It was such a pleasure to sit down with James Genus while he was in town playing with jazz icon Herbie Hancock. Genus' has had an incredible career not only as a first call sideman for the likes of Branford Marsalis, Roy Haynes, Bob James and Chick Corea, but he has held the bass chair at Saturday Night Live (SNL) for nearly 25 years and played on …

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 ab…

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 wi…

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 drop…

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.stevejenk…

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 pr…

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 pr…

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 pr…

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 fi…

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…

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 consumat…

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 semina…

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 a…

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 iden…

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 lear…

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 Dr…

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 …

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 legendar…

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 tech…

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 …

When I first saw what Jarman and Matty were doing in their band 'Men Imitating Machines' I was convinced there must be tracks running in the background, but then I found out their motto is 'Live as F***' and that everything you hear is being created in real time, live in front of you. I was fascinated to find out how Jarman was creating such epic s…

Tom Kennedy is an accomplished touring and studio musician who ranks as one of the top acoustic and electric bass players in the world. His credits include performances and recordings with both mainstream legends and leading contemporary players. Tom’s musical roots with on the acoustic bass, an instrument he started playing at age 9 and took to so…

Born in South America (Chile), Igor Saavedra started playing bass at 22 years old. He's considered by the most prestigious critics as an ambassador of the authentic South American bass culture and one of the world's most innovative, respected, influential & virtuoso bassists, granting him as being a Pioneer of the 8-String Bass (since 1999) & one o…

Tim is a freelance bass player and music producer located in Sydney (and increasingly, Melbourne). A lover of all music, he cut his teeth playing soul and roots based music around Sydney in the early 2000s. He was mentored by the late bass player/composer Jackie Orszaczky, with whom he had the fortune of playing with in the the last few years of hi…

Atlanta born and raised, Detoxxx honed his craft playing in the gospel churches of America's 'Bible Belt' and has since gone on to be a first call producer and session bassist in the RnB, Hip Hop and jazz/funk/soul scenes. Detoxxx was a joy to hang with while he was in town with Avery Sunshine, a gig in which he is able to showcase his deep pocket …

Marty Holoubek was born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia, where he spent his formative years studying in the prestigious Marryatville High School Special Interest Music Program. Joining the Elder Conservatorium at the University of Adelaide to further his musical education, Marty was awarded Mitzi’s prize for the ‘Top undergraduate bass stud…

Joshua Crumbly is an incredibly talented young musician currently on tour with Kamasi Washington and also on the verge of launching his own solo career with the release of his debut album later on in 2018. It was great to hear about Joshua's bass journey which included lessons from previous BLM interviewee Reggie Hamilton among others. Check out Jo…

Fender artist Reggie Hamilton is a true giant of the session scene having toured and recorded with artists such as Seal, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, Aretha Franklin, Stanley Clarke and then there is is long list of film credits including Passenger 57. In this interview we discuss his beginnings on bass, how Stanley Clarke helped his…

Born and raised in Trinidad, Rick Leon James moved to London when he was 15yrs old to pursue his dream of becoming a professional bass player. Fast forward to 2018 and he's played bass for such UK pop acts as Jessie J, Daniel Beddingfield, Tinie Tempah and is currently touring the world with saxophonist Yolanda Brown. A player with incredible facil…

http://www.evanmarien.com Evan Marien is well known to bass players around the globe for his amazing youtube videos (including one of the first 360o videos I ever saw) featuring his fluid, melodic soloing, awesome use of fx and slick production values. However, he has built an enviable career as a side man playing for guitar gods such as Wayne Kran…

Steve is a world renowned bass player. He has recorded 9 albums as bandleader and a further 6 albums as co-leader. He has recorded or toured with Billy Cobham, Chick Corea, Bobby Previte, Ulf Wakenius, James Muller, Carl Orr, Dig, Renee Geyer, Maxine Nightingale, Kate Ceberano, Doug Parkinson and many others. It was a real pleasure to sit down with…

Phil Stack is a bass player of formidable prowess, having been a member of Aussie pop rock chart busters 'Thirsty Merc' for over 15yrs, Phil has toured the world and rocked some of the biggest stages around, however, he has also had a successful career as a bona fide jazz musician and most recently as an independent singer songwriter. In this episo…

Cornell Williams is one of my favourite 'pocket' style players, in that his time, tone and taste (note choice) are pretty much perfect for the material he is performing, and on the odd occasion when he does step forward he is super lyrical yet still so funky! It was a real pleasure to get to hang and jam with Nell while he was in town with Jon Clea…

