Guitar and Bass Conversations
A podcast dedicated to conversations with today's top guitar and bass musicians. Hosted by: Bob Bakert, Editor jazzguitartoday.com and Raúl Amador, Editor bassmusicianmagazine.com
Artist Update With Bassist Steve Swallow
Few musicians have shaped the voice of the electric bass as profoundly as Steve Swallow. A true innovator whose career spans more than six decades, Swallow continues to inspire generations of bassists with his unmistakable sound, boundless creativity, and unwavering passion for music.
Many of you may remember our conversation from July 2020. Now, at 85 years young, Steve returns to discuss his latest release, Winter Songs, a beautiful new recording that reflects both his enduring artistry and musical curiosity.
In this exclusive video interview, Steve shares the story behind the new album, talks about the Citron S...
Interview With Story of the Year Bassist, Adam Russell
Adam Russell, bassist for Story of the Year, hasn’t slowed down for a second.
With the band’s latest album A.R.S.O.N. dropping on February 13, 2026, they’ve not only delivered new music but also pushed their creativity further through a series of visually striking videos, several of which Adam himself co-directed and edited.
In this interview, we dive into the making of the new record, explore how Adam shapes his signature bass sound, and get the inside scoop on the band’s upcoming Camp Screamo Tour with Silverstein and Orig...
Interview With L.A. Guns Bassist, Johnny Martin
Today, we’re joined by one of hard rock’s most accomplished bassists, Johnny Martin of L.A. Guns. Since joining the band in 2016, Johnny has helped drive the group’s modern resurgence, bringing powerhouse musicianship and unmistakable stage presence to both the studio and the concert stage.
We’ll be talking about the band’s explosive new live release, Live From the Guild Theater, recorded during their 2025 performance celebrating the Leopard Skin album. The record captures the energy, chemistry, and fire that have made L.A. Guns one of rock’s most endur...
Interview With Bassist Virginia Franks
When I heard that American Vanity, formerly known as Burn the Jukebox, was gearing up to release a new album this summer, it felt like the perfect moment to catch up with bassist and vocalist Virginia Franks.
With a fresh name unveiled just this past January and a clear shift in musical direction, the band is entering an exciting new chapter, one defined by both sonic evolution and a deeper, more focused message.
In this conversation, Virginia opens up about the inspiration behind the upcoming record, how she crafts her distinctive bass tone, what fans...
Maestro Ron Carter, Sharing the Spirit
For more than six decades, the sound of the upright bass in modern jazz has carried the unmistakable authority, elegance, and intelligence of Ron Carter.
Recognized as the most recorded jazz bassist in history, Maestro Carter’s tone has become part of the very architecture of the genre.
From shaping the harmonic foundation behind countless landmark sessions to collaborating with many of the greatest jazz artists of our time, his artistry has both defined and expanded what the bass can be.
But beyond the staggering discography lies something ev...
Nashville Guitarist Pat Bergeson Talks To Jazz Guitar Today
A versatile guitarist and harmonica player, Pat’s style incorporates jazz, blues, rock, and fingerstyle guitar. He is known for his session and touring work with a variety of artists. He has recorded with Lyle Lovett, Alison Krauss, Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Dolly Parton, Peter Frampton, Michael McDonald, Tommy Emmanuel, Suzy Bogguss, Bill Evans, Benny Golson, Joey DeFrancesco, and many others. He has toured with Chet Atkins, Lyle Lovett, Shelby Lynne, Suzy Bogguss, Madeleine Peyroux, Tommy Emmanuel, and is currently touring with Peter Frampton’s band. Pat has been a teacher and producer, played on many Grammy Award-winning records, and ha...
Guitarist Cecil Alexander Talks To Jazz Guitar Today
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Entrevista Con el Bajista Daniel Gazmuri
Me encanta ponerme al día con nuestros bajistas de América Latina, y me da muchísimo gusto volver a presentarles al talentoso bajista chileno Daniel Gazmuri.
La última vez que conversamos fue en 2022, cuando nos compartió las novedades de su carrera y sus proyectos musicales. Desde entonces, Daniel ha continuado creciendo como artista, compositor y educador, consolidando una propuesta que fusiona el jazz contemporáneo con las raíces musicales latinoamericanas.
En esta nueva entrevista hablaremos sobre su segundo álbum, “Raíces”, una producción que profundiza en la identidad musi...
Interview With Drivin N Cryin Bassist, Tim Neilsen
Get ready for a conversation with one of Southern rock’s enduring forces, Tim Neilsen. For over 35 years, Drivin N Cryin has been delivering a powerful blend of grit, melody, and heart, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon. With their brand-new album “Crushing Flowers” set to drop on April 10th, the band is gearing up for another exciting chapter.
