Guitar and Bass Conversations

For a musician, busy is good and bassist Marty O’Brien is one very busy guy. Playing tours and sessions, Marty has a huge list of people that he has played with including the likes of Lita Ford, Daughtry, Tommy Lee, Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson and so many more.

Join me as we hear about Marty’s musical Journey, how he gets his iconic sound, and his plans for the future.

Here is Marty O’Brien!

Photos, shot by HRV Images and Aaron Bradley

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine on March 6, 2023

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

In part 2 of the podcast, JGT’s Bob Bakert continues his conversation with guitarist Dan Wilson.

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

George Gekas, Big Easy Bass…
Cover Photo:  Credit Skylar Watkins

I have been following and enjoying The Revivalists since around 2016 when I first had the opportunity to talk to the band’s bass player, George Gekas (View interview).

We did an update with George in 2018 and now after all these years, I am super stoked to catch up with him again, just as the band releases their fifth studio album “Pour it Out into the Night”.

Join me as George shares the details about the band’s journey through the last challenging years and how they are leaping into the future at full speed.

Cover Interview Originally appeared in Bass Musician Magazine, July 2023

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

Over the last few years, I have done reviews of two albums where Penn Jillette plays bass… and I have been very impressed.  

Yes, we all know him as a Magician, entertainer, author, actor, and inventor… and now, an accomplished musician. I am thrilled that I now have the opportunity to talk to Penn himself and get the story behind his bass playing. His love of the instrument and the Jazz he plays are evident, and it is a joy to hear his specific journey to reach where he is today holding down the low end.

Without further ado… Here is Penn Jillette!

Photo Credit Joan Marcus

Visit/Follow Online:

pennandteller.com
X: @pennjillette
IG: Pennandtellerlive
FB: Penn & Teller 

Interview With Bassist (And Magician) Penn Jillette first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine on September 18, 2023

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

JGT’s Bob Bakert talks to guitarist Dan Wilson about his influences, his experiences, and his latest project, "Things Eternal".

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

One thing all musicians have in common is that we all have some serious wear-and-tear over our lifetimes. It is always necessary to have a team of health professionals, kind of our own “Pit Crew” to keep us performing at our best. Physicians, Chiropractors, Massage therapists, Acupuncturists, and other body workers are a true asset.

Dr. Staten Medsker is a Chiropractor in the Pacific Northwest who dedicates much of his time to treating Rock Stars. As a musician himself, he has a better understanding of the issues musicians encounter and has written a book “How to Adjust Yourself and Avoid Seeing a Chiropractor”.

Join me as we discuss Dr Staten’s book and his recommendations to keep us performing at our peak levels.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine on July 31, 2023

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

I have been hearing about Zach Fowler’s bass playing since he was in New Mexico. Now, based out of Nashville, Zach is very busy laying down the low end, acting as musical director, writing songs and producing music. He has been very active doing studio work as well as touring with LoCash.

Join me as we hear about Zach’s journey, how he gets his sound, all the details about his new Lakland bass and his plans for the future.

Here is Zach Fowler!

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine on October 1, 2023

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

Guitarist Jocelyn Gould talks to Bob Bakert about her new album, her incoming tour, and her recent experience in Israel.

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

Brian Wheat has been rocking hard with his band Tesla for nearly four decades. Not only does he play bass, but he is also a songwriter, vocalist, keyboard player, record producer, photographer, and band manager. As you might imagine, Brian has accumulated a treasure trove of experiences and information and we are fortunate that he is sharing some of his insights with us today.

Join me as we discover Brian’s musical journey, how he gets his sound, his thoughts on the industry and his plans for the future.

Here is Brian Wheat!

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine on Sep 25, 2023

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

Everybody knows that Nashville is one of our main meccas for music and there is a lot happening there. Hailing from that illustrious city, Garry West wears many hats as a bassist and producer, as well as CEO and founder of Compass Records. It is also very possible that you might have seen Garry holding down the low end for his wife, Grammy award-winning banjo player Alison Brown.

Join us as we hear about Garry’s musical journey, how he gets his sound and his plans for the future.

Here is Garry West!

First appeared on Bass Musician Magazine, Aug 21, 2023

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