Guitar and Bass Conversations With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

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 performed in a wide variety of settings, including both cruise ships and on Broadway. He is a music producer, composer, author, ordained minister and personal trainer. He has worked tirelessly as an advocate against domestic violence around the world. He is currently working on a series of solo bass projects that encompass classical, world music and so much more.
Join me as we learn more about Russel’s bass journey, music, gear and his plans for the future.
Without further ado… Here is Russel Blake

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine, August 2023
Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

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 she joined forces with KT Tunstall and together they are a force of nature. (See our video with Suzi about the album release)
Join me as we hear about Suzi’s musical journey, her many projects, how she gets her sound and her plans for the future.
Here is Suzi Quatro…

This episode first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine, November 2023
Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

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 opportunity to catch up with Ricky as he has been super-busy over the past six years. 
Join me as we take a deep dive into the band’s most recent album “Crash the Crown” and EP “The Same Stardust”. Ricky shares some insights into the herculean team effort behind the scenes and the musical process that keeps them ever so busy and how he has updated his sound. 
This interview with Ricky Phillips first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in February 2024
Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

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 Todd Kerns first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in September 2023
Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

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 whole Detroit scene dwindled, Tony relocated to LA where he worked a busy schedule, even going back to school to learn about music theory and composition.
Over the years he performed on many historic hit recordings and tours with Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson(music Director), the Temptations, Aretha Franklin, The Funk Brothers and more, as well as working with veteran rock guitarist, Gary Moore in the British group G-Force.
Presently, Tony is super busy and on the verge of releasing a movie titled “Mars Quest” among his numerous other projects.
Join me as we get to enjoy all the history and knowledge that Tony has to share along with the details about his new Signature bass from BITE Guitars named “The  Punchtown Bass”.

The Golden Years of Motown With Bassist Tony Newton first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine December 2023
Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

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 podcast, Plays a Jerry Garcia music show with Guitarist Andy Falco, and is constantly gigging locally in his neck of the woods.

Interview With the - The Infamous Stringdusters Bassist, Travis Book - first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in February 2024
Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.