Interview With Missy Raines, Bluegrass Bass Legend

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.

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 RichardThis interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in June 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

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