Interview with bassist Russel Blake… I am always blown away when I meet someone whose activities seem to exceed the number of hours in a day; Russel Blake is such a dynamic individual. Russel has been holding down the low end for over 44 years during which he has played with many of the biggest names in music, many of these in Jazz. He has performe…

It is always exciting to have the opportunity to talk to an artist who has been prolific for decades. Suzi Quatro has been rocking our world since the sixties and has been super-creative as a bassist, musician, actress, singer, songwriter, author, radio show host and so much more. Most recently, Suzi released a new album titled “Face to Face” where…

I have always been a huge STYX fan. Their music kept me awake during countless nights studying and gave my imagination a place to escape when I had a moment to take a break. I had the immense opportunity to chat with STYX bassist Ricky Phillips for our August Cover in 2017 and follow his projects as time passed. Now, I am thrilled to have the oppor…

Rock is alive and well and Todd Kerns is proof of that statement. He is a very busy bass player taking the stage with many bands including Slash, featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, Toque, Black Bird Angles and many more. Join us as we hear about Todd’s journey and influences, his gear and his plans for the future. This interview with Tod…

I am always learning new details about Bass history when I get the opportunity to talk with seasoned players like Tony Newton. Tony, a Detroit native, came up in the golden years of Motown and laid down the low end for countless performers and studio sessions; he has performed on over 25 gold and platinum hit recordings. As time went by, and the wh…

Bluegrass music has had a very solid following over many years and I am always happy to hear from one of the pioneers in that genre. Travis Book plays bass for the Grammy award-winning band “The Infamous Stringdusters” and has recently released his first solo album “Love and Other Strange Emotions”. As if he wasn’t busy enough, Travis also hosts a …

I am on social media a lot and one bass player who I come across often is Vittorio Longobardi from Italy. Vittorio has the look of a serious rocker, (and that is his most preferred genre) but he is extremely versatile and is comfortable on both electric and upright bass. In addition to Vittorio’s many performances, he finds time to teach as well. T…

This Will Lee and Binky Griptite interview will be referenced in decades to come. It’s a conversation between two ”low-end” visionaries that have been championed and celebrated in small pockets of praise over the years by those that are hip enough to be “in the know”. Luckily we are sharing the magic with you all today for this special edition of “…

Those of us who were around back in the 70’s remember how certain songs on the radio resonated with us. It turns out that many of these iconic melodies came from Foreigner and they were part of our personal soundtracks! After all these years, the band is going as strong as ever with Jeff Pilson firing away on bass midstream into a 2-year farewell t…

Time really flies when you are having fun! Just over a decade ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michel “Labex” Labaki for our July 2013 cover. At that time, much of our conversation concerned his personal approach to bass playing and his techniques. Fast forward to now and I am pleased to discover Michel’s new endeavor, the Labex Funk Project…

Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

I am pretty sure that everyone is aware of Malcom-Jamal Warner’s work as an actor. What may be less known is his work as a director, poet, musician, and most importantly for us, a bass player. With four albums of his own, Grammy nominations and wins, as well as a sizable amount of ongoing live gigs, Malcolm is dedicating a serious amount of his att…

In this January 2024 video podcast, JGT's Bob Bakert talks to guitarist Dave Stryker about his new album, "Groove Street" as well as other new projects. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

I had the opportunity to listen to a great album titled Basso Profondissimo 2 back in May of 2022 and I am pleased to finally chat with the musician behind this unique body of melodies, Richard Ford. Richard plays bass and composes, produces, and is an Emmy award-winning music editor. You might have heard his work while watching your favorite movie…

In this JGT Podcast, Bob Bakert talks to guitarist David Becker about his many different styles and his unique approach to performance. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

In this exclusive Jazz Guitar Today video podcast, editor Bob Bakert speaks with master luthier Theo Scharpach and jazz guitarist Ted Ludwig. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

In this exclusive Jazz Guitar Today podcast, editor Bob Bakert speaks with the jazz guitarist Fareed Haque. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

JGT's Bob Bakert talks to veteran music journalist and author Bill Milkowski about all things jazz guitar. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

It is always fun to learn more about music happening in specific parts of the country. In the Bay Area, Midnight North has been making its sonic footprint in the Alternative Rock / Americana arena since about 2012. Connor O’Sullivan is the bass player who holds down the low end for this very cool band with some very interesting pedigree. Living the…

Chet Atkins and Barney Kessel are still inspiring us 100 years after their births. Chet Atkins's protege Pat Bergeson and Barney Kissel's protege Bruce Forman pay tribute in an unbelievable, unprecedented fashion. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

Hailing from beautiful Santa Barbara, California, Toad the Wet Sprocket has been a mainstay of American Alternative Rock for over three decades. Dean Dinning, one of the founding members, has been an integral part of this band’s success, contributing both tasty bass licks and vocals. Join me as we hear all about Dean’s rich musical heritage, musica…

I am sure many of you will remember our initial interview with Robb Harper back in 2017 and an update in 2019. You will also recall that we recorded some of Robb’s live performances at the NAMM show. Well, it has been a while and Robb has been very busy… so lots get caught up and see what he is up to now. This interview first appeared in Bass Music…

Many rock fans have enjoyed music by Foghat, who originally formed in London back in 1971. Over the many decades of playing, the band members have changed, leaving behind only Roger Earl as the only original member. Bassist Rodney O’Quinn left the Pat Travers Band and joined the group in 2015 and has been laying down the low end for this iconic qua…

