Guitar and Bass Conversations

Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks to guitarist Mason Razavi.

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

Davy Mooney talks to Jazz Guitar Today’s Bob Bakert about his new project, “The Word”

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JGT's Bob Bakert and guitarist Frank Vignola talk to Jimmy about his retirement and early years as a musician.

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There is a lot of very exciting music happening in LA. Circle The Earth hails from this fair city with Mike McBay as a founding member and the driving force on the low end. 

Mike is not only a bass player but also practices medicine and applies his life knowledge to guide the band’s efforts. Just like their hometown, Circle the Earth is a very diverse band in a multicultural and generational sense. Their music carries a message of planetary awareness colored with hope for a bright future for all.

Join me as we hear about Mike’s musical and life journey, how he gets his sound, and the band’s plans for the future.

Here is Mike McBay!

Photo: Donna Dymally

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in January 2025

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In our earliest years (about 17 years ago) he contributed to Bass Musician with numerous bass-relevant pieces. He is an amazing and talented bass player who also writes music, does arrangements, is a producer, teaches, and has played with a ton of great musical acts.

Join me as we hear about David’s musical journey, how he gets his sound, and details about his signature Skjold design basses. He shares his plans for the future and how you can hear him in a venue near you.

Cover photo: Lisa Jaye | Video photo credits: Katherine Gilraine, Karen Campbell Sadler, Larry Thompson, Lisa Jaye, Lorenzo Miller

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in January 2025

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

Just over a decade our good friend Vuyani Wakaba interviewed Chicago bassist Chuck Webb.

Since then, Chuck has been super busy. One of his main occupations has been playing bass for musical theater. He is currently playing bass for the Phillip Company US tour of Hamilton.

Join me as we get caught up with Chuck and hear details about his experience playing in the pit for my favorite Broadway show.

Photos: Farrad Ali, Courtesy of Chuck Webb

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in January 2025

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Last December (2024) some of our very good friends invited us to the Smith Center here in Las Vegas to check out a band I was unfamiliar with, the Huntertones.

From the moment they took the stage this six-piece band came out swinging with super high energy and one of the tightest, most entertaining collections of music I have ever heard. Driving the low end, Adam DeAscentis did a superb job of tying the melody and the percussion elements, together with great skill. The horn section reminded me of early Chicago with its precision and smooth unison. And I was pleasantly surprised with Dan’s tenor sax tone as it was so full and meaty. I later confirmed that he plays a 1954 Selmer (If I recall correctly); they don’t make horns like that anymore.

After we thoroughly enjoyed this show, I met Adam and made a connection for us to chat in more detail for this interview.

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

Here is Adam DeAscentis!

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in February 2025

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

We go way back with bassist Adam Nitti.

He was an early contributor to Bass Musician Magazine with his bass technique pieces. We have enjoyed his music, reviewed his albums, and noted his educational projects; we have followed his trajectory almost as long as we have been in existence. Seeing his bigger-than-life photo at the Ibanez booth during the NAMM shows behind his beautiful signature basses have always been fun.

Now we are very pleased to bring you this conversation with Adam where we catch up and talk about his signature basses, and sound chain, as well as projects both present and future.

Cover Photo, Shannon Fontaine

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in December 2024

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

Hailing from Detroit, Jerome Rimson has been laying down the low end for over 55 years. During that timeframe, he has played with some of the biggest names of our time and excelled as a producer, arranger, songwriter, and vocalist. As you might imagine, Jerome is a wealth of information as he is part of the ongoing history of our beloved electric bass.

Join me as we hear about Jerome’s musical journey, how he gets his sound, his plans for the future and so many colorful stories from back in the day.

Header Photo, Sharon Quigley.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in December 2024

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

Nashville is one of the most iconic music scenes in the United States. 

Hailing from this super-active city, we have Ryan Jennings, bassist and vocalist for Teddy and the Rough Riders. The band just released their latest album “Down Home” on vinyl and CD, and is loaded with the band’s unique Country Rock flavor.

Ryan also plays bass for Emily Nenni who has been going strong in the Country Music arena.

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

Photos: Brandon Otto (IG @bottophoto) and Courtesy of Teddy and the Rough Riders

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in November 2024

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