Interviews

101 Proof: An Interview with Rex Brown

Ten years after the band’s split, bassist Rex Brown has completely opened up about his time in the iconic metal outfit Pantera. His new autobiography, Official Truth, 101 Proof: The Inside Story of Pantera, delves into his own youth, the band’s formation, rise and fall, the death of guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott, and his struggles... »

Bass Dynasty: An Interview with James Jamerson, Jr.

It’s not easy to fill the shoes of a man regarded as one of the most influential pioneers of the electric bass, but it’s something that comes naturally to James Jamerson, Jr. After all, his father – who subsequently changed the face of popular music – was the one who taught him to play. He... »

Jason’s Back! An Interview with Jason Newsted

Twelve years after leaving the ranks of Metallica, Jason Newsted has again stepped into the spotlight. Late last year he launched his online presence with a brand new website and Facebook page, from which he announced his new band and a brand new EP, Metal. The four-song album, available now through iTunes, is packed with... »

Getting Heavier: An Interview with Periphery’s Adam “Nolly” Getgood

Last month we shared a bass cam video of Periphery bassist Adam “Nolly” Getgood performing “Make Total Destroy” live at Manchester Academy. The clip was a hit with our readers, who especially took note of Getgood’s ridiculously awesome tone. Getgood got his musical start on piano before turning his attention to guitar, where years of... »

Brotherly Love: An Interview with John Clayton

Few names are as ubiquitous in the jazz community as John Clayton. As a prominent bassist, arranger, and composer, Clayton’s incredible musicianship has kept him busy since he was a teen with artists like Henry Mancini, Quincy Jones, Queen Latifah, DeeDee Bridgwater, and Dr. John, just to name a few. Most recently he collaborated with... »

Geddy Lee: The Warner Music Interview

Roman Rogowiecki of Warner Music in Poland sat down with Geddy Lee in a wide ranging interview, where the two discussed Rush, their newest album, Clockwork Angels and a broad range of interesting topics related to both. The 21-minute interview is full of great responses from the always thoughtful and always humble bassist. Rush is... »

Underrated Bassist: An Interview with Colin Hodgkinson

This is part one of a new series on underrated bass players. First up is Colin Hodgkinson, best known for the innovative blues, rock and jazz group Back Door. While players like Jaco Pastorius were still in high school, Colin Hodgkinson was playing solos, counter-melody, bass lines and chords with Back Door. In my opinion,... »

Playing with Words and Music: An Interview with Victor Wooten (Part 3)

Victor Wooten has been touring since he was five years old, most notably in his early years as a member of the Wooten Brothers Band. He and his brothers traveled with a variety of opening acts – including Curtis Mayfield in 1969 — and during the seventies and eighties shared the stage with artists like... »

Playing with Words and Music: An Interview with Victor Wooten (Part 2)

Since his first solo album, released in 1996, Victor Wooten has been intimately involved in the recording, producing and mixing of all his albums — part of a growing trend among musicians. From the mid-nineties forward, more and more artists have been getting their hands involved in the recording process. The introduction of the ADAT... »

Raise Up: An Interview with Larry Graham

It’s not often a musician can lay claim to changing the way their instrument is played, but Larry Graham is definitely one of those musicians. His story is the stuff of legends – Graham played guitar in his mother’s band. He also sang and played the bass pedals of an organ to fill the bottom... »