Guitar and Bass Conversations

I was recently introduced to an incredible project by The Funeral Portrait called Greetings From Suffocate City, and it instantly caught my attention. It was so intriguing that I had to chat with their bassist, Robert Weston. Since forming in 2014, the band has been pouring their heart into their music... and this latest project feels like the powerful culmination of all those years of hard work and dedication.Join me as we hear about Robert’s musical journey, details about this cool project, how he gets his sound, how his bass got teeth marks, and the band’s plans for the future!Photo: Nathan Rogers / IG @_nathanrogersThis interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in April 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

06/06/2025 • 20:08

I’ve always loved listening to Bluegrass music, and I especially enjoy chatting with their bass players. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ronnie Simpkins, the bassist for The Seldom Scene, a renowned Bluegrass band from Bethesda, MD.The band just released their new album, “Remains to Be Scene,” in March 2025 (available on Amazon.com).Join me as we hear all about Ronnie’s musical journey, how he gets his sound, details about his band, and their plans for the future.Photos Credit: Mike Raymond, Jeromie Stephens, and courtesy of Ronnie SimpkinsThis interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in April 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

23/05/2025 • 10:43

JGT's Bob Bakert talks to Jeanne Pisano, Beth Marlis, and John Storie about John Pisano.Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

15/05/2025 • 35:52

Guitarist Bobby Broom talks to JGT about a new recording by the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, More Amor: A Tribute to Wes Montgomery.Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

12/05/2025 • 49:03

I am sure a lot of Shinedown fans remember my last conversation with bassist Eric Bass back in September 2022 when the band released their “Planet Zero” album (View Interview).Eric released a solo album titled “I Had A Name” and I caught up with him to learn more about the project.This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in Feb 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

09/05/2025 • 20:52

Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks with Bill Hart, internationally acclaimed guitarist, composer and educator about the role of pedals and effects in his music.Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

07/05/2025 • 47:32

The Yellowjackets are celebrating their 50th anniversary as a band and their bassist, Dane Alderson, has been with them for almost a decade. Together, this band is an iconic pillar of musicality in the Jazz community. They have been massively prolific over the years, and they are releasing their twenty-seventh album, “Fasten Up,” later this month.Join me as we hear about Dane’s musical journey, how he came to play with the Yellowjackets, how he gets his sound, and his plans for the future.This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in March 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

02/05/2025 • 29:19

Brent-Anthony Johnson may be the amazing bassist you have never heard of, despite his 45-year career as one of the hardest-working musicians in the industry.Brent-Anthony is a Bass Musician Magazine contributor who has shared a veritable wealth of educational and other bass-related pieces. He was an early adopter in online bass education and you will have seen him on Jamplay as well as his current educational website. In addition, he has been super-busy performing with numerous acts both touring as well in the studio, composing, producing, putting on bass clinics, writing bass books and acting as musical director.This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in April 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

26/04/2025 • 48:10

Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks to guitarist Mason Razavi.Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

24/04/2025 • 40:17

In part 1 of the conversation, Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks one-on-one with Jimmy Bruno about his recent retirement announcement.Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

24/04/2025 • 28:34

JGT's Bob Bakert and guitarist Frank Vignola talk to Jimmy about his retirement and early years as a musician.Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

15/04/2025 • 68:34

Davy Mooney talks to Jazz Guitar Today’s Bob Bakert about his new project, “The Word”Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

15/04/2025 • 26:31

There is a lot of very exciting music happening in LA. Circle The Earth hails from this fair city with Mike McBay as a founding member and the driving force on the low end. Mike is not only a bass player but also practices medicine and applies his life knowledge to guide the band’s efforts. Just like their hometown, Circle the Earth is a very diverse band in a multicultural and generational sense. Their music carries a message of planetary awareness colored with hope for a bright future for all.Join me as we hear about Mike’s musical and life journey, how he gets his sound, and the band’s plans for the future.Here is Mike McBay!Photo: Donna DymallyThis interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in January 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

04/04/2025 • 15:42

In our earliest years (about 17 years ago) he contributed to Bass Musician with numerous bass-relevant pieces. He is an amazing and talented bass player who also writes music, does arrangements, is a producer, teaches, and has played with a ton of great musical acts.Join me as we hear about David’s musical journey, how he gets his sound, and details about his signature Skjold design basses. He shares his plans for the future and how you can hear him in a venue near you.Cover photo: Lisa Jaye | Video photo credits: Katherine Gilraine, Karen Campbell Sadler, Larry Thompson, Lisa Jaye, Lorenzo MillerThis interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in January 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

