Gov't Mule
FlyGuitars So you joined Gov't Mule as a member in September 2003, how did you get that job?
Andy Hess In a way it was through Audley (Freed), cause he and Warren had been friends for a long time. When Warren and Matt were doing the revolving door thing and had various bass players after they did those deep end records, they started going on tour and I think they got to the point where they wanted to be a band again. I think they grew tired of having the revolving door thing and they got to the point where Danny (Louis) was in the mix as a keyboard player and I think they just wanted to have a solid unit. Audley suggested to Warren that he should check me out because Warren didn't really know about me or have any idea of how I played and he contacted me I think on Audley's recommendation. Then I started doing some one off gigs with them and there was one particular gig that we did where the chemistry just clicked. In the interim though I had gotten a gig with John Schofield the guitarist for a year and had committed to him. When Warren approached me about maybe doing some more like "hey can you do this tour" I was like "well I'm really busy with John and not really available right now" but we stayed in touch for almost a year. Then Warren finally came out and said hey you know we wanna be a band again and we decided that we want you to be part of this. That's kinda how that all happened and then I joined up with them in 2003.
FlyGuitars I certainly think you're like a breath of fresh air to the band because they could have perhaps been expected to go and find someone similar to Woody?
Andy Hess They just didn't want to do that. They wanted it to be something different and I think someone that played exactly like Woody would have not really been a step forward. Also it wasn't a power trio anymore with the keyboards becoming a significant and important part, it became a different band and that's why I fit. I can get very busy and play all the real busy stuff but I'm more of a rhythm section groove player. Not that Woody wasn't, he was too. He had a tremendous groove but it's just a different, it's just gone in to a different direction and I think that's why I fit in and I think maybe Warren had that vision.
FlyGuitars Was it daunting with the legacy that Woody had created?
Andy Hess I felt a lot of pressure as you can well imagine, I was like Oh My God, all these bass players and now there's all these expectations and no one knows who the hell I am. The reason I was able to put it aside was because Warren was like hey man we picked you cause we wanted you. That was good enough for me I was like well I'm here cause they want me to be here you know. That was enough for me to just go well I'm just going to be myself and make this my own and the bands really grown tremendously since I've joined. I've gotten a lot better in the three years within this band than I was in the beginning cause in the beginning it was pressure and there was a lot of music to learn. They have a huge repertoire and memorising all that stuff and then going out and playing it was very demanding and kind of challenging.
FlyGuitars There is all the bands own material and then the covers you do.
Andy Hess Warren will just pull something out of the hat like last minute and go hey let's try this. Then all of sudden your performing it for 2,000 people and you barely know the song but it's exciting and keeps things fresh.
FlyGuitars When I spoke to Warren back in April, he said that he thought High & Mighty, your second record with Gov't Mule really captures the spirit of the new band and that you and Danny (Louis) were coming more in to your own?
"Live with a Fender Precision"
Image courtesy of 3800K Photography
Andy Hess I agree, yes that's definitely true. I think that's because of all the live playing and touring we've done and things we've been able to work out on stage just by playing together. I'm much more comfortable than I was even like a year and a half ago. It really took a while to get comfortable. It was in spurts, it was a slow growing thing but you know Warren really had a great vision, in a way he just kind of let that happen. We all still to this day will make mistakes cause we're a band that take chances and goes out on a limb. Music that's very improvisational can be hit or miss so some nights everything comes together, some nights just some things come together and some don't as well. We've really grown because of that process and because of listening to each other. Matt (Abts) I think has changed a lot and I've really grown and learnt from those guys and I think everyone's learnt from everyone in the band. Danny's brought in some incredible textures and sounds and really has a good sense of the music and I think is the perfect keyboard player. I think you hear that in the record which is kind of the result, you can just hear how we play together. It's just completely different from Deja Voodoo where Danny and I were still pretty new, not to say that that record isn't good. I think there's some really great moments but this record is much more solid.
