Bass Lessons Melbourne 'player Profile' Podcast

Chicago native Michael Manson has filled the bass chair for some of the top names in jazz and gospel music such as George Duke, Larry Carlton and Kirk Whalum. I caught up with him while he was in town with Jeff Lorber Fusion and we chatted about what it takes to be prepared for a high profile gig like that as well as the importance of developing your own voice on the instrument, his classical upbringing and his solo career. Manson not only has blazing chops but his sense of melody and pocket are second to none and it was blast getting to jam and talk with him! http://www.basslessonsmelbourne.com http://mikemanson.com/ http://www.facebook.com/bassguitarlessonsmelbourne

I was excited to have Claire on the podcast as not only is she a fantastic bass player, composer, band leader and educator, but she has a passion and drive for music and self improvement that is really inspiring. In this episode we hear about how Claire ended up falling in love with the bass, her penchant for classic artists like Steely Dan and Duran Duran, touring America with the outrageously talented 'Kneebody' and why enthusiasm has been so important to her musical development. Remember to subscribe to the YouTube channel for the video version of these interviews!

If you've ever trawled YouTube for bass gear demos (and let's face it, who hasn't), chances are you've come across Gregor Fris's 'Bass The World' YouTube Channel which will have exposed to the immense bass playing of René Flächsenhaar. After watching a few videos of René playing numerous exotic basses, I was struck by the depth and variety of grooves he could demonstrate with seemingly effortless ease. I reached out to René during my recent trip to Europe and we caught up at local music school/studio/store Noisy Rooms in René's current home of Berlin, Germany. During our chat we discuss René's bass journey, his influnces, what it takes to be a working musician, gear and what it's like to be a YouTube star ;) Be sure to check out his YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd0tUZ-T7QSGdq0jdiKby_A As well as Bass The World: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXvoRZ4JQezyPxWtUZ9QmWg Noisy Rooms: https://noisy-musicworld.com/rooms/en/ Bass Lessons Melbourne: http://www.basslessonsmelbourne.com FB http:/

David Searle is a Melbourne based luthier who hand-crafts incredible instruments with a wide variety of tone woods and design aspects. In this interview we talk about what to look for in your first bass, tone woods, scale length, designing your own custom bass, active vs passive and a whole lot more! Be sure to visit the Melbourne School of Guitar Making website to find out more! http://melbourneschoolofguitarmaking.com.au/about-us/

Jon Wilson is one of Adelaide's finest bass players and music educators. With a packed gigging schedule and healthy work ethic, Jon sets a strong example for any bass player to follow. In this interview we learn about his beginnings as a player, his thoughts on breaking into a scene, the importance of musical diversity, teaching and also some great technique tips.

Dave is one of those players that really can do it all, from blazing fusion chops to tasty, reserved singer/songwriter supporting lines and everything in between. As enthusiastic about bass playing and music as he's ever been, it was a blast to hang with Dave and get to learn more about his bass journey and his take on being a sideman in today's current music climate. Dave Anderson is a bass player with over thirty years' experience performing and recording in a wide range of genres. His credits span a range of world class artists in jazz, R&B, pop, folk rock, fusion, world music, and more. His recent work includes associations with Bill Evan's Soulgrass, Blood Sweat & Tears, Art Garfunkel, Bob Baldwin, Smokey Robinson, Special EFX, Kate Taylor, and others. His numerous past credits include Regina Carter, Joe Beck, Marion Meadows, Warren Hill, and many others. http://www.daveandersonbass.net http://www.basslessonsmelbourne.com

Born out the 90's acid jazz scene in London, Neil shared the stage with the likes of Jamiroquai as part of the pioneering group 'Mother Earth. A fellow F Bass player, Neil has a great ear for tone as well as being a superb groove player with some insane chops up his sleeve. In this video we discuss his 'bass journey', including his early basses and influences, as well as his writing process and what he believes are good qualities for any bass player. Thanks Neil! Website: http://www.basslessonsmelbourne.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bassguitarlessonsmelbourne Twitter: @melbournebass Instagram: basslessonsmelbourne