28/03/2025 • 21:25

Just over a decade our good friend Vuyani Wakaba interviewed Chicago bassist Chuck Webb.Since then, Chuck has been super busy. One of his main occupations has been playing bass for musical theater. He is currently playing bass for the Phillip Company US tour of Hamilton.Join me as we get caught up with Chuck and hear details about his experience playing in the pit for my favorite Broadway show.Photos: Farrad Ali, Courtesy of Chuck WebbThis interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in January 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

21/03/2025 • 29:02

Last December (2024) some of our very good friends invited us to the Smith Center here in Las Vegas to check out a band I was unfamiliar with, the Huntertones.From the moment they took the stage this six-piece band came out swinging with super high energy and one of the tightest, most entertaining collections of music I have ever heard. Driving the low end, Adam DeAscentis did a superb job of tying the melody and the percussion elements, together with great skill. The horn section reminded me of early Chicago with its precision and smooth unison. And I was pleasantly surprised with Dan’s tenor sax tone as it was so full and meaty. I later confirmed that he plays a 1954 Selmer (If I recall correctly); they don’t make horns like that anymore.After we thoroughly enjoyed this show, I met Adam and made a connection for us to chat in more detail for this interview.Join me as we hear about Adam’s musical journey, how he gets his sound, and interesting details about the Huntertones and their plans for the future.Here is Adam DeAscentis!This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in February 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

14/03/2025 • 31:11

We go way back with bassist Adam Nitti.He was an early contributor to Bass Musician Magazine with his bass technique pieces. We have enjoyed his music, reviewed his albums, and noted his educational projects; we have followed his trajectory almost as long as we have been in existence. Seeing his bigger-than-life photo at the Ibanez booth during the NAMM shows behind his beautiful signature basses have always been fun.Now we are very pleased to bring you this conversation with Adam where we catch up and talk about his signature basses, and sound chain, as well as projects both present and future.Cover Photo, Shannon FontaineThis interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in December 2024Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

07/03/2025 • 22:22

Hailing from Detroit, Jerome Rimson has been laying down the low end for over 55 years. During that timeframe, he has played with some of the biggest names of our time and excelled as a producer, arranger, songwriter, and vocalist. As you might imagine, Jerome is a wealth of information as he is part of the ongoing history of our beloved electric bass.Join me as we hear about Jerome’s musical journey, how he gets his sound, his plans for the future and so many colorful stories from back in the day.Header Photo, Sharon Quigley.This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in December 2024Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

28/02/2025 • 40:57

Nashville is one of the most iconic music scenes in the United States. Hailing from this super-active city, we have Ryan Jennings, bassist and vocalist for Teddy and the Rough Riders. The band just released their latest album “Down Home” on vinyl and CD, and is loaded with the band’s unique Country Rock flavor.Ryan also plays bass for Emily Nenni who has been going strong in the Country Music arena.Join me as we hear about Ryan’s musical Journey, how he gets his sound, and his plans for the future.Photos: Brandon Otto (IG @bottophoto) and Courtesy of Teddy and the Rough RidersThis interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in November 2024Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

21/02/2025 • 15:51

I am a big fan of Brazilian music and I remember briefly meeting bassist Pops Magellan at a NAMM show years ago and knew our conversation warranted a longer discussion.For this cover interview, I sat down with her to learn more about her musical journey, laying down the low-end for Adam Lambert, her new EP “Damage”, how she gets her sound and so much more.Here is Pops MagellanPhotos, Jack LuThis interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in February 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

14/02/2025 • 14:25

Emma Anzai…I am always excited to chat with bass players from around the world.Emma Anzai is a founding member and the bassist for Australia’s Sick Puppies, who have been going strong playing Rock since the late 1990s.  Emma also plays bass for Evanescence.Join me as we hear about Emma’s musical journey, how she gets her sound, and her plans for the future.Photo Credit: Alice FischerThis interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in October 2024Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

14/02/2025 • 10:03

Kebonye Nkloso…I am always fascinated to hear about music from other parts of our planet as much has yet to reach my ears. Hailing from Botswana, Skinflint has been rocking its kind of heavy metal since 2006 with Kebonye Nkloso as the bassist and a founding member. They were inspired by many of our time’s great heavy metal bands but chose to branch into specific music based on African spirituality and folklore. The result is unique and not quite like anything I have ever heard.Join me as Kebonye shares his musical journey, how he gets his sound, details about their recent album “Baloi” and the band’s plans for the future.Meet Kebonye Nkloso!This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in November 2024Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

