I recently learned about Dr. Emma Dayhuff’s new album, “Innovations & Lineage: The Chicago Project,”, which has been garnering a lot of attention, and I wanted to learn more.

When it came to bringing this album to life, she knew exactly who she wanted on board. She assembled a remarkable group of musicians: Dee Alexander on vocals, Isaiah Collier on tenor sax, and Kahil El’Zabar on percussion.

Recorded live, the album captures the energy of the performance while presenting a clear, resonant bass sound that anchors the music beautifully. It’s both a nod to Chicago’s rich jazz tradition and a glimpse into the innovative directions Dr. Dayhuff is exploring in her work.

Today, we’ll hear about her musical journey, the inspiration behind this album, and what she has planned next. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Emma Dayhuff.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in October 2025

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I’ve been noticing a lot of buzz around The Big Ol’ Nasty Getdown on social media lately, and it definitely caught my attention. Recently, I came across their track “Wrong Side of the Law” featuring rising star bassist Ellen Alaverdyan alongside her dad, Hovak. The energy of the project was so contagious that I felt compelled to dig deeper and find out what it’s all about.

At the heart of it all is John Heintz, who wears many hats… bassist, producer, and the self-proclaimed “Ringleader” behind this one-of-a-kind concept: a massive, collaborative, big-band-style jam that blends creativity, funk, and sheer musical joy.

John graciously took the time to chat with me, and he shared so many fascinating stories… from how he first got started in music and fell in love with the bass, to highlights of his stunning bass collection, to the exciting projects he’s currently working on and what’s next for The Big Ol’ Nasty Getdown.

So without further ado… here’s John Heintz!

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Bob Bakert, Jazz Guitar Today editor: Pasquale Grasso is a virtuoso guitarist from Italy …  At the age of 36 he is a fixture on the scene in NYC, which in the words of Frank Sinatra, “if you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere”… He is simply one of the most accomplished guitarists on the scene today.  He plays with voicing and movement of a pianist, solos like a horn and is a complete like a musician in the best sense of the word. 

Please enjoy our conversation.

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Hailing from beautiful Santa Barbara, California, Toad the Wet Sprocket has been a mainstay of American Alternative Rock for over three decades. Dean Dinning, one of the founding members, has been an integral part of this band’s success, contributing both tasty bass licks and vocals.

Join me as we hear all about Dean’s rich musical heritage, musical journey, how he gets his sound, and his plans for the future.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in December 2023

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I am sure many of you will remember our initial interview with Robb Harper back in 2017 and an update in 2019. You will also recall that we recorded some of Robb’s live performances at the NAMM show. Well, it has been a while and Robb has been very busy… so lots get caught up and see what he is up to now.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in October 2023

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Many rock fans have enjoyed music by Foghat, who originally formed in London back in 1971.

Over the many decades of playing, the band members have changed, leaving behind only Roger Earl as the only original member. Bassist Rodney O’Quinn left the Pat Travers Band and joined the group in 2015 and has been laying down the low end for this iconic quartet keeping the Foghat legacy alive. With a new album titled “Sonic Mojo” which dropped on November 10th, the band is as busy as ever and there is lots of very tasty music to come.

Join me as we learn of Rodney O’Quinn’s musical journey, how he gets his sound, and his plans for the future.

This episode first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine, in December 2023

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JGT's Bob Bakert talks to Dave Miner of the Miner Family Wines and Benedetto Guitars about his passion for wine and guitars. 

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Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks to Perry Smith, John Storie, and Will Brahm - the guitar trio known as New West Guitars. 

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Wolf Marshall Talks To JGT About His New Book, "Jazz Guitar Course - Mastering The Jazz Language" - A Hal Leonard Book

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For a musician, busy is good and bassist Marty O’Brien is one very busy guy. Playing tours and sessions, Marty has a huge list of people that he has played with including the likes of Lita Ford, Daughtry, Tommy Lee, Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson and so many more.

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

Here is Marty O’Brien!

Photos, shot by HRV Images and Aaron Bradley

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine on March 6, 2023

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In part 2 of the podcast, JGT’s Bob Bakert continues his conversation with guitarist Dan Wilson.

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George Gekas, Big Easy Bass…
Cover Photo:  Credit Skylar Watkins

I have been following and enjoying The Revivalists since around 2016 when I first had the opportunity to talk to the band’s bass player, George Gekas (View interview).

We did an update with George in 2018 and now after all these years, I am super stoked to catch up with him again, just as the band releases their fifth studio album “Pour it Out into the Night”.

Join me as George shares the details about the band’s journey through the last challenging years and how they are leaping into the future at full speed.

Cover Interview Originally appeared in Bass Musician Magazine, July 2023

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Over the last few years, I have done reviews of two albums where Penn Jillette plays bass… and I have been very impressed.  

