Bass Lessons Melbourne Player Profiles

Garry Gary Beers is a founding member of Australian rock icons INXS and has played the biggest stages in the world as well as selling over 50million records globally. He has since gone on to design his own 'quad coil' pickups and subsequently his own line of boutiqye handmade instruments - GGB Basses. It was great to sit down with Garry and chat about his journey not just as a bass player, but also his philosphy and approach to designing and building instruments. You can find my review of his basses here: https://youtu.be/Qjvof8pmKxI GGB Basses: https://www.ggbbasses.com/

I've been a fan of @DougWimbishBass and @LivingColour since my early teens with 'Stain' being a hugely inspirational and ear opening album for me so getting the chance to sit down with Doug and pick his brains was a really exciting. This interview was recorded after a 2hr masterclass with @willcalhoun98 and Doug still had the graciousness to sit with me for 45mins and answer questions. A true giant of modern electric bass, Doug has been pushing boundaries with his incredible technique and use of FX for over 30yrs not just as part of Living Colour and Tackhead, but on hundreds of albums as a session player including the beginnings of hip hop with Sugarhill Records. Massive shout out and thanks to @cmimusicaudio6455 @basscentre9621 Melbourne, @SpectorBassCom @OfficialSpector @JMCAcademy and @stephenlane6630 for making all this possible. Links: INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/basslessonsmelbourne MY MUSIC https://open.spotify.com/artist/3DPXwb75biH3nUBuAULz0y FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/bassguitarlessonsmelbourne WEBSITE http://www.basslessonsmelbourne.com DOUG WIMBSH https://www.dougwimbish.com/ Bass Centre https://www.basscentre.com.au/

It was a blast getting to chat with Anthony for this new Player Profile a few weeks ago. I'm a big fan of his YouTube video lessons and of course his playing and we cover a vast array of topics in this interview ranging from tonewoods to time perception. Be sure to check out his music via the spotify link below and get ready for his new single dropping very soon!https://open.spotify.com/artist/44wJW2tqWAaXr1tYhyangn?si=3geMVuobTP2LFpY82NCKXg&dl_branch=1https://www.anthonymuthurajah.com/about

This has been a long time coming but I'm thrilled to finally publish this brand new interview with the incredible Mr. Steve Jenkins! We get into all kinds of nitty gritty in this episode including FX, streaming, technique, touring etc; so please jump on instagram and follow Steve, buy his albums and generally support the guy :) http://www.stevejenkinsbass.com/ As a sideman, he has toured, performed, or recorded with the likes of: Vernon Reid, Screaming Headless Torsos, David Fiuczynski, Stimpy Lockjaw, Alex Skolnick, Josh Smith, Thomas Pridgen, Victor Wooten, Javier Reyes, Keith Carlock, Cindy Blackman Santana, Gene Lake as well as many others. As a bandleader, he released the critically acclaimed "mad science" in late 2004. And in May 2013, he released the long-awaited"Steve Jenkins And The Coaxial Flutter" which has been receiving high praise from press, fans, and even legendary musicians such as Dennis Chambers. As an educator, he has taught at Berklee College of Music's BassLines Summer Program (now called the Victor Wooten Summer Bass Workshop) and has been an artist-in-residence at the Bass Collective in NYC. He has also taught masterclasses and clinics all over the world and was part of the first group of faculty to teach at the Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music in Southeast India in the Summer/Fall of 2010. He also teaches private lessons in person and via Skype. After 13 years of living in New York City, Steve moved to Los Angeles in March of 2017. Steve Jenkins proudly endorses Aguilar Amplification, Brubaker Basses, and Jim Dunlop/MXR pedals & strings.

It's been a while but welcome to last episode of 2020 and I've tried to end this year on a bit of a high note with an epic 3 part episode featuring some of Australia's most prestigous bassists: Roger McLachlan, Craig Newman and Harry Brus. If you've ever watched a TV show with a band, you'll have seen these guys. Heck, if you've ever seen a high profile artist with a 'local' band, it's probably been one of these guys. The audio is ripped from a zoom call that was livestreamed to the Melbourne Bass Players Facebook page during out 2nd lockdown, so the quality isn't amazing but the content is too good not to share. I really hope you enjoy this chat and thanks for listening!

It's been a while but welcome to last episode of 2020 and I've tried to end this year on a bit of a high note with an epic 3 part episode featuring some of Australia's most prestigous bassists: Roger McLachlan, Craig Newman and Harry Brus. If you've ever watched a TV show with a band, you'll have seen these guys. Heck, if you've ever seen a high profile artist with a 'local' band, it's probably been one of these guys. The audio is ripped from a zoom call that was livestreamed to the Melbourne Bass Players Facebook page during out 2nd lockdown, so the quality isn't amazing but the content is too good not to share. I really hope you enjoy this chat and thanks for listening!

