Alex Skolnick, Both Jazz And Metal Chops

Few musicians can claim they were present at the birth of the electric bass, and even fewer can say they helped shape what came next. Leo Lyons has been playing bass for more than half a century, standing at the crossroads of innovation and influence as rock music found its voice. From the explosive blues-rock of Ten Years After, to later projects such as Hundred Seventy Split, Lyons has been a constant pillar of the UK rock scene and a familiar force in studios on both sides of the Atlantic as a bassist, producer, and sound engineer.So when news broke that Ten Years After’s 1969 album Sssh was being reissued in a deluxe format on both CD and vinyl, it felt like the perfect moment to sit down with the man behind those unmistakable low-end lines. I was excited to talk with Leo about the early days of electric bass, the legacy of Sssh, and what it means to revisit a landmark album more than five decades later.This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in January 2026Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

For nearly seventeen years, we’ve followed the ever-evolving journey of bassist Cheikh Ndoye, watching with admiration as his musical vision continues to deepen and expand. Each project has revealed a restless curiosity and a commitment to sound that resists easy categorization.When we last spoke in 2018, Ndoye was already hinting at new directions, and he hasn’t slowed down since.In the years that followed, he’s been quietly and intensely at work, culminating in a new album, Genetic Tones, a project that captures both his roots and his forward-looking approach to music.I recently had the great pleasure of listening to several rough tracks from the album, and, as always, I was both impressed and genuinely excited by what I heard. Genetic Tones feels like a bold and thoughtful statement, rich in texture and intention. Join me as Cheikh shares insights into the making of this upcoming release and reflects on the ways his musical language has continued to transform over the years. This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in February 2026Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

For more than four decades, British bassist Richard Vernon has been a quietly formidable presence in rock music. Cutting his teeth on the UK scene in the early 1980s, he’s carved out a reputation for groove, grit, and unshakeable musical instinct.Best known for anchoring the sound of The Mission, Vernon has also brought his distinctive low-end touch to an array of projects, from acclaimed session work to performing with Peter Perrett. Most recently, he’s been powering the thunderous live energy of Ricky Warwick & the Fighting Hearts, proving that his playing is as vital and inventive as ever.Join me as we dive into Richard’s musical journey, the influences that shaped him, the craft behind his unmistakable tone, and where his creative compass is pointing next.Here is Richard Vernon.This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in Jan 2026Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

Alex Skolnick is well known among the metal circles - but it's evident he has jazz chops too. Jazz Guitar Today talks to Alex in this podcast - and JGT's Joe Barth goes in-depth in this interview.Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

This month, we have a real treat for all you metal fans out there! Joining us is none other than Pär Sundström, the powerhouse bassist and co-founding member of Sabaton, a band many consider to be the #1 global power metal act in the world.Pär isn’t just the man behind those thunderous bass lines; he’s also one of the main lyricists and the band’s manager, helping to shape Sabaton’s unmistakable sound and unstoppable rise.Hailing from Sweden, Sabaton has been conquering stages and hearts around the world for over twenty-five years, delivering their signature blend of history, heroism, and heavy metal might. And now, with the release of their brand-new album ‘Legends,’ the band is gearing up for a tour that promises to be absolutely spectacular.We’re diving into all the details, from the making of Legends, to the evolution of Sabaton’s epic sound, to what lies ahead for this legendary band.So, without further ado, let’s welcome the man himself… Pär Sundström!”This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in Jan 2026Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

Hailing from the heart of New Orleans, bassist Noah Young has been a remarkably busy and continually evolving force in today’s music scene. Fresh off the release of his highly anticipated solo album Noah (September 26, 2025), he’s stepping confidently into a new chapter of his artistic identity.Many listeners already know him as the low-end engine behind the explosive sound of Naughty Professor, while others have caught him anchoring countless performances both across New Orleans and on stages around the globe.Today, we sit down with Noah to get the inside scoop on what drives his creativity, how his solo work came to life, and what exciting endeavors lie ahead for this prolific bassist.Here is Noah Young.Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

It’s always exciting to know that there are musicians dedicated to keeping jazz alive, evolving, and pushing its boundaries forward. Bassist Mauricio Morales stands at the forefront of today’s contemporary jazz movement, and his upcoming album, Between Dreams and Twilight, promises to be one of his most compelling artistic statements yet.Join me as we explore Mauricio’s musical journey, the origins of his signature sound, the creative process behind the new record, and the vision he carries for the future.This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in Dec 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

Have you ever wondered what a Progressive Rock/fusion band with two bassists would sound like? Well, wonder no more… the answer is Quadvium! And they’re making waves with their brand-new album, “Tetradom.”Quadvium brings together an incredible lineup: Jeroen Thesseling and Steve Di Giorgio on bass, the powerhouse Yuma Van Ecklen on drums, and the electrifying Eve Smith on guitar. The result? Music that’s as intricate as it is powerful, as melodic as it is rhythmic, and as bold as it is beautiful.In today’s conversation, we get to hear from the masters themselves, as they share the story of how Quadvium came together, what inspired their unique dual-bass approach, and all the fascinating details behind “Tetradom.” From musical influences to studio stories, you’re going to get the inside scoop on what makes this band so extraordinary.So, grab your headphones and get ready to dive deep into the world of Quadvium. Without further ado, here are Jeroen Thesseling and Steve Di Giorgio!This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in Nov 2025Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

Exclusive video interview to start off 2026, JGT's Bob Bakert checks in with Jimmy Bruno.Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.

JGT's Bob Bakert talks to guitarist John Stowell.Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.