Yes, we all know him as a Magician, entertainer, author, actor, and inventor… and now, an accomplished musician. I am thrilled that I now have the opportunity to talk to Penn himself and get the story behind his bass playing. His love of the instrument and the Jazz he plays are evident, and it is a joy to hear his specific journey to reach where he is today holding down the low end.

Without further ado… Here is Penn Jillette!

Photo Credit Joan Marcus

Visit/Follow Online:

pennandteller.com
X: @pennjillette
IG: Pennandtellerlive
FB: Penn & Teller 

Interview With Bassist (And Magician) Penn Jillette first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine on September 18, 2023

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I always love meeting young bass players, as they represent the future of our beloved instrument.

Recently, we heard from Cara Richard, a dedicated bassist who has been playing for nearly two years. In that time, she’s been diligently learning a wide range of songs and sharing her progress on social media. As she embarks on what I hope will be a long and rewarding musical journey, I thought it would be great to hear directly from her.

Join me as we explore Cara’s development on the bass, her learning process, how she crafts her tone, and her aspirations for the future.

Meet Cara Richard.

Photo credit: Guy Richard

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in June 2025

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JGT’s Bob Bakert talks to guitarist Dan Wilson about his influences, his experiences, and his latest project, "Things Eternal".

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One thing all musicians have in common is that we all have some serious wear-and-tear over our lifetimes. It is always necessary to have a team of health professionals, kind of our own “Pit Crew” to keep us performing at our best. Physicians, Chiropractors, Massage therapists, Acupuncturists, and other body workers are a true asset.

Dr. Staten Medsker is a Chiropractor in the Pacific Northwest who dedicates much of his time to treating Rock Stars. As a musician himself, he has a better understanding of the issues musicians encounter and has written a book “How to Adjust Yourself and Avoid Seeing a Chiropractor”.

Join me as we discuss Dr Staten’s book and his recommendations to keep us performing at our peak levels.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine on July 31, 2023

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I have been hearing about Zach Fowler’s bass playing since he was in New Mexico. Now, based out of Nashville, Zach is very busy laying down the low end, acting as musical director, writing songs and producing music. He has been very active doing studio work as well as touring with LoCash.

Join me as we hear about Zach’s journey, how he gets his sound, all the details about his new Lakland bass and his plans for the future.

Here is Zach Fowler!

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine on October 1, 2023

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Guitarist Jocelyn Gould talks to Bob Bakert about her new album, her incoming tour, and her recent experience in Israel.

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Brian Wheat has been rocking hard with his band Tesla for nearly four decades. Not only does he play bass, but he is also a songwriter, vocalist, keyboard player, record producer, photographer, and band manager. As you might imagine, Brian has accumulated a treasure trove of experiences and information and we are fortunate that he is sharing some of his insights with us today.

Join me as we discover Brian’s musical journey, how he gets his sound, his thoughts on the industry and his plans for the future.

Here is Brian Wheat!

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine on Sep 25, 2023

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Everybody knows that Nashville is one of our main meccas for music and there is a lot happening there. Hailing from that illustrious city, Garry West wears many hats as a bassist and producer, as well as CEO and founder of Compass Records. It is also very possible that you might have seen Garry holding down the low end for his wife, Grammy award-winning banjo player Alison Brown.

Join us as we hear about Garry’s musical journey, how he gets his sound and his plans for the future.

Here is Garry West!

First appeared on Bass Musician Magazine, Aug 21, 2023

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JGT's Bob Bakert talks to guitarist Ed Cherry about recent projects and tours.  
Photo by Mike Oria.

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Siempre es emocionante descubrir la obra y la musica de uno de nuestros hermanos latinoamericanos. Tuve la oportunidad de charlar con el bajista Chileno Ben Mortiz recientemente y enterarme de muchos de los detalles de su carrera musical y vida en general.

Vengansen conmigo a conocer este titan del bajo directamente de su país natal.

 Aqui esta Ben Mortiz.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine, July 2023

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Very interestingly, there are creative musical pockets around the country. One such creative area is on the East Coast in the New Jersey area. In the midst of this musical swirl, bassist Brenda Sauter has been laying down the low end for a number of bands including The Feelies and Wild Carnation.

It is exciting that both bands have some very cool stuff going on right now so join me as we get the details from Brenda along with her musical journey and future plans.

Header and Video Photo Credits: John Baumgartner, Chris Methven, John Bruce, Rich Barnes

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine, Aug 28, 2023

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Growing up in a musical family on the south side of Chicago and playing alongside diverse world-class artists has provided profound musical insight and inspiration which can only be heard in the music of Darryl Jones.