Jonathan Maron is probably best known as one of the founding members of NYC outfit Groove Collective, as well as his iconic playing on the Maxwell cut 'Ascension'. However, after spending some time with him jamming and talking it quickly became apparent that there is so much more to Jonathans playing and approach to music than meets the eye/ear. In this interview we discuss a myriad of topics including his early influences, tone, Meshell Ndegeocello, his gorgeous sounding Yamaha bass, playing with Mark Guiliana and so much more. Be sure to check out his website: www.jonathanmaron.com http://www.basslessonsmelbourne.com http://www.facebook.com/bassguitarlessonsmelbourne http://www.pickpocketfunk.com

Ben Wicks is the guy you call when you need a tight, tasty, experienced roots & blues bass player with killer tone and a pro attitude. Sporting a beautiful custom P Bass made right here in Melbourne and over 20 years experience backing some of Australia's top blues and rnb acts, Ben is no stranger to touring and has played some of the country's premium festival stages. In this interview we get deep into the thinking behind his choices in gear, specifically is custom P Bass, as well as some thoughts on the current live music scene, music education and much much more!

Laura Mvula has taken the global pop scene by storm in the last few years, with entrancing melodies, complex African rhythms and cutting edge sonics, it would be a challenge for most bass players to comfortably find their role. Karl Rasheed Abel fulfills the bass duties flawlessly, with a deep understanding of jazz, rnb, neo soul and Afrobeat, Karl manages to not just fill out the bottom end, instead his basslines enhance the music and at times are all that is required to tell the story. It was fantastic to hang with Karl and chat about his influences and approach to playing bass in Laura's band, as well as his time spent in Berklee College of Music and why so many of us end up with a P Bass in our hands. http://www.karlrasheedabel.com/ https://www.facebook.com/lauramvulamusic/

Michael League, bass player for Snarky Puppy, Bokante and Forq, is a modern master of the instrument and one of the hardest working band leaders around. Comfortable in a number of genres on electric, upright and key bass, Mike is not only a world class musician, but a prolific composer, record label executive and all round expert in the modern music industry. It was truly and honour to get to sit down with Michael while he was in Melbourne for two shows with Snarky Puppy and it was great to hear him talk about running a band like Snarky Puppy, the current state of the industry, his vintage P bass, thoughts on gospel music and much more! http://groundupmusic.net/ http://www.basslessonsmelbourne.com http://www.facebook.com/bassguitarlessonsmelbourne http://www.pickpocketfunk.com

Now based in Melbourne, Lauren is a professional double bassist and educator. Her hugely popular YouTube channel features virtuosic performances of double bass solo repertoire. Lauren has studied with many notable bassists such as Craig Butterfield and Jeff Bradetich and is renowned teacher in her own right. It was great to sit down with Lauren and talk about her journey as a musician, career paths, overcoming nerves, youtube and much much more! Lauren Pierce: https://discoverdoublebass.com/ http://laurenpiercebass.com/ http://www.basslessonsmelbourne.com http://www.facebook.com/bassguitarlessonsmelbourne http://www.pickpocketfunk.com

Fodera artist and bass sensei Lucas Taranto has an enviable reputation around town as the guy you call when you need the best of the best. Pocket, feel, chops, tone, vibe, Lucas has them all in spades and rightfully earned him a place in the world conquering Gotye lineup during the 'Somebody that I used to know' era. It was super cool getting to chat with Lucas about his bass journey including his influences in the form of Gary Willis and James Jamerson, his decision making process with regards to his beautiful custom Fodera bass, his thoughts on time and what young players should be focusing on. Watch the video interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBLzp36LORA

Teymur Phell is one seriously heavy cat! Currently Mike Stern's bassist of choice he has also performed with Oz Noy and trumpet legend Arturo Sandoval. A resident of NYC, Teymur grew up in Israel, studying classical upright bass along side developing his burning chops on electric. In this interview we discuss his approach to walking, what it's like to play for Stern, his beautiful 6 string F Bass and much more!

