The SBL Podcast

In today’s podcast we marvel at the awesome bass work of A Perfect Circle bassist Matt McJunkins Matt’s playing has always been far more advanced than you might think, having tackled the excitable heaviness of bands like Eagles of Death Metal or ASHES dIVIDE and the groove-filled and often quirky music of Puscifer. It’s to his role in these bands that Matt attributes his transition into rock super...

In today’s podcast we catch up with the extraordinary talented Evan Marien. Evan first emerged as a force to be reckoned with with his duo recordings that featured drummer Dana Hawkins. About to hit the road with guitar legend Allan Holdsworth, his latest solo EP builds on his flexibility as both accompanist and soloist. In fact, Evan’s solo prowess is little short of awe-inspiring, particularly w...

In today’s podcast we catch up with SBL and Berklee alumni Maddie Jay Some of you may know Maddie from SBL where she was recently introduced via our Student Success feature click here . Born and raised in the small mountain town of Smithers, British Columbia, Maddie is regarded by many as ‘one to watch’, having already shared the stage with the likes of Abraham Laboriel Sr. and drum legend John “J...

In today’s podcast we catch up with fretless bass phenomenon Gary Willis. If you ever stop to wonder how a world-class musician stays at the top of their game for so long, then look no further than bassist and composer Gary Willis for your answer. Gary has created a unique style of fretless playing that can stretch notes into impossibly rich swells of tone. Perhaps best known as co- founder of jaz...

In today’s podcast we catch up with the truly phenomenal Kai Eckhardt. A star sideman to the likes of John Mclaughlin and Billy Cobham, Kai Eckhardt has forged an incredible career based on his subliminal bass tones and melodic solos. Driven by an unshakeable dedication to music, he easily qualifies as one of the most important bass voices of his generation. We spoke for over an hour about all man...

In today’s podcast I sit down with Geoff to share my story. My love affair with the bass started in the North West of England, where I got a job as an apprentice luthier at Overwater Basses. During the next few years, I landed a gig on a cruise ship where I learned the ropes, before setting up scottsbasslessons.com having been told that I wouldn’t be able to play bass again due to a neurological d...

In today’s podcast we’re celebrating our 50th episode! To mark the 50th episode of the SBL podcast we’re taking a look back at some of the best moments from our journey so far.

In today’s podcast we track down The Divine Comedy bassist Simon Little   There’s nothing like keeping busy, and Simon Little's schedule is enough to make most musicians green with envy. As a modern-day session player, his CV includes live and studio work with The Divine Comedy, Clare Teal, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, Maggie Reilly, Jamie Cullum and Newton Faulkner, to name but a few.

In today’s podcast Michael Janisch talks about his long-standing love affair with the bass. Michael Janisch emerged as a force to be reckoned with his 2010 solo album, Purpose Built, yet almost slipped away under the radar while setting up his own record label, only to build up a headwind of critical approval with his latest release, Paradigm Shift.

In today’s podcast we unravel the tone secrets of Florence and the Machine bassist Mark Saunders.

In today’s podcast Scott meets Colin Edwin, bassist with Britprog legends Porcupine Tree.

In today’s podcast we’re talking to a modern master of the electric bass. Best known for his work with Living Colour, Doug Wimbish can look back on an esteemed career that began in the early 80s when he was recruited by Sugar Hill Records to join the rap label’s house band.

In today’s podcast we’re talking to a bassist who’s taken the art of solo bass playing to a whole new level. Merging breathtaking technique with a compositional approach that defies logic, Michael Manring is a unique talent on the bass guitar. After early acclaim as a fresh new voice on the instrument, his friendship with acoustic guitar genius Michael Hedges led to a lengthy period as house bassi...

In today’s podcast we follow Bryan Beller into realms of bass guitar, role modelling and rock royalty. Bryan Beller needs no introduction. He has been at the top of his game for long enough that we all know who he is and what he does. He's the electric bass star who's known for some of the finest rock-fusion chops on the planet.

In today’s podcast we meet the bass player for pop sensation Kylie Minogue. Dishan Abrahams is the sort of bassist whose playing can often go unnoticed, blending in smoothly while providing a solid musical link between the vocals and the rest of the band.

In today’s podcast we chat to Freekbass about spreading the gospel of funk. Having cranked out some killer b-lines on his latest solo album, Freekbass is fast becoming recognised as one of the most iconic bass players in modern funk.

In today’s podcast we meet a player who is taking the electric bass to new heights. Perhaps best known for his stints with Vernon Reid (Living Colour) and Dave Fiuczynski in Screaming Headless Torsos, Steve Jenkins is one of the New York bass scene’s most exciting players.

In today’s podcast Will Lee talks about his love of The Beatles and what it’s like to be one of the world’s first call session players. Will Lee is absolutely essential listening for any and every bass player. He is the kind of bassist who makes everything look easy. After rising to prominence as one of New York’s top session players, Will has played for the likes of James Brown, Steely Dan, The B...

In today’s podcast we meet a player who has taken the art of bass playing to a whole new level. Victor Wooten may not need much in the way of an introduction as one of the bass world’s great pioneers. When word reached the SBL office that Mr Wooten would be making a rare appearance in the UK, the opportunity was too good to miss.

In today’s podcast Ed Friedland, renowned columnist and bassist with The Mavericks, talks about every bassman’s dream gig. Ed got his start playing as a teenager and quickly worked his way through a slew of gigs and bands in New York, which eventually led him to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he polished and mastered his craft.

Today we’re chatting to Ariane Cap about two-handed tapping and geeking out on bass guitars. Ariane Cap is a bassist, educator, author, blogger, composer, rocket scientist, racing car driver, wait not the last two, currently living in California. Her love of the bass guitar, and penchant for submersing herself in every genre of low end, began in her high-school days and continued to grow through m...

In today’s podcast Damian Erskine talks about his favourite gear and his fascination with improvisation. Damian Erskine is taking the 6-string bass to new heights. Being the nephew of renowned drummer Peter Erskine, who once formed a formidable rhythm section with Jaco Pastorius in Weather Report, Damian has built up a reputation as a bass player who’s able to showcase the same extraordinary level...

In today’s podcast Todd Johnson reveals his mastery of the 6-string bass guitar.

In today’s podcast we’re talking to Ian Stewart about delving deeper into the world of Timba and Cuban Jazz.

In today’s podcast we’re talking to Danny Mo Morris about his long-standing love affair with the bass! You’ve got to like Danny Mo Morris. For starters, he is one of the unsung heroes of American bass playing, having spent 28 years teaching at Boston’s world-renowned Berklee College of Music. Despite the demands of his job, Danny is a relaxed, laid-back guy who’s love of the bass guitar began in h...