Sorry to get heavy on you, but secular musicians laugh at us when we struggle to memorize 4 songs a week. As worship musicians we should be the ones setting the higher standard.Oleh Brent Haeseker

JGT's Bob Bakert talks to Dave Miner of the Miner Family Wines and Benedetto Guitars about his passion for wine and guitars. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks to Perry Smith, John Storie, and Will Brahm - the guitar trio known as New West Guitars. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

Wolf Marshall Talks To JGT About His New Book, "Jazz Guitar Course - Mastering The Jazz Language" - A Hal Leonard Book Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

For a musician, busy is good and bassist Marty O’Brien is one very busy guy. Playing tours and sessions, Marty has a huge list of people that he has played with including the likes of Lita Ford, Daughtry, Tommy Lee, Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson and so many more. Join me as we hear about Marty’s musical Journey, how he gets his iconic sound, and his …

In part 2 of the podcast, JGT’s Bob Bakert continues his conversation with guitarist Dan Wilson. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

George Gekas, Big Easy Bass… Cover Photo: Credit Skylar Watkins I have been following and enjoying The Revivalists since around 2016 when I first had the opportunity to talk to the band’s bass player, George Gekas (View interview). We did an update with George in 2018 and now after all these years, I am super stoked to catch up with him again, just…

Over the last few years, I have done reviews of two albums where Penn Jillette plays bass… and I have been very impressed. Yes, we all know him as a Magician, entertainer, author, actor, and inventor… and now, an accomplished musician. I am thrilled that I now have the opportunity to talk to Penn himself and get the story behind his bass playing. H…

JGT’s Bob Bakert talks to guitarist Dan Wilson about his influences, his experiences, and his latest project, "Things Eternal". Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

One thing all musicians have in common is that we all have some serious wear-and-tear over our lifetimes. It is always necessary to have a team of health professionals, kind of our own “Pit Crew” to keep us performing at our best. Physicians, Chiropractors, Massage therapists, Acupuncturists, and other body workers are a true asset. Dr. Staten Meds…

I have been hearing about Zach Fowler’s bass playing since he was in New Mexico. Now, based out of Nashville, Zach is very busy laying down the low end, acting as musical director, writing songs and producing music. He has been very active doing studio work as well as touring with LoCash. Join me as we hear about Zach’s journey, how he gets his sou…

Guitarist Jocelyn Gould talks to Bob Bakert about her new album, her incoming tour, and her recent experience in Israel. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

Brian Wheat has been rocking hard with his band Tesla for nearly four decades. Not only does he play bass, but he is also a songwriter, vocalist, keyboard player, record producer, photographer, and band manager. As you might imagine, Brian has accumulated a treasure trove of experiences and information and we are fortunate that he is sharing some o…

Everybody knows that Nashville is one of our main meccas for music and there is a lot happening there. Hailing from that illustrious city, Garry West wears many hats as a bassist and producer, as well as CEO and founder of Compass Records. It is also very possible that you might have seen Garry holding down the low end for his wife, Grammy award-wi…

JGT's Bob Bakert talks to guitarist Ed Cherry about recent projects and tours. Photo by Mike Oria. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

Siempre es emocionante descubrir la obra y la musica de uno de nuestros hermanos latinoamericanos. Tuve la oportunidad de charlar con el bajista Chileno Ben Mortiz recientemente y enterarme de muchos de los detalles de su carrera musical y vida en general. Vengansen conmigo a conocer este titan del bajo directamente de su país natal. Aqui esta Ben …

Very interestingly, there are creative musical pockets around the country. One such creative area is on the East Coast in the New Jersey area. In the midst of this musical swirl, bassist Brenda Sauter has been laying down the low end for a number of bands including The Feelies and Wild Carnation. It is exciting that both bands have some very cool s…

Another "Average Joe" interview - this time with my new friend, Brandon Moore, of Transformation Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.Oleh Brent Haeseker

Growing up in a musical family on the south side of Chicago and playing alongside diverse world-class artists has provided profound musical insight and inspiration which can only be heard in the music of Darryl Jones. After several years gigging around the Chicago music scene, Darryl’s international recording and touring career took flight at age 2…

In this exclusive JGT interview, John Scofield talks to JGT's Bob Bakert about his new album, "Uncle John's Band" - Release: October 13, 2023 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

Without question, Stu Hamm is one of the greatest bass players of our time. For over a decade we have stayed in touch and I was thrilled to hear that he recently released his latest album “Hold Fast”. The album is another masterpiece and is sure to be enjoyed by bass players and the general public alike. (Make sure you check out my review of “Hold …

In this Jazz Guitar Today interview, guitarist and educator Sean McGowan shares ten albums that influenced his approach to solo guitar. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

In this exclusive interview, guitarist Sean McGowan talks to Jazz Guitar Today about his new album, "Portmanteau" and explains how he combined different elements and influences to create something new. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

Exclusive podcast in remembrance of Pat Martino's birthday, August 25. Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks to Joe Donofrio about managing Pat Martino for over 21 years. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

Guitarist Dave Stryker talks to Jazz Guitar Today and shares some advice to help make it as a musician. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

Sheryl Bailey talks to Bob Bakert about her latest release "Homage", and discusses songs, guitars, and more. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

Exclusive Video Podcast: Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks to Ralph Towner about many topics from playing Woodstock to his latest album, "At First Light". Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.Oleh With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador