Skip to content
Sign in
Artwork for Guitar and Bass Conversations
MusicMusic InterviewsMusic CommentaryExplicit

Guitar and Bass Conversations

With Editors Bob Bakert and Raúl Amador

A podcast dedicated to conversations with today's top guitar and bass musicians. 

Hosted by: 
Bob Bakert, Editor jazzguitartoday.com and 
Raúl Amador, Editor bassmusicianmagazine.com

Play
Open in
  • 24 episodes
  • Avg 26 min
  • English

Episodes 24

NewestOldestLongest
All20Unplayed20In progress0Played0
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Thursday · 20 min

    Artist Update With Bassist Steve Swallow

    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.

  • August 31 · 15 min

    Interview With Story of the Year Bassist, Adam Russell

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

  • August 24 · 19 min

    Interview With L.A. Guns Bassist, Johnny Martin

    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.

  • August 20 · 7 min

    Interview With Bassist Virginia Franks

    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.

  • August 13 · 15 min

    Maestro Ron Carter, Sharing the Spirit

    For more than six decades, the sound of the upright bass in modern jazz has carried the unmistakable authority, elegance, and intelligence of Ron Carter. Recognized as the most recorded jazz bassist in history, Maestro Carter’s tone has become part of the very architecture of the genre. From shaping the harmonic foundation behind countless landmark sessions to collaborating with many of the greatest jazz artists of our time, his artistry has both defined and expanded what the bass can be. But beyond the staggering discography lies something even more enduring: dedication. Maestro Carter has never stopped learning, never stopped refining, and never stopped listening. His commitment to excellence extends well beyond the stage and studio. As an educator and mentor, he has invested deeply in the next generation of bassists, setting a living example of discipline, curiosity, and musical integrity. Now, in yet another inspired chapter of his extraordinary career, Maestro Carter joins forces with renowned choirmaster Ricky Dillard for a powerful gospel–jazz collaboration, Sweet Sweet Spirit, released February 6, 2026. This project beautifully bridges sanctified soul and sophisticated swing, blending Carter’s masterful touch with Dillard’s uplifting choral brilliance. The result is music that feels both reverent and rhythmically alive, deeply rooted, yet refreshingly expansive. It is truly an honor to share this conversation with a living legend whose work continues to inspire musicians across genres and generations. Here is Maestro Ron Carter. This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in June 2026 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

  • August 10 · 1 hr 6 min

    Nashville Guitarist Pat Bergeson Talks To Jazz Guitar Today

    A versatile guitarist and harmonica player, Pat’s style incorporates jazz, blues, rock, and fingerstyle guitar. He is known for his session and touring work with a variety of artists. He has recorded with Lyle Lovett, Alison Krauss, Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Dolly Parton, Peter Frampton, Michael McDonald, Tommy Emmanuel, Suzy Bogguss, Bill Evans, Benny Golson, Joey DeFrancesco, and many others. He has toured with Chet Atkins, Lyle Lovett, Shelby Lynne, Suzy Bogguss, Madeleine Peyroux, Tommy Emmanuel, and is currently touring with Peter Frampton’s band. Pat has been a teacher and producer, played on many Grammy Award-winning records, and has appeared on many movie soundtracks. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

  • August 6 · 15 min

    Entrevista Con el Bajista Daniel Gazmuri

    Me encanta ponerme al día con nuestros bajistas de América Latina, y me da muchísimo gusto volver a presentarles al talentoso bajista chileno Daniel Gazmuri. La última vez que conversamos fue en 2022, cuando nos compartió las novedades de su carrera y sus proyectos musicales. Desde entonces, Daniel ha continuado creciendo como artista, compositor y educador, consolidando una propuesta que fusiona el jazz contemporáneo con las raíces musicales latinoamericanas. En esta nueva entrevista hablaremos sobre su segundo álbum, “Raíces”, una producción que profundiza en la identidad musical de Latinoamérica; conoceremos sus más recientes proyectos educativos, su experiencia con su nuevo bajo Sadowsky y los planes que tiene para el futuro. Raíces, publicado en 2024, representa un nuevo capítulo en su trayectoria artística y reúne composiciones originales inspiradas en los ritmos y paisajes del sur del continente. Sin más preámbulos, aquí les traigo nuevamente a Daniel Gazmuri. This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in July 2026 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

