Wall-to-wall bass wonders drop in and drop truths

Amazing interviews have come thick and fast this month. It’s always so much fun talking to Detroit bass icon Ralphe Armstrong, who’s played with everyone from Frank Zappa and John McLaughlin to Jean-Luc Ponty and the London Symphony Orchestra. In our interview, Ralphe offered compelling thoughts on bass technique, including some very strong feelings about left-hand fingerings that will no doubt make you perk up.

Sitting down with Israeli bass sensation Adam Ben Ezra to talk about his crowd-pleasing one-man show is always a thrill. It’s truly amazing how adept this young bassist is at capturing the true essence of so many styles, including jazz, Latin, Mediterranean, and more, all without the aid of a band. Who says the bass is only there to support others?

And what an inspiring conversation we had with Chicagobased low-ender Frank Russell, alumnus of the Freddie Hubbard, Ramsey Lewis, Alphonse Mouzon, and Wallace Roney bands. Frank is especially excited to have recently reclaimed the bass chair position with the South African vocal outfit Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the group which was catapulted to worldwide renown back in the 80s on Paul Simon’s Graceland album, with the one and only Bakithi Kumalo on bass.

Lastly, when Santana comes to town, we never pass up a chance to talk to Benny Rietveld, the band’s longtime bassist. After sharing a few priceless Santana stories, Benny gave insights into the role of the bass player, and how to fill that huge responsibility we have to the band – and the audience.

In other news, our online bass school at FBPO is exploding of late, with new members from over a dozen states throughout the US, as well as Spain, Finland, Hungary, Germany, England, and Australia. What a thrill it is to help the world groove better!