Guitar and Bass Conversations

Derek Jones and I go way back—think Myspace days! We’d been in touch for quite a while before finally meeting up at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas to catch the Cirque du Soleil masterpiece, KA, about fourteen years ago. Luckily, we scored some exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and got an inside look at Derek’s journey during that time.

Flash forward to today, and Derek has been holding it down on bass for KA for over two decades, crushing well over 8,000 shows!

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg… he’s also been recording his own album, jamming with countless bands, diving into creative projects, contributing to Bass Musician Magazine, repping the gear he endorses, and being an awesome family man.

I figured it was about time we caught up… so without further ado, here’s Derek Jones!

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in May 2025

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

I was recently introduced to an incredible project by The Funeral Portrait called Greetings From Suffocate City, and it instantly caught my attention. It was so intriguing that I had to chat with their bassist, Robert Weston. Since forming in 2014, the band has been pouring their heart into their music... and this latest project feels like the powerful culmination of all those years of hard work and dedication.

Join me as we hear about Robert’s musical journey, details about this cool project, how he gets his sound, how his bass got teeth marks, and the band’s plans for the future!

Photo: Nathan Rogers / IG @_nathanrogers

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in April 2025

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

I’ve always loved listening to Bluegrass music, and I especially enjoy chatting with their bass players. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ronnie Simpkins, the bassist for The Seldom Scene, a renowned Bluegrass band from Bethesda, MD.

The band just released their new album, “Remains to Be Scene,” in March 2025 (available on Amazon.com).

Join me as we hear all about Ronnie’s musical journey, how he gets his sound, details about his band, and their plans for the future.

Photos Credit: Mike Raymond, Jeromie Stephens, and courtesy of Ronnie Simpkins

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in April 2025

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

JGT's Bob Bakert talks to Jeanne Pisano, Beth Marlis, and John Storie about John Pisano.

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

Guitarist Bobby Broom talks to JGT about a new recording by the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, More Amor: A Tribute to Wes Montgomery.

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

I am sure a lot of Shinedown fans remember my last conversation with bassist Eric Bass back in September 2022 when the band released their “Planet Zero” album (View Interview).

Eric released a solo album titled “I Had A Name” and I caught up with him to learn more about the project.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in Feb 2025

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

Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks with Bill Hart, internationally acclaimed guitarist, composer and educator about the role of pedals and effects in his music.

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

The Yellowjackets are celebrating their 50th anniversary as a band and their bassist, Dane Alderson, has been with them for almost a decade. Together, this band is an iconic pillar of musicality in the Jazz community. They have been massively prolific over the years, and they are releasing their twenty-seventh album, “Fasten Up,” later this month.

Join me as we hear about Dane’s musical journey, how he came to play with the Yellowjackets, how he gets his sound, and his plans for the future.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in March 2025

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

Brent-Anthony Johnson may be the amazing bassist you have never heard of, despite his 45-year career as one of the hardest-working musicians in the industry.

Brent-Anthony is a Bass Musician Magazine contributor who has shared a veritable wealth of educational and other bass-related pieces. He was an early adopter in online bass education and you will have seen him on Jamplay as well as his current educational website. In addition, he has been super-busy performing with numerous acts both touring as well in the studio, composing, producing, putting on bass clinics, writing bass books and acting as musical director.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in April 2025

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

In part 1 of the conversation, Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks one-on-one with Jimmy Bruno about his recent retirement announcement.

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