FlyGuitars I think High & Mighty to me sounds dynamically brighter and all of the instruments sound less distant, everything's there in the mix. How did the recording and mixing of the two differ?
Andy Hess They differ to a huge extent because we had a different producer, You know we had Michael Barbiero who did all the previous Mule stuff including Deja Voodoo and then we got this guy Geordie Johnson who was in a Canadian band by the name of Big Sugar. A super talented guy, a really cool person and just amazing. He really challenged us and kicked our arses in the studio and was really I think a big part of that record sounding the way it does. He engineered it and produced it so I think that's the biggest difference right there, a different approach.
FlyGuitars Do you think Deja Voodoo was a case of it's a new band coming together and the songs are there but you're all still finding your feet with each other?
Andy Hess Yeah totally, I was still walking on shaky ground but I don't think you hear that on the record. There's a huge difference between those two records and you hear it just coming to a show, coming to see us live it's different now than it was three years ago when I first started. Like how my playing influenced Matt maybe or Warren plays differently because now there's keyboards. There's so many elements you know that come in to play I think.
FlyGuitars I agree and going back to what you were saying about the band taking chances I think that's something that I find very exciting about the band. Was there any particular reason you didn't use Michael Barbiero for this record?
Andy Hess I think it just came to the point where Warren was feeling like we owe it to ourselves to try a different approach with a different producer to see what happens. Even Michael was very supportive and said we should go do it with someone else just to try something different. There was that hunger to do something, to try someone else and Michael's part of the family we all love him, he's great. I definitely foresee we'll probably end up doing something with him again down the line.
Thanks to Andy Hess and Graham Fieldhouse for the interview, Jim Walsh of Big Hassle Publicity, Hard Head Management and Brian Shupe of 3800K Photography for providing the images
Further reading: Warren Haynes on Allen Woody | Other FlyGuitars interviews
Andy Hess website | Gov't Mule website
Gibson bass guitars for sale
1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case
Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5700
The Gibson comes with a stellar silver and gold very early flight case you could ship it overseas in that thing and I wouldn't be afraid. It came from a very high end Collection and is in extremely good condition and will not find one in better shape. Plays and sounds amazing, has the stock bass boost switch that gets super deep tones and a very very cool bass!!!!  It is so clean you can eat off of it!!! Jimmy page... more
Vintage 1976 Gibson G3 Grabber Electric Bass with original hard Gibson Case
East Amherst, New York, 140**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3200
Gibson Triumph Bass Guitar
Birmingham, Alabama, 352**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2995
The Les Paul Triumph Bass was the Gibson's first attempt at a completely new 4-string since the original 1963 ... more
Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Guitar 5 String
Dayton, Ohio, 454**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1200
The brand speaks for itself, with a reputation for quality that Gibson has built over the years. This electric bass guitar is perfect for any music style and is sure to make a statement in any band. Whether you're a ... more
1978 Gibson RD Artist "NATURAL BLONDE" Electric (MOOG) Bass + OHSC
San Jose, California, 951**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4000
" NATURAL BLONDE" FINISH
GIBSON NORLIN-ERA
Original MOOG ELECTRONICS
Made in USA (Kalamazoo Plant, MI)
Production # 102 (April 17th release)
Adult owned only. Children-free, Pet-free household. Kept inside case when not used
Up for sale is a BEAUTIFUL LATE-70's Gibson Bass Guitar (RD ARTIST)
EXCELLENT overall vintage condition. Standard surface scratches, light dings, marks on front / back body / ... more
VINTAGE 1970'S GIBSON SB 450 BASS GUITAR PICKUP
Richmond, Virginia, 232**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$499
... more
Used 2022 Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass, Faded Pelham Blue
Tampa, Florida, 336**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1665
This bass is in Near Mint ... more
Electric Bass Guitar Gibson SB-450 70's Natural Made USA 188909 & Hard Case EUC
Corona del Mar, California, 926**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2498
Condition: Excellent
SG Body
Full Scale Neck
Color: Natural Tan
Length: 44??
Width: Widest Part 13 1 / 4??