  • July 30 · 7 min

    Interview With Drivin N Cryin Bassist, Tim Neilsen

    Get ready for a conversation with one of Southern rock’s enduring forces, Tim Neilsen. For over 35 years, Drivin N Cryin has been delivering a powerful blend of grit, melody, and heart, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon. With their brand-new album “Crushing Flowers” set to drop on April 10th, the band is gearing up for another exciting chapter. At the core of that signature sound is bassist Tim Nielsen, whose driving grooves have helped define the band’s identity and earned them a place in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. In this interview, we sit down with Tim to talk about the new album, the secrets behind his unmistakable tone, and what lies ahead for Drivin N Cryin. Here is Tim Nielsen. This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in April 2026 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

  • July 23 · 20 min

    Artist Update With The Revivalists’ Bassist George Gekas

    It’s hard to believe that I’ve been chatting with George Gekas, bassist for The Revivalists, for more than a decade. Over the years, we’ve connected during some of the band’s biggest moments, and now they’re preparing to release their sixth full-length studio album, Get It Honest, on July 24, making it the perfect time for another conversation. Join me as we dive into the making of the new album, discuss what fans can expect from this exciting new chapter, and explore all the great things on the horizon for the band. Here is George Gekas! This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in June 2026 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

  • July 16 · 14 min

    Interview With Bassist Ellen Alaverdyan and Guitarist Hovak Alaverdyan

    Back in May 2021, I had the pleasure of speaking with a talented nine-year-old bassist named Ellen Alaverdyan, who was just beginning to make waves in the music world (View Interview). Even then, her passion, dedication, and remarkable talent hinted at a bright future ahead. Today, I’m excited to welcome Ellen back, along with her father, professional guitarist Hovak Alaverdyan, following the release of Take Off, the debut album from Ellen’s band, Jaminai. Join me as we discuss the making of this exciting new project, explore how Ellen developed her now-signature bass tone and style, and learn what lies ahead for this young musician whose career continues to soar. Please welcome Ellen and Hovak Alaverdyan! This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in June 2026 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

  • June 30 · 41 min

    David Becker Planets 2026

    Guitarist David Becker talks to JGT's Bob Bakert about his latest project, Planets 2026. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

  • June 5 · 58 min

    Giuseppe Continenza Talks To Jazz Guitar Today - June 2026

    Giuseppe Continenza is widely regarded as one of the most active and respected guitarists on the Italian and European jazz scene. He began his musical studies with classical training at the Academy in Pescara, Italy, before continuing his jazz education at the renowned Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. Based in Pescara, he performs regularly alongside Biréli Lagrène and continues to build an international reputation through his concerts, recordings, and teaching activity. Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

  • May 4 · 25 min

    Interview With Bassist Alex Blake

    Originally from Panama, bassist Alex Blake arrived in the United States at a young age and, under the guidance of his father, found his lifelong voice in the bass. What began as an early immersion in Latin music grew into a career that has now spanned more than 45 years of exploration, evolution, and excellence. As opportunities expanded, so did Blake’s musical reach. His journey has taken him across countless genres, collaborating with a remarkable list of world-class musicians, far too many to name here. Today, he stands as a formidable presence in the fusion scene, known for both his unmistakable sound and deep musicality. Join us as Alex Blake shares the story of his musical journey, breaks down how he crafts his signature tone, and looks ahead to what the future holds. This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in March 2026 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