At the core of that signature sound is bassist Tim Nielsen, whose driving grooves have helped define the band’s identity and earned them a place in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
In this inter...
Artist Update With The Revivalists’ Bassist George Gekas
It’s hard to believe that I’ve been chatting with George Gekas, bassist for The Revivalists, for more than a decade. Over the years, we’ve connected during some of the band’s biggest moments, and now they’re preparing to release their sixth full-length studio album, Get It Honest, on July 24, making it the perfect time for another conversation.
Join me as we dive into the making of the new album, discuss what fans can expect from this exciting new chapter, and explore all the great things on the horizon for the band.
Here is Ge...
Interview With Bassist Ellen Alaverdyan and Guitarist Hovak Alaverdyan
Back in May 2021, I had the pleasure of speaking with a talented nine-year-old bassist named Ellen Alaverdyan, who was just beginning to make waves in the music world (View Interview). Even then, her passion, dedication, and remarkable talent hinted at a bright future ahead.
Today, I’m excited to welcome Ellen back, along with her father, professional guitarist Hovak Alaverdyan, following the release of Take Off, the debut album from Ellen’s band, Jaminai.
Join me as we discuss the making of this exciting new project, explore how Ellen developed her now-signature bass tone and styl...
The Definitive Biography: Blow By Blow, The Jeff Beck Story
Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks to Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill about their new book, Blow By Blow, The Jeff Beck Story.
Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.
David Becker Planets 2026
Guitarist David Becker talks to JGT's Bob Bakert about his latest project, Planets 2026.
Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.
Giuseppe Continenza Talks To Jazz Guitar Today - June 2026
Giuseppe Continenza is widely regarded as one of the most active and respected guitarists on the Italian and European jazz scene. He began his musical studies with classical training at the Academy in Pescara, Italy, before continuing his jazz education at the renowned Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. Based in Pescara, he performs regularly alongside Biréli Lagrène and continues to build an international reputation through his concerts, recordings, and teaching activity.
Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.
Interview With Bassist Alex Blake
Originally from Panama, bassist Alex Blake arrived in the United States at a young age and, under the guidance of his father, found his lifelong voice in the bass. What began as an early immersion in Latin music grew into a career that has now spanned more than 45 years of exploration, evolution, and excellence.
As opportunities expanded, so did Blake’s musical reach. His journey has taken him across countless genres, collaborating with a remarkable list of world-class musicians, far too many to name here. Today, he stands as a formidable presence in the fusion sc...
Interview With Bassist Tom Doyle
Since 2012, Tom Doyle has been holding down the low end for UK alt-rock heavyweights Don Broco, helping to shape the band’s groove-driven, genre-blurring sound into one of the most distinctive in modern British rock. With thunderous tone, razor-sharp precision, and an instinct for hooks that hit just as hard as the riffs, Doyle has become a crucial force behind the band’s ever-evolving sonic identity.
As Don Broco gear up to unleash their highly anticipated new album, Nightmare Tripping, this feels like the perfect moment to dive into the mind of t...
Bassist Nathan East, Echoes of a Lineage
For decades, we’ve had the privilege of following the remarkable career of Nathan East, listening closely to his albums, tracking his milestones with Yamaha Instruments, and watching his evolving partnership with Laney Amplification with great interest. Along the way, we’ve talked gear, tone, and technique, while hearing his unmistakable musical “voice” woven into the work of more iconic artists than we could possibly list.
Today, we’re thrilled to reconnect with this true giant of the bass world following the release of a very special new album, Father Son, produced by Nathan alongside his son, Noah East...
Interview With Bassist Leo Lyons
Few musicians can claim they were present at the birth of the electric bass, and even fewer can say they helped shape what came next.
Leo Lyons has been playing bass for more than half a century, standing at the crossroads of innovation and influence as rock music found its voice. From the explosive blues-rock of Ten Years After, to later projects such as Hundred Seventy Split, Lyons has been a constant pillar of the UK rock scene and a familiar force in studios on both sides of the Atlantic as a bassist, producer, and sound engineer.
Interview with Bassist Cheikh Ndoye, Laying Down the Genetic Tones
For nearly seventeen years, we’ve followed the ever-evolving journey of bassist Cheikh Ndoye, watching with admiration as his musical vision continues to deepen and expand. Each project has revealed a restless curiosity and a commitment to sound that resists easy categorization.
When we last spoke in 2018, Ndoye was already hinting at new directions, and he hasn’t slowed down since.
In the years that followed, he’s been quietly and intensely at work, culminating in a new album, Genetic Tones, a project that captures both his roots and his forward-looking approach to music...
Interview With Bassist Richard Vernon
For more than four decades, British bassist Richard Vernon has been a quietly formidable presence in rock music. Cutting his teeth on the UK scene in the early 1980s, he’s carved out a reputation for groove, grit, and unshakeable musical instinct.
