Guitar and Bass Conversations

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!Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

Releasing an EP or an album is always a huge accomplishment… so when I heard that Georgia Weber and the Sleeved Hearts are about to release their new EP, “Big In Japan”, I knew it was the perfect chance to get the inside scoop from Georgia herself, especially as she plays upright bass!Originally from Australia, Georgia has been a force in the New York jazz scene for over a decade, and this new work takes jazz in exciting, unexpected directions.Join me as we dive into “Big In Japan”, explore Georgia’s musical journey, discover how she crafts her unique sound, and hear about her plans for the future.Here’s Georgia Weber!This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in September 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

Whenever I think of Bluegrass music, Missy Raines is one of the first names that comes to mind.As the most awarded bass player in the history of the International Bluegrass Music Association, Missy Raines’s impact on the genre is undeniable. She’s a Grammy nominee and has collaborated with a wide range of acclaimed artists throughout her career.If you’re looking to learn Bluegrass bass, Missy is the go-to instructor on ArtistWorks.She’s been especially active lately, with her album Highlander released in February 2024, and her latest project, Love and Trouble, launched in May. Add to that an extensive tour schedule and more creative ventures on the horizon, and it’s clear she’s not slowing down.Today, we’ll dive into Missy’s musical journey, explore the gear she uses to craft her sound, and hear what she has planned for the future.Here’s Missy Raines.This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in July 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

MonoNeon’s been keeping busy, touring internationally and currently making his way across the U.S. as part of his latest run. If you’ve seen him live, you know his performances are anything but ordinary… funky and full of character.He recently released a new album titled You Had Your Chance… Bad Attitude. It features eight tracks of off-center, groove-heavy funk, delivered in his unmistakable style. It’s a solid listen, start to finish.Gear-wise, MonoNeon now has his own artist model Fender MonoNeon Jazz Bass, a vibrant, eye-catching instrument that’s as bold as his playing. Add to that his signature DigiTech Whammy pedal in his trademark neon colors, and it’s clear he’s leaving his mark both musically and visually.This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in August 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

Music is a universal language, a thread that connects us all, and there’s something especially exciting about meeting a bass player from another part of the world.Meet Ksenia Vasileva, bassist, sound designer, composer, and musical instrument maker, originally from Russia and now making waves in New York City. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Ksenia is fully immersed in the nonstop hustle that defines the life of a working bassist in the Big Apple.Join us as we dive into her musical journey, her time at Berklee, the gear and tone that shape her signature sound, her current projects, and what’s ahead for this incredibly creative artist.This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in July 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

Coyote Theory released their latest album, Still, on March 14, and what better time to catch up with their talented bass player, Grayson Hendren?This genre-bending alt-pop trio has been making music together since 2010, and they’ve continued to evolve, innovate, and push creative boundaries over the years. With their signature blend of emotional depth and vibrant energy, Still marks a powerful new chapter in their musical journey.In this interview, Grayson opens up about his path as a musician, the creative process behind Still, how he crafts his unique bass tone, and what exciting projects lie ahead for the band. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering their sound, you won’t want to miss this conversation.This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in July 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

Chip Z’nuff has been holding it down in the rock world for decades, and it’s always a good time catching up with someone who’s lived it and still brings the heat. I had the chance to talk with him just before the release of Enuff Z’nuff’s new album, Xtra Cherries. We got into everything, from his early days in the scene to what went into this latest record. If you’re a fan of classic rock with attitude and heart, you’re gonna want to hear what Chip has to say.This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in August 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

I came across a heartfelt piece in People where bassist Amos Heller reflected on the ERAS Tour—a once-in-a-lifetime experience that left a deep and lasting impact on him.Naturally, I was eager to speak with Amos, and he was kind enough to carve out time for this conversation.In this interview, Amos opens up about his musical journey, how he crafts his signature sound, shares his thoughts on bass gear, offers behind-the-scenes insight into performing with Taylor Swift, and gives us a glimpse into what’s next for him.Photo Credit: Cover Photo Graciously Provided Directly From the Photographer, Who Prefers to Remain Anonymous. Video, Scottie HamerThis interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in June 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

I’m always excited to hear about bass players making waves on the radio charts, so it’s the perfect time to chat with Sam DeRose Jr., who’s been setting them on fire.Sam recently recorded a series of songs at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios, and his latest single, “Sarah,” has been climbing the charts, hitting #3 on the Indie Charts, #13 on the Top 40, #24 on the Hot 100, and #41 on the Mediabase Top 40.Join me as we dive into Sam’s musical journey, the secrets behind his sound, details on his recent projects, and what he has planned for the future.Here is Sam DeRose Jr.Photo, Drew RaisonThis interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in June 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

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.Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.