in church when I was a kid. I slowly taught my self to play the piano and then switch to bass when I reach university.

Your sound and approach to music:

My sound and approach to music include the vast array of personal experiences over the years both locally and abroad. My strong appreciate for culture and language and the liberty to freely express myself in which ever way I want in any given instance.

Your teaching approach:

My philosophy is actually to help students come up with their own philosophies when it comes to practice and/or performance. We are all the same in that we are unique. All I do is try my level best to bring the uniqueness in every student I encounter.

Your dream band:

My dream band will consist of exceptionally strong and independent individuals who, when brought together can produce a sound of one-ness. I woud like to work with Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. As well as Wayne Shorter and Brian Blade. I have a desire to also do some recordings with great bass players like Victor Wooten and Marcus Miller.

Road story: Your best or worst experience:

Touring Canada in June 2009 to do a series of live concerts and having the airline service misplace my bass guitar for 2 days. Two whole days. I was not a happy man! :-)

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically?

My sense of culture emphasis. Its always fulfilling to hear the different 'sounds from the lands' that musicians bring with them to band stands from all around the world.

How would you describe the state of jazz today?

It evolves in a way I would think is good. We still strongly respect the music of the greats before us, but equally value the contributions we, as modern composers and performers, bring.

What are some of the essential requirements to keep jazz alive and growing?

Stay true to yourself and your culture notwithstanding the collaborations of other cultures as we learn about the diversities of this world.

What is in the near future?

An EP recording with my European band as well as my self-titled debut solo album.

By Day:

I lecture at the University of Kwazul-Natal School of Music.

If I weren't a jazz musician, I would be a:

a graphic web designer. I love art in motion.