Name: Dean Mentjes
Location: Springfield, IL
Band: Tennessee Borderline

What got you started playing bass?

I’ve always loved bass best. It’s the first instrument I pick up on in music, always has been. I got my first bass in college in the 80’s and started picking up songs and teaching myself. I’ve been playing ever since.

What bass players inspire you?

I get inspired by so many bass players from so many genres. From classic rock, JPJ of Zeppelin, Geddy Lee of Rush, John McVie of Fleetwood Mac. From R&B, I LOVE Verdine White of Earth Wind & Fire as well as Bernard Edwards of Chic and Paul Denman of Sade’s band. For Country, I really like Annie Clements of Sugarland and Aden Bubeck and the other bassists of Miranda Lambert’s work. Lots of inspiring bassists, I could bore you all day, LOL.

What song has challenged you the most?

Most challenging song has probably been “Signed Sealed Delivered.” It’s a masterpiece. I probably don’t do it justice, but it’s fun.

What’s your favorite song to play in your current band’s set?

I really like the basslines I get to cover in Tennessee Borderline a lot. My favorite right now is probably “We Should Be Friends” by Miranda Lambert. It’s like an R&B groove in a country song, very unique.

What’s the most overplayed song?

The most overplayed song is probably “Folsom Prison Blues,” but it’s a classic that people love, so I’m happy to always play it if asked.

What’s the most memorable thing that happened to you at a gig?

Oh man, so many. Probably the first time I saw people singing along to a song I helped write, in Inspected by 12 about 10 years ago. Very awesome moment.

What’s your current rig?

My current rig is a Sadowsky 4-string Satin J-Bass through a MarkBass Little Mark III head and MarkBass cabinets. Sadowsky and MarkBass sound really nice together, I am blessed with nice gear.