It's been a while but welcome to last episode of 2020 and I've tried to end this year on a bit of a high note with an epic 3 part episode featuring some of Australia's most prestigous bassists: Roger McLachlan, Craig Newman and Harry Brus. If you've ever watched a TV show with a band, you'll have seen these guys. Heck, if you've ever seen a high profile artist with a 'local' band, it's probably been one of these guys. The audio is ripped from a zoom call that was livestreamed to the Melbourne Bass Players Facebook page during out 2nd lockdown, so the quality isn't amazing but the content is too good not to share. I really hope you enjoy this chat and thanks for listening!

Kaveh Rastegar is a bassist, multi instrumentalist, producer and recording artist who has collaborated with a long list of artists. As a bassist, Rastegar is best known as a founding member of the genre-blurring, GRAMMY® Award-nominated quintet Kneebody, though he’s also toured the world with superstars like John Legend (and also appeared as his fictional counterpart in the beloved musical La La Land), recorded with artists like Shania Twain, Beck, Ringo Starr, Colin Hay and Ligabue served as musical director for singer/hitmaker Sia, and works with R&B sensation Sabrina Claudio as both songwriter and co-producer. As a songwriter, he’s penned songs with and for heavy-hitters like Bruno Mars, CeeLo Green, Meshell Ndegeocello, De La Soul, Dawn Richard, Kimbra, Marsha Ambrosius and Ciara, among many others. In 2018 Rastegar released of Light Of Love, his debut album as a leader, the bassist and songwriter strides boldly into the spotlight with a set of songs that draw on every aspect of his wildly diverse résumé to create a wholly individual sound. Like its striking cover art, Light of Love is a collage – of influences, experiences, and collaborations – that merge to form a mosaic portrait of collaborators and the vibrant Los Angeles music scene. He continues to collaborate on different projects including a new album out soon

Five time Grammy nominated bassist, composer and luthier, Scott Ambush has been performing since the age of twelve. A native Marylander, Scott began playing electric bass when he discovered that the drum slot in the band he wanted to join was filled. Scott has no regrets. As a member of contemporary jazz super group, Spyro Gyra, he is known for his versatility, sensitivity and lyrical playing. Scott is equally at home in a wide range of musical contexts, having played with such luminaries as Stanley Turrentine, Dizzy Gillespie, Omar Hakim and Special EFX. He has backed R&B jazz instrumentalists, Chuck Loeb, Kirk Whalum, and Pieces of a Dream, among others; R&B vocalists Maysa Leak and Angela Bofil, as well as award winning Blues artist Deanna Bogart. Whether doing live dates or recording projects with Bogart, Jason Miles, Teresa DeSio (Italy), Misato Watanabe (Japan) or renowned Bollywood composer and producer, Sandeep Chowta, Scott’s varied experiences have served him well. When not touring with Spyro Gyra, Scott fronts his own group, Funkalociraptor! and designs, builds and sells the custom bass guitars that carry his name.

Queen are rock'n'roll royalty, with an incredible legacy of hit songs and a worldwide fanbase that continues to grow, there seems to no end to their global domination after nearly 40yrs. So when I got the chance to sit down with their bass player Neil Fairclough after an incredible show the previous night, I jumped at the chance. Neil is a consumate professional with an eye for detail and real passion for music, combine that with a typically dry British wit and humbleness and it's no wonder he has held down the low end for one of the biggest bands on the planet for the last 10yrs or so. Massive thanks to Neil for making to the time to chat with me. Follow Neil on Instagram @neilmfairclough

Dave Boonshoft is the president of Aguilar Amplification (New York), known for their high-quality bass heads, cabinets, preamps, pickups and effects pedals for bass players. Dave’s history in the music industry is rich and diverse, with a long career including stints as a Jazz bassist, having performed with the Momma and Pappas, working with seminal Hip Hop label Def Jam and running soulful electronic label Naked Music. Noisegate was lucky enough to speak with Dave on his recent visit to Australia. We got together over at Noisegate HQ talk about everything Aguilar, including their silver anniversary, design approach to their products and much more. https://noisegate.com.au/one-on-one-with-dave-boonshoft-from-aguilar-amplification/ https://www.facebook.com/noisegateAUS/ https://www.facebook.com/bassguitarlessonsmelbourne/

Anyone who gets the call to play bass for Victor Wooten needs to be taken seriously, and Anthony Wellington is that guy. Not only is he an incredible performer but Anthony is a world renowned educator with his very on curriculum called Bassology. It was a real joy to spend some time with Anthony and get an insight into his history as a player and also some epic knowledge bombs with regards to his teaching practices!