14/02/2025 • 15:44

Steve Freeman and Bill Hart have been friends and music education collaborators for decades - they talk to JGT's Bob Bakert.  Steve Freeman is the founder of the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media in September 1985 with the goal of bringing Howard Roberts style school known as GIT Guitar Institute of Technology founded in Hollywood California.  Steve and Bill Hart, who was a long-time, some 30-year guitar department head, met in California while Bill attended GIT and they have been close friends for decades… I think it is very interesting how institutions get off the ground, it's not easy… like an airplane taking off, you need full power and concentration to keep things rolling in a straight line to get off the ground and then diligence to get where you are going… hats off Steve!  This is a remembrance of the early days of what is now an accredited college for music performance, audio, and video production… Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

06/02/2025 • 57:39

Guitarist Dave Stryker Talks To JGT's Bob Bakert about his new 'movies' project.Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

05/02/2025 • 38:02

Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks to guitarist Henry Acker.Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

10/01/2025 • 42:06

Lately, I have been discovering quite a few multi-instrumentalists who create their music by playing all the instruments involved. The most amazing aspect of this to me is how proficient they are and how the bass plays a significant role in their music.Dave Perry is one such talented musician, and plays all the instruments in the band “Fear of Water”. Not only does he compose and perform all his music but he has had to surmount some serious obstacles to be where he is today.Join me as we learn about Dave’s Journey, how he overcame being clinically deaf as an infant, how he gets his sound, the process behind his music, and his plans for the future.I am thrilled to introduce you to Dave Perry!This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in October 2024Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

12/12/2024 • 32:26

Henry Johnson quite simply is a guitarist's, guitarist.  I can amplify that by saying that he is the guitarist that I have had the most requests to interview - “Hey, have you ever thought about Henry Johnson, he’s amazing”! I heard it a hundred times...  I have known of Henry for a long time and admired his playing and wanted to get him in Jazz Guitar Today - but our roads kept missing each other.  I was so happy that we finally put it together.  Henry has a fantastic resume playing with the likes of Freddie Hubbard, Ramsey Lewis, Jimmy Smith, Sonny Stitt, Stanley Turrentine, and Joe Williams, WOW! He is an educator, an artist, and a gentleman! He is from my era and influenced by lots of the same people and likes a lot of the same music.  It is with great pride that we bring to you this conversation with the great Henry Johnson.Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

10/12/2024 • 57:38

I always enjoy the opportunity to talk to very seasoned career bass players.Hank Horton is a heavy-hitter vocalist, producer, and bassist who fits into that category. Hank has a diverse skillset where he can play electric for Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (and a ton of other renowned musicians), play upright in the Detroit Symphony, or be excellent in a Broadway pit. I also understand that Hank has been using the Katana-210 Bass Amplifier, typically designed for electric bass, for his upright bass—a unique technique that he says has helped him to elevate his sound in recent years.Join me as we get the low down from Hank Horton himself!This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in September 2024Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

05/12/2024 • 21:25

Blues Traveler has always been one of my favorite bands.Whenever “Run Around” would pop up on MTV, I would always drop whatever I was doing to watch. Now, The band is celebrating the 30th anniversary of their Grammy award-winning album “Four” (I still have my copy from back in the day) with a very cool limited edition purple vinyl record set.Since that early hit record, the band has been going strong and kept very busy touring and releasing albums; it is great to see a band with such continuity and staying power.Tad Kinchla has been playing the bass for Blues Traveler since 1999 and I am thrilled to have a chance to bring you this interview. Join me as we learn about Tad’s musical journey, his experiences with Blues Traveler, how he gets his sound, and his plans for the future.Here is New Jersey’s own, Tad Kinchla!This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in Oct 2024Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

21/11/2024 • 22:53

Do you remember back in the day when a certain song came on the radio that just made you feel happy but you didn’t know who was playing?This was the case with “Heaven” by Los Lonely Boys. I was glad when I finally found out who the band was as I could look for more of their music. BTW, this tune still makes me smile from the opening few bars.After more than a decade, the news of a new album titled, “Resurrection” came across my desk and the expertly crafted tracks I heard were full of messages of hope and healing, fitting for our times.I was very excited to have the opportunity to chat with the band’s bassist, Jojo Garza and to be able to share this conversation. His story is inspiring and his musical journey is quite remarkable. Join me as we hear about how Jojo gets his iconic sound, details about “Resurrection” and the band’s plans for the future.Les presento Jojo Garza!This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in September 2024Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

14/11/2024 • 35:38