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.

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 subsonic landscapes with what looked to be a humble jazz bass, enter: The Industrial Radio Pro4. This incredible instrument built in Sydney is one of the finest Midi controller instruments I've ever come across and it was great to see how Jarman really pushes the boundaries with it.

Check them out:

http://menimitatingmachines.com/music-and-video/

http://industrialradio.com.au/

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 naturally that within a few years he was performing with internationally known players such as Freddie Hubbard, James Moody, Nat Adderly, Sonny Stitt and Stan Kenton.

Gaining a reputation that soon traveled beyond his native St. Louis, Tom relocated to New York City, where he quickly gained work with multiple groups. Further accolades came through a recording with guitar great Bill Connors and tours with tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker in the world-renowned jazz-fusion group Steps Ahead. Additional tours and recordings with Brazilian pianist Tania Maria and guitarist Al DiMeola followed.

In 1998, Tom became an integral part of Modern Drummer hall of famer Dave Weckl’s band, a group he toured, composed and recorded with for over nine years. Tom and Dave have continued to perform and record together on various projects for other artists, including Mike Stern, Didier Lockwood, Dave Grusin and Lee Ritenour.

Tom has also performed and recorded with top contemporary players Simon Phillips, Steve Gadd, Frank Gambale, Steve Lukather, David Sanborn, Jeff Lorber, Ricky Lawson, Joe Sample and fusion band Planet X.

Tom has released five solo CDs: Basses Loaded in 1996, Bassics in 2004 featuring Mundell Lowe and Joe LaBarbera, Just for the Record in 2011, featuring Dave Weckl and Mike Stern, and Just Play! in 2013 featuring Lee Ritenour, Renee Rosnes and George Garzone. His most recent solo project, Points of View, released in 2017.

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 of the absolute Masters on the Extended Range Basses field. Well known for not using any knobs or effect/volume pedals, relying only on his hands for all the sound variations. Created the Mic Ramp & The Revolutionary VST right hand technique. He has performed solo concerts and Master Classes in Germany, UK, USA, Italy, Poland, Spain, Canada, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile & more. On 2011 was the 1st South American bassist to be featured at the Bass Player Live, the most prestigious US Bass Show, sharing the famous BPL All-Star Jam with the bassists for The Rolling Stones, Megadeth, Metallica, Chic Corea, Earth Wind & Fire. On 2013 was also the 1st South American bassist to be featured at The London Bass Guitar Show (Europe's biggest) sharing the credits with the bassists for Stevie Wonder, Pink Floyd, Megadeth & New Order.

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 his life.

Experienced in many fields and genres, he has performed, recorded and toured with some of the worlds most respected artists.

International artists include pop singer Rita Ora (UK), Brooklyn MC Joey Bada$$ and Canadian troubadour Hawksley Workman. Locally he performs as both sideman and band member for Killing Heidi, Ross Wilson, Leah Flanagan, Tim Freedman and Radical Son. Previously he has performed with Old Man River, Ngaiire, Kevin Borich, The Whitlams, Mahalia Barnes, Adam Brand, The Hands, Jackie Orszaczky and Lachy Doley to name just a few. As a member of the houseband on ABCTV's The Sideshow, he backed a multitude of artists including Colin Hay, Martha Davis, Ian Moss, Tim Minchin and numerous cabaret performers.

https://www.timcurnick.com

http://www.basslessonsmelbourne.com

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 as well as ability to step into the limelight and bust out some seriously tasty chops!

Follow him on Instagram @detoxxxmusic

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IG @basslessonsmelbourne

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 student’ in 2010 and the following year he was awarded the ‘Most Outstanding Undergraduate Student’.

Since his move to Melbourne he has had much professional experience performing and recording with celebrated international artists such as Leroy Jones, Chuck Findlay, Bobby Rydell, George Garzone, Dave Douglas, Kenny Werner, Elaine Paige and Liz Callaway as well as celebrated Australian artists James Morrison, Kate Ceberano, Scott Tinkler, Aaron Choulai, Emma Pask, Julien Wilson and Joseph O’Connor.

Marty is a core member of the internationally acclaimed bands Sex on Toast and The Lagerphones as well as many other projects around Melbourne.

http://www.basslessonsmelbourne.com

http://www.facebook.com/bassguitarlessonsmelbourne

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 Joshua's website for more info:

http://joshuacrumbly.com/

I'm very happy to announce that this episode is brought to you in association with F Bass Handmade Guitars and BassFace Strings! F Bass have been hand making basses for 40 years and offer vintage inspired instruments as well our original modern fretted and fretless designs. http://www.fbass.com

BassFace Strings bring quality Electric Bass strings and accessories into Australia to suit the working musician and are currently stocking Ken Smith Electric Bass strings. [email protected].

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