Don't categorize yourself

Cris Cohen: You've worked with a very diverse collection of artists. Everyone from Mick Jagger to Celine Dion to Jewel. What's your key to being so adaptable to different styles?
 
John Pierce (currently with Toto): Repetition. Training. Listening. And just actually doing it. I mean, sometimes you go to the studio and you almost have no choice, but you find a way, even if it's not something that you necessarily feel that comfortable with. Always have an open mind about things. Don't categorize yourself like “I'm a rock bass player” or “I'm a jazz bass player.” If you're interested in doing studio work, playing on a variety of stuff, you really need to have all of these tools. And you only get them from doing it. I mean, going to music school didn't hurt, that's for sure. Even if it wasn't the full four years of school, it was enough to immerse myself in the bass.