Best known for anchoring the sound of The Mission, Vernon has also brought his distinctive low-end touch to an array of projects, from acclaimed session work to performing with Peter Perrett. Most recently, he’s been powering the thunderous live energy of Ricky Warwick & the Fighting Hearts, proving that his playing is as vital and inve...
Alex Skolnick, Both Jazz And Metal Chops
Alex Skolnick is well known among the metal circles - but it's evident he has jazz chops too. Jazz Guitar Today talks to Alex in this podcast - and JGT's Joe Barth goes in-depth in this interview.
Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.
Interview With Bassist Pär Sundström
This month, we have a real treat for all you metal fans out there! Joining us is none other than Pär Sundström, the powerhouse bassist and co-founding member of Sabaton, a band many consider to be the #1 global power metal act in the world.
Pär isn’t just the man behind those thunderous bass lines; he’s also one of the main lyricists and the band’s manager, helping to shape Sabaton’s unmistakable sound and unstoppable rise.
Hailing from Sweden, Sabaton has been conquering stages and hearts around the...
Interview With Bassist Noah Young
Hailing from the heart of New Orleans, bassist Noah Young has been a remarkably busy and continually evolving force in today’s music scene. Fresh off the release of his highly anticipated solo album Noah (September 26, 2025), he’s stepping confidently into a new chapter of his artistic identity.
Many listeners already know him as the low-end engine behind the explosive sound of Naughty Professor, while others have caught him anchoring countless performances both across New Orleans and on stages around the globe.
Today, we sit down with Noah to get the inside scoop on what driv...
Interview With Bassist Mauricio Morales
It’s always exciting to know that there are musicians dedicated to keeping jazz alive, evolving, and pushing its boundaries forward. Bassist Mauricio Morales stands at the forefront of today’s contemporary jazz movement, and his upcoming album, Between Dreams and Twilight, promises to be one of his most compelling artistic statements yet.
Join me as we explore Mauricio’s musical journey, the origins of his signature sound, the creative process behind the new record, and the vision he carries for the future.
This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in Dec 2025
Go to...
Interview With Quadvium Bassists Jeroen Thesseling and Steve Di Giorgio
Have you ever wondered what a Progressive Rock/fusion band with two bassists would sound like? Well, wonder no more… the answer is Quadvium! And they’re making waves with their brand-new album, “Tetradom.”
Quadvium brings together an incredible lineup: Jeroen Thesseling and Steve Di Giorgio on bass, the powerhouse Yuma Van Ecklen on drums, and the electrifying Eve Smith on guitar. The result? Music that’s as intricate as it is powerful, as melodic as it is rhythmic, and as bold as it is beau...
Jazz Guitar Today Checks In With Our Friend Jimmy Bruno, January 2026
Exclusive video interview to start off 2026, JGT's Bob Bakert checks in with Jimmy Bruno.
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The Active Schedule of Portland Guitarist John Stowell
JGT's Bob Bakert talks to guitarist John Stowell.
Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.
Interview With Bassist Andrew Bently
What do you get when you blend raw Rock & Roll with a dose of Southern soul? You get Jet Black Roses!
Hailing from Georgia, this powerhouse trio, featuring the talented Andrew Bently on bass, has been making serious waves, and now they’re gearing up for the release of their self-titled debut album, dropping this October 2025.
Today, I’m thrilled to be sitting down with Andrew to talk about the band’s journey, the making of their new record, and how he creates that unmistakable bass sound. We’ll also get a glimpse into what’s next for...
Interview With Erick “Maverick” Coomes, Following the Spirit
I’m sure many of you will remember that I had the pleasure of chatting with Lettuce bassist Erick “Maverick” Coomes just last year, where we covered a ton of great material. (If you missed it, you can check out that interview here>>>bassmusicianmagazine.com.)
Now, with Lettuce on the verge of releasing their brand-new album Cook, I thought it was the perfect time to catch up with Erick and see what’s been cooking… pun definitely intended!
In this conversation, we dive into the new album and the videos that accompany...
Interview With Bassist Mike Pope, Preserving A Family Music Legacy
We’ve had the pleasure of talking with Mike Pope for years now… exploring his innovative contributions to bass electronics, spending a day with him as an educator at Berklee, and of course, enjoying his phenomenal performances both live and on countless recordings. Many of you might even remember our last interview back in 2020 (read it here).
Now, we’re especially excited to catch up with Mike about his brand-new album, The Parts You Keep, released on August 22, 2025. This project is a stunning mix of jazz standards and original compositions, and we’ll be diving into the stories...
Interview With Bassist Ross Schodek
Bassist Ross Schodek…
I’ve always been a huge fan of Poncho Sanchez’s music, so you can imagine how excited I was to dive into his latest album, Live at the Belly Up Tavern. (Check out my full review here: Album Review.)