After several years gigging around the Chicago music scene, Darryl’s international recording and touring career took flight at age 21, with jazz icon Miles Davis. Gigs with Sting, Herbie Hancock, Peter Gabriel, Madonna, Eric Clapton, and others soon followed, and since ‘93 he’s been the bassist for the Rolling Stones. When his schedule permits, he performs with other artists, co-leads a couple of bands, serves the legacy of The Chief with the Miles Electric Band; and in 2017 he debuted The Darryl Jones Project.

Besides touring and recording, Darryl keeps busy writing music, including composing the score for an award-winning film. He continues his education and was selected to participate in the Sundance Institute’s famed Music & Sound Design Lab at Skywalker Ranch in 2017.  He teaches classes and conducts clinics around the world, and in 2014 he founded Jones Musical Instruments to craft custom basses and guitars.

Visit online at darryljones.com

Originally published in Bass Musician Magazine, Feb 1, 2023

Cover Photo, Greg Vorobiov
Video Editing, Ryan Hanratty @ Frosted Green Productions

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In this podcast, JGT's Bob Bakert speaks with Scott Hilzik and Beth Marlis about a new project - arranging Jimmy Wyble's music for piano.

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In this exclusive JGT interview, John Scofield talks to JGT's Bob Bakert about his new album, "Uncle John's Band" - Release: October 13, 2023

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Without question, Stu Hamm is one of the greatest bass players of our time.

For over a decade we have stayed in touch and I was thrilled to hear that he recently released his latest album “Hold Fast”. The album is another masterpiece and is sure to be enjoyed by bass players and the general public alike. (Make sure you check out my review of “Hold Fast”)

Join me as Stu shares the details about this wonderful piece of work, his plans for the future and details on how he gets his deep, rich tone.

Here is Stu….

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In this Jazz Guitar Today interview, guitarist and educator Sean McGowan shares ten albums that influenced his approach to solo guitar.

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In this exclusive interview, guitarist Sean McGowan talks to Jazz Guitar Today about his new album, "Portmanteau" and explains how he combined different elements and influences to create something new.

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Exclusive podcast in remembrance of Pat Martino's birthday, August 25.  Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks to Joe Donofrio about managing Pat Martino for over 21 years.

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Guitarist Dave Stryker talks to Jazz Guitar Today and shares some advice to help make it as a musician.

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Sheryl Bailey talks to Bob Bakert about her latest release "Homage", and discusses songs, guitars, and more.

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Exclusive Video Podcast: Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks to Ralph Towner about many topics from playing Woodstock to his latest album, "At First Light".

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In this exclusive interview, Dave Stryker talks to Bob Bakert about what's new, last year's Steely Dan tour, and five things to know to be a better musician.

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JGT's Bob Bakert and guitarist Ted Ludwig discuss the upcoming Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival in Arvada, Colorado - September 8th – 10th, 2023.

https://www.archtopfestival.com/

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I have known the very versatile Joseph Patrick Moore for a very long time and I have been following his exceptional work for many years.

If you’ve been keeping up, you may have noticed his latest endeavor, BassLessons.tv, a fantastic new bass education platform we highlighted just last month.

Currently, Joseph is holding down the low end and serving as Assistant Musical Director for Cirque du Soleil’s Las Vegas production of Mystère.

Join me as we dive into Joseph Patrick Moore’s inspiring musical journey and explore all the exciting projects he’s working on now.

Also, if you are coming to Las Vegas make sure to check out Mystère!

Photo Credits Roberto Reyes, Regina Trias, Courtesy of Joseph Patrick Moore, Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in April 2025

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For those of us that were teens back in the 70s and 80s, iconic rock bands like RATT were the standards of a dream existence come true. Songs like “Round and Round” were often playing on our radios and visually came to life for us in a video format on an emerging TV channel called MTV.

Interview originally published in Bass Musician Magazine on July 24, 2023

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In this exclusive podcast, guitarist/composer Jim Fox talks to Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert.  Guitarist, and composer, Jim Fox has toured the world and recorded with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Jr., Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Patrick Williams, Rosemary Clooney, Dean Martin, Jack Jones, Debby Boone, Rod Stewart, Michael Feinstein, Kenny Rankin, Laurendo Almeida, Steve Lawrence, Gordon Lightfoot, James Darren, The Temptations, Bill Conti and many more.

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In this exclusive JGT video podcast, Bob Bakert talks to Russell Malone about his incredible career and about playing with Diana Krall, Harry Connick, Jr., Ron Carter, and many others.

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In this exclusive video Jazz Guitar Today podcast, editor Bob Bakert engages in a conversation with the jazz guitarist Fareed Haque.  Originally posted on JazzGuitarToday on June 14, 2023.

