Guitar and Bass Conversations

In this JGT podcast, Bob Bakert talks guitarist Fareed Haque.

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

Few musicians have shaped the voice of the electric bass as profoundly as Steve Swallow. A true innovator whose career spans more than six decades, Swallow continues to inspire generations of bassists with his unmistakable sound, boundless creativity, and unwavering passion for music.

Many of you may remember our conversation from July 2020.  Now, at 85 years young, Steve returns to discuss his latest release, Winter Songs, a beautiful new recording that reflects both his enduring artistry and musical curiosity.

In this exclusive video interview, Steve shares the story behind the new album, talks about the Citron Swallow #10 bass he is currently playing, and offers his thoughts on what’s next in a career that continues to evolve.

It is both a privilege and an honor to welcome one of the true legends of modern bass.

Please enjoy my conversation with Steve Swallow.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in July 2026

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

Adam Russell, bassist for Story of the Year, hasn’t slowed down for a second.

With the band’s latest album A.R.S.O.N. dropping on February 13, 2026, they’ve not only delivered new music but also pushed their creativity further through a series of visually striking videos, several of which Adam himself co-directed and edited.

In this interview, we dive into the making of the new record, explore how Adam shapes his signature bass sound, and get the inside scoop on the band’s upcoming Camp Screamo Tour with Silverstein and Origami Angel.

Here’s Adam Russell.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in May 2026

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

Today, we’re joined by one of hard rock’s most accomplished bassists, Johnny Martin of L.A. Guns. Since joining the band in 2016, Johnny has helped drive the group’s modern resurgence, bringing powerhouse musicianship and unmistakable stage presence to both the studio and the concert stage.

We’ll be talking about the band’s explosive new live release, Live From the Guild Theater, recorded during their 2025 performance celebrating the Leopard Skin album. The record captures the energy, chemistry, and fire that have made L.A. Guns one of rock’s most enduring live acts.

We’ll also dive into Johnny’s signature Sawtooth basses, the gear and rigs that shape his unmistakable tone, and how his equipment has evolved through years of touring and recording. Beyond L.A. Guns, Johnny has built an impressive career performing with artists including Gene Loves Jezebel and Tiffany, proving his versatility across multiple styles of music.

And of course, we’ll look ahead to what’s next... future touring, new music, upcoming projects, and where Johnny sees the next chapter of his musical journey taking him.

So crank it up and stay tuned as we welcome Johnny Martin of L.A. Guns to Bass Musician Magazine.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in July 2026

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

When I heard that American Vanity, formerly known as Burn the Jukebox, was gearing up to release a new album this summer, it felt like the perfect moment to catch up with bassist and vocalist Virginia Franks.

With a fresh name unveiled just this past January and a clear shift in musical direction, the band is entering an exciting new chapter, one defined by both sonic evolution and a deeper, more focused message.

In this conversation, Virginia opens up about the inspiration behind the upcoming record, how she crafts her distinctive bass tone, what fans can expect from their upcoming tour, and where she sees both herself and the band heading next.

Join me as we dive into it all.

Here is Virginia Franks.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in April 2026

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

For more than six decades, the sound of the upright bass in modern jazz has carried the unmistakable authority, elegance, and intelligence of Ron Carter.

Recognized as the most recorded jazz bassist in history, Maestro Carter’s tone has become part of the very architecture of the genre.

From shaping the harmonic foundation behind countless landmark sessions to collaborating with many of the greatest jazz artists of our time, his artistry has both defined and expanded what the bass can be.

But beyond the staggering discography lies something even more enduring: dedication.

Maestro Carter has never stopped learning, never stopped refining, and never stopped listening. His commitment to excellence extends well beyond the stage and studio. As an educator and mentor, he has invested deeply in the next generation of bassists, setting a living example of discipline, curiosity, and musical integrity.

Now, in yet another inspired chapter of his extraordinary career, Maestro Carter joins forces with renowned choirmaster Ricky Dillard for a powerful gospel–jazz collaboration, Sweet Sweet Spirit, released February 6, 2026.

This project beautifully bridges sanctified soul and sophisticated swing, blending Carter’s masterful touch with Dillard’s uplifting choral brilliance.

The result is music that feels both reverent and rhythmically alive, deeply rooted, yet refreshingly expansive.

It is truly an honor to share this conversation with a living legend whose work continues to inspire musicians across genres and generations.

Here is Maestro Ron Carter.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in June 2026

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

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

A versatile guitarist and harmonica player, Pat’s style incorporates jazz, blues, rock, and fingerstyle guitar.  He is known for his session and touring work with a variety of artists. He has recorded with Lyle Lovett, Alison Krauss, Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Dolly Parton, Peter Frampton, Michael McDonald, Tommy Emmanuel, Suzy Bogguss, Bill Evans, Benny Golson, Joey DeFrancesco, and many others.  He has toured with Chet Atkins, Lyle Lovett, Shelby Lynne, Suzy Bogguss, Madeleine Peyroux, Tommy Emmanuel, and is currently touring with Peter Frampton’s band. Pat has been a teacher and producer, played on many Grammy Award-winning records, and has appeared on many movie soundtracks.

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

Me encanta ponerme al día con nuestros bajistas de América Latina, y me da muchísimo gusto volver a presentarles al talentoso bajista chileno Daniel Gazmuri.

La última vez que conversamos fue en 2022, cuando nos compartió las novedades de su carrera y sus proyectos musicales. Desde entonces, Daniel ha continuado creciendo como artista, compositor y educador, consolidando una propuesta que fusiona el jazz contemporáneo con las raíces musicales latinoamericanas.

En esta nueva entrevista hablaremos sobre su segundo álbum, “Raíces”, una producción que profundiza en la identidad musical de Latinoamérica; conoceremos sus más recientes proyectos educativos, su experiencia con su nuevo bajo Sadowsky y los planes que tiene para el futuro. Raíces, publicado en 2024, representa un nuevo capítulo en su trayectoria artística y reúne composiciones originales inspiradas en los ritmos y paisajes del sur del continente.

Sin más preámbulos, aquí les traigo nuevamente a Daniel Gazmuri.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in July 2026

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

Get ready for a conversation with one of Southern rock’s enduring forces, Tim Neilsen. For over 35 years, Drivin N Cryin has been delivering a powerful blend of grit, melody, and heart, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon. With their brand-new album “Crushing Flowers” set to drop on April 10th, the band is gearing up for another exciting chapter.

At the core of that signature sound is bassist Tim Nielsen, whose driving grooves have helped define the band’s identity and earned them a place in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

In this interview, we sit down with Tim to talk about the new album, the secrets behind his unmistakable tone, and what lies ahead for Drivin N Cryin.

Here is Tim Nielsen.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in April 2026

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