Guitar and Bass Conversations

It has been almost a decade since Tim Risser interviewed Five Finger Death Punch bassist Chris Kael for Bass Musician. As you can imagine, a lot has happened since then and I am very happy to report that Chris is rocking harder than ever with 5FDP; the band is touring and they have a new album, Afterlife. This album is tied into a Graphic Novel and is a hard-hitting, multi-media project that is definitely mind-blowing. The first two videos “Times Like This” and “Welcome to the Circus” are superbly done and have a curling edge Sci-Fi kind of feel that leaves you waiting for the next installment.

Before I get carried away telling you the details, let’s dive into this interview with Chris as he shares the details of his musical journey, how he gets his sound, the current and future tour plans, and more details about “Afterlife”.

Cover Interview originally published in Bass Musician Magazine on March 1, 2023

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

Having spent much of my early childhood and teen years in Puerto Rico, country music was not typically a part of my musical education. As an adult, I am often pleased when I explore this genre and when the opportunity to chat with Toby Keith’s bassist, Dink Cook came up, I was stoked.

Dink has been laying down the low end for countless country acts for over three decades and has been playing with Toby for the last ten years, as well as keeping very active on the Nashville scene.

Join me as we hear about Dink’s musical journey, his time with Toby Keith and so many other world-class acts, how he gets his sound and his plans for the future.

Cover Interview originally published in Bass Musician Magazine on May 1, 2023

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

JGT's Bob Bakert talks to guitarist Rodney Jones about the top five things to know when playing "The Blues".  Additionally, they offer a sneak preview of the upcoming Rocky Mountain Arch Top Festival, promising to be a spectacle for every jazz guitar enthusiast.  Originally posted on Jazz Guitar Today on July 20, 2023.

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

Grab your earphones and prepare to journey with us into the musical world of Paz Lenchantin and her latest album with the Pixies, Doggerl. Recorded amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic, this album is surprisingly playful, embodying Paz's belief that we don't work in music; we play it. Join us as Paz takes us on a tour behind the scenes of the unique recording process, her inspirations from early morning hikes, and the pivotal role of producer Tom Dalgety in shaping the album. Plus, get an exclusive peek into the making of the video for the captivating song 'Vault of Heaven'.

In addition to the exploration of Doggerl, Paz unveils the intriguing stories behind his music video collaborations with renowned bands - Tool and Pixies. Find out how these experiences propelled her into the role of a bassist. Paz's love for playing multiple instruments and her interest in composing for films also come into focus. Excitement builds as Paz reveals snippets about the new album, the challenges faced during recording amidst the pandemic, and the thrilling experience of releasing Doggerl. So, get ready to ride along with us on this riveting musical journey that promises to satiate your excitement around music and its future.

Cover Interview originally published in Bass Musician Magazine on Dec 1, 2022

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

In this ‘lost’ video podcast, Jazz Guitar Today talks to the incomparable Jimmy Bruno about a variety of subjects.  Originally published on Jazz Guitar Today on May 18, 2023.

Jimmy Bruno is one of the world’s great guitarists.  His long career is filled with amazing performances, recordings, and experiences… truly the things that most of us guitarists dream about.  We at JGT are very fortunate to have had this conversation with Jimmy a while ago…the tape was “lost” and last week found… and, even though a few of the references are dated the “Bruno wisdom” is definitely there.  Enjoy this intimate conversation with the Maestro himself, Jimmy Bruno…!

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

In part two of the podcast, JGT’s Bob Bakert continues to talk to guitarist Bruce Forman about his prodigious gigging schedule and being busier than ever.  Originally published on Jazz Guitar Today on June 26, 2023.

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

JGT’s Bob Bakert talks to guitarist Bruce Forman about his prodigious gigging schedule and being busier than ever.  Originally published on Jazz Guitar Today on June 19, 2023.

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

My five-year-old grandsons’ favorite band just happens to be Imagine Dragons, with bassist Ben McKee.This band’s accomplishments speak for themselves as they have been immensely popular all around the globe and with good reason… They play great music!

As you might imagine, I was super stoked for the opportunity to chat with Ben. Besides being an amazing bassist, he is very socially active sitting on the boards for three non-profits and championing worthy causes.

Join me as we hear all about Ben’s musical journey, how Imagine Dragons came about, the gear he uses to get his sound and plans for the future.

Here is Ben McKee!

Photo: Eric Ray Davidson

Originally published in Bass Musician Magazine on Jan 1, 2023

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

In this Jazz Guitar Today podcast, Bob Bakert talks to ‘Berklee College of Music’s guitar brain trust: Kim Perlak, Sheryl Bailey, and Larry Baione about their new guitar instruction book, “Berklee Guitar Theory”.  Originally published on Jazz Guitar Today on June 20, 2023.

Bob Bakert: “Berklee Guitar Theory” was five years in the making, curated by the current chair, Kim Perlak, who herself is a classical-style player. I got my copy, perused it, and I can tell you this is an incredible piece of work. (Applause, take a bow Berklee) It is comprehensive and mirrors the rigors and expectations of the degree program in guitar at Berklee College of Music. It was a collaborative effort of all the faculty answering the question: “What do they,  our students, and charges need to learn”…answer: A LOT!!! The good news is, that you don’t have to spend 4 years full-time.  You can grab what interests you, dare I say “Cherry Pick” from the materials what interests you. This book is a bargain… buy it, and start working on it, it will make you a better guitar player!

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

It is exciting when you hear from musicians living their dream; Leanne Bowes is a great example of this. Motivated by the untimely passing of her father in 2011, Leanne leaped into the pursuit of a full-time career in music and has excelled landing gigs as bassist, musical director, and synth bassist for the likes of Demi Lovato, Derek Day, Mariah, and many more.

Originally published in Bass Musician Magazine on July 10, 2023

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