By Jaime Amorim

When the name Joel Moncorvo is mentioned in some dialog we already come with many compliments about his musical career. Joel calls the attention for being such a magnificent bass player. In a band, usually the order of attention goes do the singer, the guitar player, and the drummer, but when talking about Joel we can assure he’s the center of all attentions. We talked to Joel and in the following text you’ll know more about this wonderful human being. 

1 – When I was a child my father gave me a plastic guitar. Usually guitars and drums are preferred among teenagers. Tell me why did you get interested in laying bass. 

Joel Moncorvo - I started studying music in 1977, when I was only seven years old. My family has always supported me. Since then I would always be pleased to play bass. I would always create low tunes in my own mind. I think that is why I decided to play music and basses. 

2 – Interesting! Who were you greater supporter? 

Joel - I had to very important masters, which are Jorge Silva, who were my first professor and my mother, who is a musician and a musical teacher – Elza Moncorvo. 

3 – Ah! That’s why you have been playing since the age of seven. What is the instrument that you mother plays and how did she influence you?

Joel - Besides classical piano, she’s a musical teacher for special children. She has always supported me. She would always give me musical books and would take me to watch her classes. Therefore, I got interested in music. 

4 – Hummm, so was your mother who also influenced you to teach music to deaf children? Tell us more about this special job of yours and how do you utilize a bass to teach those children. 

Joel - Recently I researched something about that and I found very good answers to deaf children who have musical classes as a support to its problems. So, I decided to research the possibility of helping those children whit my bass. I’m making researches at the Centro de Atendimento ao Surdo, which studies the possibilities of how a bass can aid to the sensibility progress of a deaf children. 

5 – Very interesting job! Congratulations for helping those people! Joel, could you tell us about the bands and projects, which you are part of have been part? 

Joel - I’ve been part of many projects of many different musical styles. That was of great experience to me, because it helped me to walk new paths and new musical possibilities. I already played in some Jazz bands, instrumental music bands, Rock n’ Roll bands, Death Metal bands and now I have my own band, which is called Slow. 

6 – Please correct me if I’m wrong. I’ve heard that you also played in a 80’s pop band along with Silvinho, who was also the singer in a band called Absinto, which was very popular and used to sing that insupportable song about a little bear. I know you’re a professional musician and get your money from the music. Tell us how is to not use your whole talent playing in such bands and playing such ridiculous songs. 

Joel - I have many examples of musicians who play in a certain band and have all the support from the masses. I’ve learned one thing through my musical career, which is to respect every band and every artist. I don’t really care about the music, I only care to play my music and make it possible to be there if my bass. 

7 – I see! You play in a Progressive Metal band, which is a style on non-radical fans, but you must know that almost the whole Heavy Metal scene is radical about some things. Some of them will only listen to Metal bands and nothing more, but I know that is impossible to a professional musician. If you only listen to a musical style, you’ll not get as many influences as you would get it if you would listen to different musical styles. Do you agree?

Joel - Yes, music is a very unlimited thing and has many paths for you to follow. I have not musical prejudice! I live from the music, that’s my job! Most of my musical students are Metal fans like myself, but I also have many jazz, fusion, classical, forró and mpb fans. I wouldn’t have so many clients if I were a radical about music. 

8 – When talking to you recently you showed me a song of you solo project. I liked very much of what I heard on that cold night in Salvador. How many songs will be there and when will you release an album?

Joel - The album will be released this year. There’re eight songs and I’m still composing two more songs, which will be dedicated to deaf people. 

9 – I know you’re a musician that seeks perfection, so I believe you will also play with some other great musicians like yourself. Could you tell us who will help you to record that album?

Joel - I’m contacting many musicians who have experience and compromise with good music. I prefer not to mention any names yet! 

10 – Will it be an instrumental album? What will it be the style? Will it be the same or will you explore all your potential as a musician? 

Joel - Yes, it will be an instrumental CD, with lots of Fusion, Jazz, Progressive Rock and Metal influences. I’m trying to add two video tracks, especially for deaf people. I’ll use many rhythm variations and try to make the bass and the drums as one. The guitar and the keyboard will be free to use great melodies, themes and solos. It’ll be a very ‘heavy’ and sentimental album. I’ll use all my capacity and musical comprehension. 

11 – So, will it be focused only on you and on the drums? Explain with some more details…

Joel - I love to play my bass in synchrony with the drum. I believe those instruments are the bases of any band. 

12 – You’re a very versatile musician! How was the experience of recording the bass line for the first album of Ungodly, which is a Death Metal band? 

Joel - It was an excellent moment in my musical career. Ungodly is a very professional group and to make part of such band was of great experience to me. 

13 – Expomusic is the biggest musical exposition in Brazil and I know you’ll go there. Was that a necessity as a professional musician or were you invited? 

Joel - I was invited by 3rd Ton music, which will be represented by M.Laghus Basses and Guitars. Besides, I’m also going to meet new people and to update my knowledge as a musician. I believe that exposition will improve and bring new horizons to me. 

14 – I know you are an open mind musician that it never limited to just one musical style. How do you see the performance and the technique of Brazilian Metal bass players?

Joel - I believe that the bass players are getting more interested in studying music and upgrading their technical abilities. Nowadays, we have many Brazilian bass players! Most Metal bands use basses just to follow the guitar and drum bases. I recommend to all bass players to study a lot and use their wisdom to play as good as they can. 

15 – In your concerts and workshops is very common to see you play your bass on the floor, which I think is a very interesting thing. When and why you started to use that artifact in your presentations? 

Joel - In 1995 I was playing live with Slow in Salvador and at some moment my bass fell on the floor. There were more than 2000 people and I simply started to play the bass lines right on the floor! It was a very special moment in my career and since then people ask me to put the bass on the floor and play. That always happens when I’m playing with Slow. 

16 – Do you get all your money from the musical occupation you have?

Joel - I work as a bass professor, musical producer and hired musician. After a long time and after many battles I finally could get all my money only from my musical job. That was always my main objective. 

17 – Suppose that I want to play bass. What tips would you give if I wanted to be a very good and technical bass player?

Joel - Firstly, you should look only for professional teachers, listen to all musical styles, and talk a lot with experienced musicians that will sure give you very good tips. You should also read about classical and popular musicians, because knowledge comes from researching, practice, and the will of play as well as you can. 

18 – Well Joel, it was very pleasant to interview you. This interview will show our readers how you’re a good human being, how you’re educated and how you’re a professional musician. Therefore, my fellow, write your final comments to Metalvox readers. 

Joel - Thanks to all of those who respect and support my job. I would also like to thanks Jaime Amorim and all Metalvox crew for this great opportunity. I would like to invite all readers to visit my website - www.joelmoncorvo.com. Slow will soon release a new EP and my solo project will count on very great musicians. Hugs to all of you!