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Bassists

Bassists: News, Spotlights, Interviews

Steve Swallow on “Winter Songs,” Creative Renewal, and the Art of Note Length
Interviews

Steve Swallow on “Winter Songs,” Creative Renewal, and the Art of Note Length

Steve Swallow reflects on Winter Songs, the first album he wrote in a single season, and how music sustained him through a period of profound loss.

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Sixpence None the Richer Bassist Justin Cary Dies at 50
In Memoriam

Sixpence None the Richer Bassist Justin Cary Dies at 50

Justin Cary, bassist for Sixpence None the Richer and a Nashville session player, has died at 50 following a stroke. Read about his career and legacy.

Fernando Molinari Unleashes Progressive Bass Firepower on “Numen”
Interviews

Fernando Molinari Unleashes Progressive Bass Firepower on “Numen”

Fernando Molinari discusses his new EP, Numen, a progressive instrumental album blending metal, jazz, fusion, flamenco, and bold bass work.

Heiko Hoepfinger, BassLab Founder and Composite Bass Innovator, Has Died
In Memoriam

Heiko Hoepfinger, BassLab Founder and Composite Bass Innovator, Has Died

Heiko Hoepfinger, founder of BassLab and a pioneer of composite bass design, has died. His work reshaped ideas about instrument construction.

John B. Williams, Bassist for Johnny Carson and Arsenio Hall, Dies at 85
In Memoriam

John B. Williams, Bassist for Johnny Carson and Arsenio Hall, Dies at 85

John B. Williams, the acclaimed bassist known for his work with Johnny Carson, Arsenio Hall, Nancy Wilson, and Horace Silver, has died at 85.

John B. Williams, Tonight Show and Arsenio Hall Bassist, Enters Hospice Care
Bassists

John B. Williams, Tonight Show and Arsenio Hall Bassist, Enters Hospice Care

John B. Williams, the jazz bassist heard on The Tonight Show and The Arsenio Hall Show, has entered hospice care after serious health setbacks and surgery.

Ronald LaPread, Commodores Bassist Behind “Brick House,” Dies at 75
In Memoriam

Ronald LaPread, Commodores Bassist Behind “Brick House,” Dies at 75

Ronald LaPread, founding bassist for the Commodores and the groove behind “Brick House,” has died at 75. We look back on his legacy.

Geddy Lee Talks Rush’s “50 Something” Tour, Tone, Set List Choices, and Anika Nilles
Interviews

Geddy Lee Talks Rush’s “50 Something” Tour, Tone, Set List Choices, and Anika Nilles

Geddy Lee sat down with Rick Beato to discuss Rush’s “50 Something” tour, his bass tone, choosing the set list, and working with drummer Anika Nilles.

Marco Ronquillo on Bass, Berklee, and Bringing Latin Grooves to Pop
Interviews

Marco Ronquillo on Bass, Berklee, and Bringing Latin Grooves to Pop

Bassist Marco Ronquillo discusses his journey from El Salvador to Berklee, his Latin and funk influences, building an online presence, gear, and finding his own voice.

Warrior Instruments Founder J. Dran Lewis Has Passed Away
In Memoriam

Warrior Instruments Founder J. Dran Lewis Has Passed Away

J. Dran Lewis, founder of Warrior Instruments, has passed away. His family shared the news, honoring his legacy as an artist, designer, builder, and father.

Remembering Kiyoshi Kitagawa, Beloved Jazz Bassist and Kenny Barron Trio Mainstay
In Memoriam

Remembering Kiyoshi Kitagawa, Beloved Jazz Bassist and Kenny Barron Trio Mainstay

Jazz bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa, longtime member of Kenny Barron’s trio and a fixture of the New York jazz scene, has passed away at 67.

Hot Chocolate Bassist Tony Wilson, Co-Writer of “You Sexy Thing,” Passes Away
In Memoriam

Hot Chocolate Bassist Tony Wilson, Co-Writer of “You Sexy Thing,” Passes Away

Tony Wilson, Hot Chocolate co-founder, bassist, and co-writer of “You Sexy Thing,” has died at age 89. His son confirmed the news in a tribute.