Arts & Culture Andrew Gouché - Godfather of Gospel Bass – to Perform at the Hollywood Bowl
March 30, 2023
By Dr. Valerie Wardlaw
Contributing Writer
Andrew Gouché is widely recognized and known as the “Godfather of Gospel Bass.” It's a label he doesn't shy away from and wears exceptionally well.
Gouché and his gospel group, the Prayze Connection, are set to bring the church to the Hollywood Bowl stage during the 2023 Jazz Festival, a homecoming weekend like no other. Gouché is eager to take the stage and promises "cool surprises" in what is sure to be a foot-stomping, hand-clapping good time.
Gouché is no stranger to the Hollywood Bowl stage, having appeared with Andraè Crouch, Gladys Knight and as musical director for Chaka Khan. However, this is the first time Gouché will perform as a solo artist with Praz Connection. A selfless artist, Gouché intends to share the stage with those he loves.
"I've been thinking about the jazz festival audience. I understand the vibe of the weekend, and I want to make sure that our performance is something everybody can relate to," Gouché said.
"I'm fortunate to have family members who are talented artists in their own right, and I'm excited they will perform with me."
What can we expect on Sunday, June 18, at the jazz festival?
For starters, Gouché will bring the smoke to the stage, that is rapper D Smoke (né Daniel Farris), his über-talented nephew, winner of "Rhythm + Flow," the Netflix hip-hop competition series judged by Cardi B, T.I., and Chance the Rapper. Farris and his debut album, "Black Habits," received Grammy® Award nominations for Best Rap Album and Best New Artist.
"I can still remember giving my nephews (Davion, Daniel, and Darryl Farris) their first studio equipment to record with. It's great to share the stage with them," Gouché said.
The family talent runs deep as sister Jackie Gouché -Farris, whom he describes as a prolific writer (she wrote the gospel hit "My Help"), will join him onstage. His niece, Tiffany Gouché, a gifted singer, writer, and producer in her own right, will be there. You can hear Tiffany and D Smoke on Robert Glasper's hit single, "Shine."
About their "Shine" collaboration, Glasper has called D Smoke a leading voice in today's new hip-hop generation, saying, "He has his feet planted in the soil of real music and comes from a family of amazing musicians and artists."
Gouché's love for his family is evident, and his love of music began early. Gouché's first love was the trumpet until age 14 when the bass guitar captured his heart. From his early beginnings to now, Gouché is considered a world-renowned bassist, and he is a Grammy® Award-winning producer.
Gouché honed his bass skills by playing with the Rev. James Cleveland. It wasn't long before he began to tour with the greats, Andraè Crouch, The Winans, and The Hawkins Family. The artists Gouché has shared the stage and collaborated with over 30 years are an endless list of “Who's Who.”
He won his first Grammy® Award for his work as a contributing producer on the debut album of the dynamic gospel duo Mary Mary, "Thankful."
In 2015, Gouché released his solo album, "We Don't Need No Bass," to rave reviews from fans and colleagues alike.
Master bassist Marcus Miller said: "The most influential bassist in gospel music, Andrew Gouché, finally put out his solo record, and he's killin' it."
Bass Musician magazine echoed those sentiments, writing, "The album does not disappoint …the recording is rich with Gouché -led melodies."
"I realized that God has given me the gift of music and allowed me to create music that I believe will be a blessing to people all over the world," Gouché said.
For more information about the performance of Andrew Gouché and the Prayze Connection at the 2023 Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival on Sunday, June 18, visit hollywoodbowl.com.
To hear more of Andrew Gouche's music, visit, www.therealandrewgouche.com.