... more
Ibanez miKros Left Handed Bass Guitar, Rosewood Fretboard, Black + Gibson case
Nutley, New Jersey, 071**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$250
model GSRM20
Excellent condition with a few very minor paint chips
Gibson soft padded carrying case has slight rips to internal lining at the edges only
Gibson bag has both a carrying handle and shoulder straps for carrying like a backpack-- Also has 1 large zippered pocket and 1 small Velcro pocket
plays great!
Recently Tuned and intonation adjusted!
All 3... more
Vintage 1961, Original Style Gibson EB-0 Bass, Cherry Red, GREAT PRICE
Agoura Hills, California, 913**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4750
No cracks or damage
The Cherry Red finish has faded on the front, but it has a very nice vibe and patina 1961 is the last of the Thicker Double-Cutaway body style before Gibson introduced the SG style bodies The bass plays very nicely and has just been setup with Brand New D'Addario Short scale Round wound strings
This bass is original except the Pots have been replaced.
There is also an added Strap Button on the... more
1968 Gibson EB2D Bass with Hard Shell Case
Glen Ellyn, Illinois, 601**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2200
That mudbucker in the neck is wooly! And the bridge has bite! The switches and knobs work as they should with a little scratchiness as you use them. Aside from that you won't notice it.
Comes with non original case
... more
Epiphone By Gibson Bass Guitar Hockey Stick Headstock
Torrance, California, 905**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$225
Used in working order and decent cosmetic condition .Some nicks , scratches and small dings on the body ( see pictures ) .
Comes as shown on pictures .Nothing else included Shipping cost shown is only to the lower 48 states , others please inquire before bidding .... more
Vintage 1981 Gibson Victory Bass in original red finish
O'Fallon, Illinois, 622**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1550
The body color is a vibrant red that is sure to catch the eye of any collector or player. This bass is part of the Vintage series, which adds to its appeal. Whether you're a seasoned player or a collector, this Gibson Victory Bass is a must-have... more
1969 Gibson Bass Guitar EB-0
Arlington, Indiana, 461**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1500
Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock Very Rare
Flower Mound, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$400
These were made from 1986-93 according to the internet. The serial number sticker has been peeled of, but I believe this is an earlier one
Very nice looking bass
Sealed tuners, new strings, brass saddles, black on black with matching headstock, all original
The body has a few light nicks and scratches, in the clear coat. None major
No apparent fret wear or groves
The bass has just had a ... more
Gibson Classic 1966 EBO Bass Guitar
Adrian, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
Vintage Gibson Grabber Bass 1974-1975
Allston, Massachusetts, 021**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2200
... more
Gibson EB-3 Cherry Mod 1969 Electric Bass Guitar Original Case Slotted Head Art
El Segundo, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3500
... more
Gibson L-9 S The Ripper Bass Guitar (Serial # 00157884)
Raleigh, North Carolina, 276**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2700
This vintage Gibson L9S RIPPER electric bass guitar is a rare find for any musician. Made in the United States in 1976, this guitar features a solid body type with a natural wood / clear body color. I inherited this bass and I am not a very musical person. I know it is in good shape and in working order. I will provide more pictures upon request. Serious inquiries only please
... more
1968 Gibson EB-2 Semi Hollow Short Scale Electric Bass w OCBC ~ 100% Original, VG+
Collingswood, New Jersey, 081**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$6500
Music, Instruments Jewelry: Antique / Vintag??e MENSJEWELRY: CAMEOSJewelry: 1940-1980's VintageJewelry: 1910 - 1939 Art DecoJewelry: 1837-1910 VictorianJewelry: 1895-1910 Art NouveauJEWELRY: Necklaces, Pendants WATCHES & WATCH ACCESSORIES JEWELRY: Brooches & PinsJEWELRY: EarringsJEWELRY: BraceletsJEWELRY: LocketsJEWELRY: Charms & BraceletsJEWELRY: SetsJEWELRY: RingsJEWELRY: SILVERCHINA & PORCELAINRELIGIOUS ... more