  • April 20 · 14 min

    Interview With Bassist Tom Doyle

    Since 2012, Tom Doyle has been holding down the low end for UK alt-rock heavyweights Don Broco, helping to shape the band’s groove-driven, genre-blurring sound into one of the most distinctive in modern British rock. With thunderous tone, razor-sharp precision, and an instinct for hooks that hit just as hard as the riffs, Doyle has become a crucial force behind the band’s ever-evolving sonic identity. As Don Broco gear up to unleash their highly anticipated new album, Nightmare Tripping, this feels like the perfect moment to dive into the mind of the man anchoring the chaos. From his musical roots and influences to the gear and techniques that craft his signature sound, Doyle opens up about the journey so far and what lies ahead. This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in March 2026 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

  • April 6 · 19 min

    Bassist Nathan East, Echoes of a Lineage

    For decades, we’ve had the privilege of following the remarkable career of Nathan East, listening closely to his albums, tracking his milestones with Yamaha Instruments, and watching his evolving partnership with Laney Amplification with great interest. Along the way, we’ve talked gear, tone, and technique, while hearing his unmistakable musical “voice” woven into the work of more iconic artists than we could possibly list. Today, we’re thrilled to reconnect with this true giant of the bass world following the release of a very special new album, Father Son, produced by Nathan alongside his son, Noah East. It’s a deeply personal project that showcases not only extraordinary musicianship but also a powerful family bond. Join us as we dive into the making of this outstanding record, explore the new Laney Nathan East Signature Bass Preamp, and look ahead to what the future holds for one of music’s most respected and influential bassists. Here is the one and only… Mr. Nathan East. This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in April 2016 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

  • March 9 · 29 min

    Interview With Bassist Leo Lyons

    Few musicians can claim they were present at the birth of the electric bass, and even fewer can say they helped shape what came next. Leo Lyons has been playing bass for more than half a century, standing at the crossroads of innovation and influence as rock music found its voice. From the explosive blues-rock of Ten Years After, to later projects such as Hundred Seventy Split, Lyons has been a constant pillar of the UK rock scene and a familiar force in studios on both sides of the Atlantic as a bassist, producer, and sound engineer. So when news broke that Ten Years After’s 1969 album Sssh was being reissued in a deluxe format on both CD and vinyl, it felt like the perfect moment to sit down with the man behind those unmistakable low-end lines. I was excited to talk with Leo about the early days of electric bass, the legacy of Sssh, and what it means to revisit a landmark album more than five decades later. This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in January 2026 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

  • February 23 · 19 min

    Interview with Bassist Cheikh Ndoye, Laying Down the Genetic Tones

    For nearly seventeen years, we’ve followed the ever-evolving journey of bassist Cheikh Ndoye, watching with admiration as his musical vision continues to deepen and expand. Each project has revealed a restless curiosity and a commitment to sound that resists easy categorization. When we last spoke in 2018, Ndoye was already hinting at new directions, and he hasn’t slowed down since. In the years that followed, he’s been quietly and intensely at work, culminating in a new album, Genetic Tones, a project that captures both his roots and his forward-looking approach to music. I recently had the great pleasure of listening to several rough tracks from the album, and, as always, I was both impressed and genuinely excited by what I heard. Genetic Tones feels like a bold and thoughtful statement, rich in texture and intention. Join me as Cheikh shares insights into the making of this upcoming release and reflects on the ways his musical language has continued to transform over the years. This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in February 2026 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

  • February 9 · 16 min

    Interview With Bassist Richard Vernon

    For more than four decades, British bassist Richard Vernon has been a quietly formidable presence in rock music. Cutting his teeth on the UK scene in the early 1980s, he’s carved out a reputation for groove, grit, and unshakeable musical instinct. Best known for anchoring the sound of The Mission, Vernon has also brought his distinctive low-end touch to an array of projects, from acclaimed session work to performing with Peter Perrett. Most recently, he’s been powering the thunderous live energy of Ricky Warwick & the Fighting Hearts, proving that his playing is as vital and inventive as ever. Join me as we dive into Richard’s musical journey, the influences that shaped him, the craft behind his unmistakable tone, and where his creative compass is pointing next. Here is Richard Vernon. This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in Jan 2026 Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

Showing 1–20 of 24 episodes