As artists, we try to combine all of our influences to create something new. Bassist Max Moran has achieved that with his album, Neospectric. The forward-thinking jazz album, which is anchored by his band of the same name, blends styles and genres for a beautiful flow over tight grooves. His unique sound came naturally as he forged his musical identity in sonic melting pot of New Orleans, playing with artists ranging from the Donald Harrison Quintet to The Bridge Trio to Nicholas Payton. Music is also a bit of a family tradition as his cousin is famed jazz pianist Jason Moran. Check out Neospectric here: https://maxmoranandneospectric.bandcamp.com/

Texan native Nigel Rivers has had a fascinating path to his current position as top call bassist for artists such as Erykah Badu and the Gritz. An alumni of NTSU, Nigel has killer chops and a deep musicality that make him a formidable musician and first call session player in his current home town of LA. It was a pleasure to hear his story and learn about his approach to being a professional musician in today's highly competitive climate. Follow him on instagram @nigelonbass

Felix Pastorius!!! A true gentlemen and rising star of the bass guitar, it was a privilege to get to spend some time with Felix and hear more about his philosophy on music and life as well as some insights into his musical journey and family life. http://www.basslessonsmelbourne.com http://www.facebook.com/bassguitarlessonsmelbourne

Born and raised in Delaware, Bratten grew up in a musical family. He was influenced by his father, James Bratten Sr. who played the bass guitar and directed the choir at church. His mother and sister sang in the choir along with other local groups. Gracing many stages, Bratten has had the opportunity to play with an plethora of artists including Drake, Jill Scott, Mark Ronson, Eric Roberson Musiq Soulchild, Mario Barrett, Fantasisa, Jaguar Wright, Flo Rida , Martha Munazzi, Tye Tribbett, Anthony Brown, to name a few. Bratten’s Discography includes the work of J. Cole “Born Sinner”, Tasha Cobbs “Grace”, JJ Hairston "No Reason to Fear", Tye Tribbett “Fresh”, Angela Johnson “It’s Personal”, as well as Musiq Soulchild “A Philly Soul Christ" https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hymns-my-way/881632989 https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ordered-by-you/1369918505?i=1369918507 https://jaybrattenmusic.com/bio

Leland Sklar is a true living legend of the music world. Having played on over 2,500 recordings, toured the world with such iconic acts as James Taylor, Phil Collins and Toto along with numerous television appearances around the globe, Lee Sklar is a bass player you've probably already heard more than you know. It was an absolute honour to spend a few hours with Lee at my home studio while he had a day off from the Phil Collins tour and it's my pleasure to bring this interview to you all!

Shem von Schroeck has been entertaining audiences since he was 3 years old. A veteran of the stage and recording studio, he has performed in all 50 United States and 54 countries around the world as a singer, multi-instrumentalist, and music director in a diverse range of genres. Currently the bassist and principal backing vocalist for the legendary band TOTO, Shem has additionally toured and recorded with several international and Grammy Award-winning artists, including Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, David Foster, Christopher Cross, Richard Marx, Don Felder (The Eagles), Al Stewart, Patti Austin, Stephen Stills, Tom Jones, Loggins & Messina, Gary Wright, Spooky Tooth, and many others. http://www.shemworks.com http://www.basslessonsmelbourne.com

I caught up with London bassist Pete Martin while he was in Melbourne touring with nu jazz keys sensation Kamaal Williams. We recorded this interview the morning after Williams sold out show at the Corner Hotel in Melbourne so despite the jet lag and road weariness Pete was super generous with his time and we get into some great dialogue about technique, Garry Willis, the current music industry, touring with Natasha Beddingfield, his early inspirations, his upcoming solo album and much more! http://www.basslessonsmelbourne.com

I caught up with Kevin while he was down under with FORQ and recorded this interview by his hotel pool. After 15 years on the Atlanta music scene, bassist Kevin Scott is expanding his musical and geographic reach. In the last year, he has toured and recorded with Jimmy Herring and John McLaughlin’s “Meeting of the Spirits,” Wayne Krantz, FORQ, and Matador Soul Sounds. Kevin’s creative spirit and instinctual, groove-driven playing have made him a must-have on many exciting and unique projects. Although his itinerary has him travelling more than ever with no signs of slowing, he remains a musical pillar in Atlanta, where he has been a member of multiple bands including Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics and King Baby, and hosts the long-standing Tuesday jam session at Elliot St. Pub; an improvised, no-holds-barred weekly summit of musicians from all genres and backgrounds. There is much to look forward to in 2018 and beyond…European tours with FORQ, Wayne Krantz, Matador!, and Donny McCaslin, U.S. and international dates with Jimmy Herring, and the release of a Jimmy Herring/John McLaughlin live album recorded last fall in San Francisco.