We’ve had the pleasure of talking with Mike Pope for years now… exploring his innovative contributions to bass electronics, spending a day with him as an educator at Berklee, and of course, enjoying his phenomenal performances both live and on countless recordings. Many of you might even remember our last interview back in 2020 (read it here).

Now, we’re especially excited to catch up with Mike about his brand-new album, The Parts You Keep, released on August 22, 2025. This project is a stunning mix of jazz standards and original compositions, and we’ll be diving into the stories, inspirations, and creative process that brought it all together.

One of the most touching highlights of the album is hearing Mike’s mom, Ann Almond Pope, on classical piano for two tracks. Her playing adds such a beautiful, personal dimension to the music… you won’t want to miss it.

Join me as we explore Mike’s latest masterpiece, his future plans, and how you can catch him live in performance.

Here’s Mike Pope!

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in September 2025

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Bassist Ross Schodek…

I’ve always been a huge fan of Poncho Sanchez’s music, so you can imagine how excited I was to dive into his latest album, Live at the Belly Up Tavern. (Check out my full review here: Album Review.)

This dynamic live recording is full of energy, groove, and that unmistakable Latin jazz magic, and after giving it a few spins, I found myself especially drawn to the incredible bass work holding it all together. That bassist is Ross Schodek.

Naturally, I had to reach out.

In the conversation that follows, Ross shares his musical journey, what it’s like working with the legendary Poncho Sanchez, his experiences with other notable acts, how he crafts his sound, and what exciting projects he has on the horizon.

Let’s dive in and get to know the talented Ross Schodek!

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in July 2025

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

Back in June 2024, I had the chance to chat with Finger Eleven bassist Sean Anderson about the band’s Greatest Hits album release, and let’s just say, it was a walk down some seriously nostalgic memory lanes!

Fast forward to now, and the guys have been anything but idle.

On November 7, 2025, Finger Eleven will drop their first studio album in nearly a decade, Last Night on Earth, and fans are already buzzing. With such huge news, I couldn’t resist catching up with Sean again to get the inside scoop on this long-awaited release.

Join me as Sean shares all the details behind the new album… from the creative spark that reignited their sound to how he’s dialing in his tone these days, plus what’s next on the horizon for Finger Eleven.

Let’s dive in… here’s Sean Anderson!

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in November 2025

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

Exclusive Video Podcast: Jazz Guitar Today's Bob Bakert talks to John Scofield about his new album with bassist Dave Holland.

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I recently learned about Dr. Emma Dayhuff’s new album, “Innovations & Lineage: The Chicago Project,”, which has been garnering a lot of attention, and I wanted to learn more.

When it came to bringing this album to life, she knew exactly who she wanted on board. She assembled a remarkable group of musicians: Dee Alexander on vocals, Isaiah Collier on tenor sax, and Kahil El’Zabar on percussion.

Recorded live, the album captures the energy of the performance while presenting a clear, resonant bass sound that anchors the music beautifully. It’s both a nod to Chicago’s rich jazz tradition and a glimpse into the innovative directions Dr. Dayhuff is exploring in her work.

Today, we’ll hear about her musical journey, the inspiration behind this album, and what she has planned next. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Emma Dayhuff.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in October 2025

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

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 2025

Go 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 2025

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