This dynamic live recording is full of energy, groove, and that unmistakable Latin jazz magic, and after giving it a few spins, I found myself especially drawn to the incredible bass work holding it all together. That bassist is Ross Schodek.
Naturally, I had to reach out.
In the co...
Interview With Sean Anderson, Finger Eleven Bass Foundation
Back in June 2024, I had the chance to chat with Finger Eleven bassist Sean Anderson about the band’s Greatest Hits album release, and let’s just say, it was a walk down some seriously nostalgic memory lanes!
Fast forward to now, and the guys have been anything but idle.
On November 7, 2025, Finger Eleven will drop their first studio album in nearly a decade, Last Night on Earth, and fans are already buzzing. With such huge news, I couldn’t resist catching up with Sean again to get the...
Guitarist John Scofield Talks About "Memories Of Home"
Exclusive Video Podcast: Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks to John Scofield about his new album with bassist Dave Holland.
Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.
Interview With Upright Bassist Dr. Emma Dayhuff
I recently learned about Dr. Emma Dayhuff’s new album, “Innovations & Lineage: The Chicago Project,”, which has been garnering a lot of attention, and I wanted to learn more.
When it came to bringing this album to life, she knew exactly who she wanted on board. She assembled a remarkable group of musicians: Dee Alexander on vocals, Isaiah Collier on tenor sax, and Kahil El’Zabar on percussion.
Recorded live, the album captures the energy of the performance while presenting a clear, resonant bass sound that anchors the music beautifully. It’s both a nod to Chicago...
Interview With The Big Ol’ Nasty Getdown Bassist John Heintz
I’ve been noticing a lot of buzz around The Big Ol’ Nasty Getdown on social media lately, and it definitely caught my attention. Recently, I came across their track “Wrong Side of the Law” featuring rising star bassist Ellen Alaverdyan alongside her dad, Hovak. The energy of the project was so contagious that I felt compelled to dig deeper and find out what it’s all about.
At the heart of it all is John Heintz, who wears many hats… bassist, producer, and the self-proclaimed “Ringleader” behind this one-of-a-kind concept: a massive, colla...
Interview With Upright Bassist Georgia Weber
Releasing an EP or an album is always a huge accomplishment… so when I heard that Georgia Weber and the Sleeved Hearts are about to release their new EP, “Big In Japan”, I knew it was the perfect chance to get the inside scoop from Georgia herself, especially as she plays upright bass!
Originally from Australia, Georgia has been a force in the New York jazz scene for over a decade, and this new work takes jazz in exciting, unexpected directions.
Join me as we dive into “Big In Japan”, explore Georgia’s musical journey, discover how...
Interview With Missy Raines, Bluegrass Bass Legend
Whenever I think of Bluegrass music, Missy Raines is one of the first names that comes to mind.
As the most awarded bass player in the history of the International Bluegrass Music Association, Missy Raines’s impact on the genre is undeniable. She’s a Grammy nominee and has collaborated with a wide range of acclaimed artists throughout her career.
If you’re looking to learn Bluegrass bass, Missy is the go-to instructor on ArtistWorks.
She’s been especially active lately, with her album Highlander released in February 2024, and her latest p...
Interview With Bassist MonoNeon, Beacon of Bass
MonoNeon’s been keeping busy, touring internationally and currently making his way across the U.S. as part of his latest run. If you’ve seen him live, you know his performances are anything but ordinary… funky and full of character.
He recently released a new album titled You Had Your Chance… Bad Attitude. It features eight tracks of off-center, groove-heavy funk, delivered in his unmistakable style. It’s a solid listen, start to finish.
Gear-wise, MonoNeon now has his own artist model Fender MonoNeon Jazz Bass, a vibrant, eye-catching instrument that’s as bold as his playi...
Interview With Bassist Ksenia Vasileva
Music is a universal language, a thread that connects us all, and there’s something especially exciting about meeting a bass player from another part of the world.
Meet Ksenia Vasileva, bassist, sound designer, composer, and musical instrument maker, originally from Russia and now making waves in New York City. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Ksenia is fully immersed in the nonstop hustle that defines the life of a working bassist in the Big Apple.
Join us as we dive into her musical journey, her time at Berklee, the ge...
Interview With Coyote Theory Bassist Grayson Hendren
Coyote Theory released their latest album, Still, on March 14, and what better time to catch up with their talented bass player, Grayson Hendren?
This genre-bending alt-pop trio has been making music together since 2010, and they’ve continued to evolve, innovate, and push creative boundaries over the years. With their signature blend of emotional depth and vibrant energy, Still marks a powerful new chapter in their musical journey.
In this interview, Grayson opens up about his path as a musician, the creative process behind Still, how he crafts his unique bass tone, and what exciting projects li...