I first saw a video of Junior playing about 18months ago and immediately I was hooked. He has an incredible facility on the instrument and coupled with deep harmonic knowledge, huge pocket and a Brazilian music background, you have the recipe for one of today's rising stars of electric bass. I was lucky to catch up with him for an hour or so while he was in town playing with Virgil Donati and we discuss his approach to learning that intense repertoire as well as his evolution as a bassist and his plans for the future. Watch the video on the youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/c/basslessonsmelbourneonline Check out Junior's website and youtube channel http://juniorbraguinha.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjS8b3_AIyl188FQXrhDRbQ

Evan is one of my favourite Melbourne bass players, with a massive pocket, rock solid time and a phat tone it's no wonder he's held down the low end for the likes of Angus and Julia Stone, Dub Fx and Husky to name a few. In this episode we discuss topics such as domestic vs overseas touring, the importance of practicing super slow, the parallels between tai chi and music, in ear monitoring systems, complex live FX set ups and much more! *apologies for the audio issues in this episode, there was some random interference with the microphones so I had to cut to the camera mic at times.

Hadrien Feraud is undoubtedly one of the pioneers of modern electric bass. Having played with the likes of John McLaughlin, Chick Corea and Hiromi, Hadrien is also an established artist in his own right having released 2 albums to critical acclaim. I managed to catch up with him backstage at Melbourne's Bird's Basement jazz club while he was in town with the Zawinul Legacy featuring Scott Kinsey and Kirk Covington from fusion legends Tribal Tech. In this interview we chat about Hadriens musical journey, his love for Jaco, soul and rnb and also what he thinks about the impact of social media on the modern musician. Check out his website and solo albums here: http://www.hadrienferaud.info/ Subscribe to the BLM Podcast: http://basslessonsmelbourne.podomatic.com/ Book a lesson: http://www.basslessonsmelbourne.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bassguitarlessonsmelbourne

Currently residing in Brisbane, Mark is one of Australia's top bass players having appeared on the first Gospel Chops Bass Shedz DVD and subsequently supporting Victor Wooten on a clinic tour. With a musical mind to match his incredible technical facility, Mark is truly a top flight bass player, but his musical journey has not been without struggles. In this video Mark candidly discusses how he has overcome crippling stage fright and self doubt, bolstered his harmonic knowledge and how importantly he views using a bass the 'fits'. It's a long one, but there's some great bass jamming scattered throughout and we really dig deep on a lot of topics that I feel will resonate with players old and young. Check out the youtube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ElmUPp82f8&t=20s

Rocco Prestia is an undeniable living legend of the electric bass, having held the bass chair in Tower of Power for over 50 years, Rocco has influenced countless players with his incredible bass lines and unique tone and approach. It was a real honour for me to get to spend some time with one my bass heroes and was fascinated to hear Rocco talk about his incredible career in a candid and honest manner. Enjoy! Book your own bass lesson: www.basslessonsmelbourne.com Watch the video interview here:

I was lucky to catch up with Francis on the balcony of his hotel room shortly before he hit the stage at the Caloundra Music Festival with acid jazz legends Incognito. Hailing from London, Francis has been musical director for Rahsaan Patterson, recorded with Anastasia, Chaka Khan, Lulu, Najee, Miki Imai, Gianna Nannini, Jocelyn Brown and Leon Ware and performed bass live with Cee Lo Green, Mario Biondi, Chaka Khan, Karyn White, Gloria Gaynor and many more. In this revealing interview we hear about Francis' beignnings on the bass, his relationship with Bluey from Incognito, what kind of gear he uses and why and a great insight into what it means to be an in demand sideman for some of the world's top funk, rnb, soul and jazz artists. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/krADZ1dv2w4 Check out his website and blog here: http://www.francishyltonbass.co.uk/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/bass-lessons-melbourne-player/id1139082231?mt=2\ Sign up for great free bass lessons http://www.bass