Guitar and Bass Conversations

Spread Eagle’s Rob De Luca: The Sound, The Songs & The Future

Spread Eagle's have been bringing their distinctive brand of gritty New York hard rock to the masses for more than three decades. Formed in NYC in the late ’80s, the band made an immediate impact with their raw, streetwise sound, and bassist Rob De Luca has been an integral part of that journey from the very beginning.

Now, Spread Eagle are back with their fourth studio album, The Brutal Divine, released June 12, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl. The record delivers the grit, attitude and fire that have always been at the heart of the band, while pushing their sound into darker and heavier territory.

De Luca’s role on the album goes well beyond the bass. In addition to laying down the thunderous low end and contributing vocals, he also took on production duties, giving him a unique perspective on the creation of the record from the inside out.

In this interview, we sit down with Rob to talk about The Brutal Divine, the making of the album, the secrets behind his unmistakable bass tone, his approach to production, and what lies ahead for Spread Eagle as they continue to take their music to stages around the world.

So turn it up and join us for a conversation with one of New York hard rock’s longtime survivors and sonic architects.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in August 2026

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JGT's Bob Bakert talks to guitarist Jocelyn Gould about her new album, So Delighted.

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Some of you may remember my interview back in 2020 with bassist and frontman Adam Rigg of The Bad Day Blues Band. If you missed that one, you can check it out here.

Well, time has certainly been flying by, and a lot has happened since that conversation. The band has evolved, changed its name to The Bad Day featuring the BD Horns, and is now gearing up for the release of a brand-new album, The Great Blues Song Book, arriving November 13th.

Through it all, The Bad Day has continued doing its part to keep the blues alive, not only in the UK, but with blues fans around the world.

In this interview, Adam and I catch up on the new album, talk about how he’s getting his sound these days, the evolution of the band, and what’s on the horizon for The Bad Day.

So, sit back, turn it up, and join me as I catch up once again with bassist, frontman, and bluesman Adam Rigg.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in September 2026

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I was especially excited when the Buena Vista Social Club documentary was released in 1999. As a longtime fan of Cuban music, I was immediately drawn to the incredible musicians, the music, and the story behind the project. Needless to say, I bought the album, and soon found myself picking up several other recordings connected to the Buena Vista Social Club phenomenon.

So when I heard that a Broadway musical inspired by this remarkable story and music was in the works, a whole new wave of excitement came my way.

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Gustavo “Chacho” Schartz, the bassist for Buena Vista Social Club on Broadway, which recently celebrated its 600th performance milestone.

Chacho’s own musical journey is a fascinating one, beginning in his native Argentina and eventually leading him into the world of Cuban music. In this conversation, we’ll explore his path as a musician, how his passion for Cuban music developed, and the story of how that journey ultimately led him to become part of this exciting Broadway production.

We’ll also look ahead as Chacho shares some thoughts on his future plans and other musical projects.

So, without further ado, let’s hear from Gustavo “Chacho” Schartz!

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in August 2026

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In January 2024, I had the great opportunity to sit down with Jeff Pilson, bassist, vocalist, and musical director for Foreigner (You can check out that interview here).

Now, just over two years later, a lot has happened. From the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024 to presently celebrating their 50th anniversary, Foreigner continues to prove why their legacy endures. I also had the chance to catch their electrifying performance at The Venetian Resort this past March, and it’s clear the band is still firing on all cylinders.

Not content to rest on their laurels, this iconic group remains as driven as ever, touring extensively, releasing Spanish-language versions of their classic hits, and even working on a film project.

Join me as Jeff, and I reconnect to talk about the current tour, new ventures, his signature bass tone, and everything ahead as Foreigner celebrates half a century of legendary music-making.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in August 2026

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

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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

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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.