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Jazz guitarist, educator, and artist Barry Greene talks about the top five things you need to do to progress as a jazz guitarist. All this is coming from a man whose focus in life has been as a teacher/professor at the University of North Florida educating thousands for 28 years… Sage advice for sure… Please enjoy our conversation with Barry Greene.  Originally posted on JazzGuitarToday on June 12, 2023.

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Bob Bakert, Editor:  As I see it, Dr. Gordon Vernick has done more for the Atlanta jazz scene than any other individual I know of.  Even though his influence has been spread all over the world through performances, masterclasses, and the like. Almost every player I know in Atlanta has either been through his program, taught in his program, has been taught by someone who went through his program, etc. The City of Atlanta jazz scene is permeated like the blue in blue jeans with Gordon’s jazz “progeny”… This man will be talked about for decades as the guy who did the most to sow and water the seeds of generations of jazz musicians… For a bio and resume go to worldtrumpetsociety.com.

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It has been almost a decade since Tim Risser interviewed Five Finger Death Punch bassist Chris Kael for Bass Musician. As you can imagine, a lot has happened since then and I am very happy to report that Chris is rocking harder than ever with 5FDP; the band is touring and they have a new album, Afterlife. This album is tied into a Graphic Novel and is a hard-hitting, multi-media project that is definitely mind-blowing. The first two videos “Times Like This” and “Welcome to the Circus” are superbly done and have a curling edge Sci-Fi kind of feel that leaves you waiting for the next installment.

Before I get carried away telling you the details, let’s dive into this interview with Chris as he shares the details of his musical journey, how he gets his sound, the current and future tour plans, and more details about “Afterlife”.

Cover Interview originally published in Bass Musician Magazine on March 1, 2023

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Having spent much of my early childhood and teen years in Puerto Rico, country music was not typically a part of my musical education. As an adult, I am often pleased when I explore this genre and when the opportunity to chat with Toby Keith’s bassist, Dink Cook came up, I was stoked.

Dink has been laying down the low end for countless country acts for over three decades and has been playing with Toby for the last ten years, as well as keeping very active on the Nashville scene.

Join me as we hear about Dink’s musical journey, his time with Toby Keith and so many other world-class acts, how he gets his sound and his plans for the future.

Cover Interview originally published in Bass Musician Magazine on May 1, 2023

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JGT's Bob Bakert talks to guitarist Rodney Jones about the top five things to know when playing "The Blues".  Additionally, they offer a sneak preview of the upcoming Rocky Mountain Arch Top Festival, promising to be a spectacle for every jazz guitar enthusiast.  Originally posted on Jazz Guitar Today on July 20, 2023.

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Grab your earphones and prepare to journey with us into the musical world of Paz Lenchantin and her latest album with the Pixies, Doggerl. Recorded amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic, this album is surprisingly playful, embodying Paz's belief that we don't work in music; we play it. Join us as Paz takes us on a tour behind the scenes of the unique recording process, her inspirations from early morning hikes, and the pivotal role of producer Tom Dalgety in shaping the album. Plus, get an exclusive peek into the making of the video for the captivating song 'Vault of Heaven'.

In addition to the exploration of Doggerl, Paz unveils the intriguing stories behind his music video collaborations with renowned bands - Tool and Pixies. Find out how these experiences propelled her into the role of a bassist. Paz's love for playing multiple instruments and her interest in composing for films also come into focus. Excitement builds as Paz reveals snippets about the new album, the challenges faced during recording amidst the pandemic, and the thrilling experience of releasing Doggerl. So, get ready to ride along with us on this riveting musical journey that promises to satiate your excitement around music and its future.

Cover Interview originally published in Bass Musician Magazine on Dec 1, 2022

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Jazz Guitar Today talks to guitarist Don Felder about his love of jazz, his new album and tour, and playing onstage with Jimmy Page in the front row!

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In this ‘lost’ video podcast, Jazz Guitar Today talks to the incomparable Jimmy Bruno about a variety of subjects.  Originally published on Jazz Guitar Today on May 18, 2023.

Jimmy Bruno is one of the world’s great guitarists.  His long career is filled with amazing performances, recordings, and experiences… truly the things that most of us guitarists dream about.  We at JGT are very fortunate to have had this conversation with Jimmy a while ago…the tape was “lost” and last week found… and, even though a few of the references are dated the “Bruno wisdom” is definitely there.  Enjoy this intimate conversation with the Maestro himself, Jimmy Bruno…!

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In part two of the podcast, JGT’s Bob Bakert continues to talk to guitarist Bruce Forman about his prodigious gigging schedule and being busier than ever.  Originally published on Jazz Guitar Today on June 26, 2023.

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JGT’s Bob Bakert talks to guitarist Bruce Forman about his prodigious gigging schedule and being busier than ever.  Originally published on Jazz Guitar Today on June 19, 2023.

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