Guitar and Bass Conversations

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 2024 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

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 2024 Face Your Ears Explore home recording and music creation with Rich and Justin on 'Face Your Ears'! Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

I just had the opportunity to interview a very talented player, who you might already know, Suzy Starlite. She is our newest contributor here at Bass Musician, and her “Walking the Bass Line” series, is a wealth of incredible information, including gear, history, and insight into the bass world. Join me as Suzy talks about some of the points from her article and so much more. This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in August 2024 Face Your Ears Explore home recording and music creation with Rich and Justin on 'Face Your Ears'! Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

I am always impressed by musicians who can play and sing simultaneously. I am even in greater awe of these multi-instrumentalists who are highly proficient on many instruments. Richie Kotzen is one of these very talented musicians. His upcoming (September 27, 2024) album “Nomad” is proof as he plays every instrument in all but two tracks and does it amazingly well. Richie’s main strength is as a vocalist/guitar player and he has played with some of the best bassists in the business but in “Nomad”, he holds down the low end nicely. Join me as we hear about Richie’s musical journey, details about “Nomad” how he gets his sound, how bass fits into his musical toolbox, and his plans for the future. This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in September 2024 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

I always enjoy the opportunity to talk to fellow bass players as they travel on their musical journey. Jonny Rubin, AKA Dr. Funk has been at this since he was a kid and has made the huge leap across the pond to make a go at it in sunny southern California. Join me as we hear about his musical past, present and future. Photo courtesy of Jonny Rubin This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in July 2024 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

JGT Podcast: Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks to guitarist David Becker about his unique compositions and performances. Face Your Ears Explore home recording and music creation with Rich and Justin on 'Face Your Ears'! Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

If you are an electric bass player, this is an exciting time to be alive as this relatively new instrument evolves around us. Some creative individuals have taken an active role in this evolution and made giant leaps in their own direction. Lee Barker is one of these inventive people having created the Barker Bass. Fortunately, Lee is also an excellent writer (among so many talents) and has recently released his book “Plausible Gumption, The Road Between a Christmas Toolbox and The Barker Bass”. This book is a very fun read for everyone and shares a ton of details about Lee’s life in general, his experiences as a musician, a radio host, and a luthier. Now I am fortunate to have the great opportunity to gain even more insights into this renaissance man with this video interview. Plausible Gumption, The Road Between a Christmas Toolbox and The Barker Bass is available online at Amazon.com This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in July 2024 Face Your Ears Explore home recording and music creation with Rich and Justin on 'Face Your Ears'! Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

Once again, editor Bob Bakert engages in a conversation with the jazz guitarist Fareed Haque, including an update on his health. September 2024 Face Your Ears Explore home recording and music creation with Rich and Justin on 'Face Your Ears'! Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

JGT's Bob Bakert talks to luthier Linda Manzer about some very special guitars she is working on. Face Your Ears Explore home recording and music creation with Rich and Justin on 'Face Your Ears'! Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

New Album From Peter Bernstein Convenes a Remarkable All-Star Quartet. Better Angels, out September 27, Features Pianist Brad Mehldau, Bassist Vicente Archer, and Legendary Drummer Al Foster. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

In this podcast, JGT's Bob Bakert talks to jazz and improvisational musician Camila Meza about her influences, guitars, and touring. Face Your Ears Explore home recording and music creation with Rich and Justin on 'Face Your Ears'! Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

JGT's Bob Bakert talks to guitarist Rodney Jones about what's going on in 2024. Face Your Ears Explore home recording and music creation with Rich and Justin on 'Face Your Ears'! Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

I am sure many of you are very familiar with Mark Egan as we have been following him and his music for many years now. The last time we chatted was in 2020. Mark teamed up with drummer Shawn Pelton and guitarist Shane Theriot to produce a new album, “Cross Currents” released on March 8th, 2024. I have been listening to this album in its entirety and it is simply superb (See my review). Now, I am excited to hear about this project from Mark himself and share this conversation with our bass community in Bass Musician Magazine. Photo courtesy of Mark Egan Visit Online: markegan.com markegan.bandcamp.com Apple Music Amazon Music This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in June 2024 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

I am sure many of you are very familiar with Mark Egan as we have been following him and his music for many years now. The last time we chatted was in 2020. Mark teamed up with drummer Shawn Pelton and guitarist Shane Theriot to produce a new album, “Cross Currents” released on March 8th, 2024. I have been listening to this album in its entirety and it is simply superb (See my review). Now, I am excited to hear about this project from Mark himself and share this conversation with our bass community in Bass Musician Magazine. This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in June 2024 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

Bassist Adam Sullivan… Hailing from Minnesota since 2012, By the Thousands has produced some serious Technical Metal/Deathcore music. Following their recent EP “The Decent”s release, I have the great opportunity to chat with bassist Adam Sullivan. Join me as we hear about Adam’s musical Journey, his Influences, how he gets his sound, and the band’s plans for the future. This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in June 2024 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

I am sure many of you will remember my chat with Will Turpin in 2018 when he released his solo album Serengeti Drivers. We had a chance to get together again as his band, Collective Soul, is celebrating their 30th anniversary and releasing their new album “Here to Eternity”. Join me as we get caught up on the new album and all of Collective Soul’s projects, the details about his very own Real To Reel Studios, how Will gets his sound, and all the cool plans and projects going on soon. This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in June 2024 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts. Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg. Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future. Photo, Stephen Bradley This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in May 2024 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

Trey Hensley is the reigning IBMA guitar player of the year. He has performed with Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Earl Scruggs, Marty Stewart, and literally hundreds more household names. He is a guitar phenomenon and his list of fans are among the best guitar players in the world. He can play authentically in many genres and by the way, he is a hell of a nice guy! Whether it’s the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, festivals, clubs, and guitar camps all over the country, try to catch Trey live. You will be seeing and hearing someone very special. Please enjoy my conversation with a guitar monster, Trey Hensley. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

JGT's Bob Bakert talks to Frank Vignola, Jimmy Bruno, Ken Smith, and Joni Forte about the upcoming guitar camps. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

JGT's Bob Bakert talks to Peter Henriksen about the Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival Sept 13 - 15, 2024 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.