The SBL Podcast

Latest Episodes:

058 - In Conversation with Nathan East - From Sideman to Solo Artist Apr 12, 2017

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In today’s podcast we catch up with one of the most recorded bass players in popular music.

Nathan East has performed with such a huge number of all-time greats, from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder to Quincy Jones and Eric Clapton, that it’s hard to sum up the impact he’s had on popular music. His funk-fueled bass work added the sparkle to Daft Punk's 2013 hit single, 'Get Lucky'; he sings, he doubles on upright and electric bass, has received an Ivor Novello Award for co-writing the Phil Collins hit ‘Easy Lover’, and his ongoing team-up with Bob James, Harvey Mason and Chuck Loeb as jazz quartet, FourPlay, continues to raise his credentials. Following the success of his 2014 self-titled debut album, 2017 sees Nathan return with his second release as a solo artist, Reverence.

057 - In Conversation with Shez Raja - Turning Indo-Jazz on its Head Apr 05, 2017

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In today’s podcast we're catching up with a star of the 2017 London Bass Guitar Show, Shez Raja.

With two solo albums already to his name, and another due for release next year, Shez Raja is without doubt a unique creative talent. Having earned a loyal live following in the UK, his bass-led collective draws on a hybrid approach that blends the fusion sounds of Return to Forever with a bass style that draws on both Marcus Miller and Stanley Clarke. With his latest release, Gurutopia, gaining rave reviews in the press, and with a new album pending, Shez has already assigned himself a new set of challenges to overcome for the second half of 2017. It’s time to discover if there’s a magic formula behind his unique brand of Indo-funk fusion.

056 - In Conversation with Matt McJunkins – Putting The Music First Mar 29, 2017

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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 supergroup A Perfect Circle back in 2010. Alongside founding member Billy Howerdel, frontman Maynard James Keenan of Tool fame and guitar icon and former Smashing Pumpkin James Iha, Matt has had to deal with the pressure of learning and executing so many of the band’s tracks, forcing him to focus his attention on really dialling in his bass gear. Aside from recent preparations for the upcoming US summer tour, Matt has also been busy promoting his own debut EP for The Beta Machine.

055 - In Conversation with Evan Marien - Fusion Grooves Mar 23, 2017

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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 when playing his Ken Smith 5-string, but for all his speed (and he’s one of the fastest around), his ideas remain crystal clear. “I listen to a lot of different types of music and I love bass players of all styles,” said Evan. “But there’s obviously a heavy fusion influence in my own music and in my own playing.” If you're a member at ScottsBassLessons you can look out for a brand-new course from Evan coming very soon.

054 - In Conversation with Maddie Jay - School Days: Breaking Into Berklee Mar 08, 2017

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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 “JR” Robinson. We’re pleased to report that Maddie is doing well. Aside from completing her degree course at the Berklee College of Music, she’s also running her own group, the aptly titled Maddie Jay and the pH Collective. Maddie’s now set for the next part of her musical journey as LA beckons.

053 - In Conversation with Gary Willis - Always Keeping The Groove Mar 01, 2017

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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 jazz fusion outfit Tribal Tech, his depth of groove and articulation is just staggering.

His involvement in the educational side of music has also been a long-standing one, having written several books including Fingerboard Harmony For Bass, Ultimate Ear Training For Guitar And Bass and 101 Bass Tips – he also teaches at the prestigious Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya music conservatory near his home in Spain, where he’s been resident since 2004.

052 - In Conversation with Kai Eckhardt - Playing with John McLaughlin Dec 05, 2016

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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 manner of things, from melody and chord sequences to touring and moving to America.

051 - In Conversation with Scott Devine - The Story Behind Scott's Bass Lessons Nov 28, 2016

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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 disorder. After discovering that silk gloves could help me regain control of my playing, I set about putting the finishing touches to SBL. Of course, it didn’t all happen overnight, and who better to delve a little deeper than our very own Geoff Chalmers.

050 - SBL Podcast - The Best Bits So Far! Nov 14, 2016

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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.

049 - In Conversation with Simon Little - Playing with The Divine Comedy Nov 07, 2016

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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.

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