Jonathan Dimond is an incredibly accomplished musician, composer and educator based in Melbourne. Having studied Indian classical music to an extremely high level, his rhythmic understanding is exceptional, coupled with his formidable technical facility and knowledge of western classical and jazz music, Jonathan is a truly inspiring bass player. In…

Evripides Evripidou is one of those rare bass players that seems to be able to straddle opposing genres with ease and authenticity. Playing bass for such fusion giants and Virgil Donati, Dave Weckl and Frank Gambale would be enough to catapult any bass player into the history books, but Evri has neither rested on his laurels or adhered to the stere…

Like myself, Drew Dedman is a self professed bass nerd and we get deep into a lot of topics in this interview like Drew's roots in speed and prog metal, his gigging philosophy, practice tips, his time with Melbourne Nu Metal kings Superheist, the current music industry climate and of course: bass gear! Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9pO…

Bass player, educator and luthier Neil Kennedy stopped by with a few examples from his stunning new line of basses soon to be released in conjunction with legendary Australian guitar company - Cole Clark. We discuss a range of bass building topics ranging from fingerboard radius, wood choice (including indigenous Australian woods), neck constructio…

Chicago native Michael Manson has filled the bass chair for some of the top names in jazz and gospel music such as George Duke, Larry Carlton and Kirk Whalum. I caught up with him while he was in town with Jeff Lorber Fusion and we chatted about what it takes to be prepared for a high profile gig like that as well as the importance of developing yo…

I was excited to have Claire on the podcast as not only is she a fantastic bass player, composer, band leader and educator, but she has a passion and drive for music and self improvement that is really inspiring. In this episode we hear about how Claire ended up falling in love with the bass, her penchant for classic artists like Steely Dan and Dur…

If you've ever trawled YouTube for bass gear demos (and let's face it, who hasn't), chances are you've come across Gregor Fris's 'Bass The World' YouTube Channel which will have exposed to the immense bass playing of René Flächsenhaar. After watching a few videos of René playing numerous exotic basses, I was struck by the depth and variety of groov…

David Searle is a Melbourne based luthier who hand-crafts incredible instruments with a wide variety of tone woods and design aspects. In this interview we talk about what to look for in your first bass, tone woods, scale length, designing your own custom bass, active vs passive and a whole lot more! Be sure to visit the Melbourne School of Guitar …

Jon Wilson is one of Adelaide's finest bass players and music educators. With a packed gigging schedule and healthy work ethic, Jon sets a strong example for any bass player to follow. In this interview we learn about his beginnings as a player, his thoughts on breaking into a scene, the importance of musical diversity, teaching and also some great…

Dave is one of those players that really can do it all, from blazing fusion chops to tasty, reserved singer/songwriter supporting lines and everything in between. As enthusiastic about bass playing and music as he's ever been, it was a blast to hang with Dave and get to learn more about his bass journey and his take on being a sideman in today's cu…

Born out the 90's acid jazz scene in London, Neil shared the stage with the likes of Jamiroquai as part of the pioneering group 'Mother Earth. A fellow F Bass player, Neil has a great ear for tone as well as being a superb groove player with some insane chops up his sleeve. In this video we discuss his 'bass journey', including his early basses and…

Jonathan Maron is probably best known as one of the founding members of NYC outfit Groove Collective, as well as his iconic playing on the Maxwell cut 'Ascension'. However, after spending some time with him jamming and talking it quickly became apparent that there is so much more to Jonathans playing and approach to music than meets the eye/ear. In…

Ben Wicks is the guy you call when you need a tight, tasty, experienced roots & blues bass player with killer tone and a pro attitude. Sporting a beautiful custom P Bass made right here in Melbourne and over 20 years experience backing some of Australia's top blues and rnb acts, Ben is no stranger to touring and has played some of the country's pre…

Laura Mvula has taken the global pop scene by storm in the last few years, with entrancing melodies, complex African rhythms and cutting edge sonics, it would be a challenge for most bass players to comfortably find their role. Karl Rasheed Abel fulfills the bass duties flawlessly, with a deep understanding of jazz, rnb, neo soul and Afrobeat, Karl…

Michael League, bass player for Snarky Puppy, Bokante and Forq, is a modern master of the instrument and one of the hardest working band leaders around. Comfortable in a number of genres on electric, upright and key bass, Mike is not only a world class musician, but a prolific composer, record label executive and all round expert in the modern musi…

Now based in Melbourne, Lauren is a professional double bassist and educator. Her hugely popular YouTube channel features virtuosic performances of double bass solo repertoire. Lauren has studied with many notable bassists such as Craig Butterfield and Jeff Bradetich and is renowned teacher in her own right. It was great to sit down with Lauren and…