Chester Hansen is the bass player of the Ontario jazz quartet, BADBADNOTGOOD, although jazz in this context is used liberally. BADBADNOTGOOD, composed of Hansen on bass, Matthew Tavares on keyboards, Alexander Sowinski on drums and, as of late, saxophonist Leland Whitty, is among a crop of up-and-coming acts that are reinventing jazz and adapting it to a new generation … [Read more...] about I’m Chester Hansen and This is How I Play
Being a Working Musician Pt. 1: A Day in the Life of a Working Bass Player
For many bass players, it is a dream come true to be able to make a living from playing music. Viewed by some as a risky career choice due to its artistic nature, this isn’t the case if you combine a sense of professionalism with a dedicated work ethic. Doing this will ensure a very rewarding career financially and artistically. Over this series of articles, we will examine … [Read more...] about Being a Working Musician Pt. 1: A Day in the Life of a Working Bass Player
I’m Rudy Sarzo and This is How I Play
Rudy Sarzo has played bass for a who’s who of hard rock and heavy metal names including Ozzy Osbourne,Yngwie Malmsteen, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Blue Öyster Cult, Dio and many others. While he is no longer playing with many of these acts, Rudy has continued to stay musically active and is a go-to name in bass guitar. In recent years, Rudy has played alongside guitar maestro … [Read more...] about I’m Rudy Sarzo and This is How I Play
I’m Scott Varney and This is How I Play
When most hear the words ‘solo bassist’ they tend to think of instrumental music. That may be true in many cases but not so much for Virginia singer-songwriter and bassist Scott Varney. Scott is unquestionably a unique voice in the world of bass guitar. Drawing technical influence from bass greats like Richard Bona and Victor Wooten and combining them influence from artists … [Read more...] about I’m Scott Varney and This is How I Play
I’m Kyle Nagel and This is How I Play
Kyle Nagel is a bass player’s bass player. The bass player held down the bass chair for the neo-soul band Young Pandas, for forthcoming band Foggy Goggles and serves as the musical director of Mannequin the Band. It’s a lot of bass playing, but Nagel is the man for the job. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Nagel graduated from Mcnally/Smith College of Music in St. Paul, … [Read more...] about I’m Kyle Nagel and This is How I Play
I’m Michael Manring And This Is How I Play
Solo bass guitar is becoming more popular in recent years. Bass players are feeling more empowered than ever to move bass guitar from a supportive into a lead role, taking the spotlight. One of the biggest names that continues to draw praise and admiration for his technical and compositional skills has been Michael Manring. Praised by many as one of the most progressive minds … [Read more...] about I’m Michael Manring And This Is How I Play
I’m Bryan Beller And This Is How I Play
Bryan Beller is one of bass guitar’s most engaging, versatile talents. The 20-year bassist, composer, teacher and clinician has earned a reputation among listeners and collaborators alike as an immensely talented and tasteful bassist for some of music’s most daring and adventurous acts including Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and Dweezil Zappa. In recent years, Bryan has played the … [Read more...] about I’m Bryan Beller And This Is How I Play
Track Review: Guus van Beelen’s ‘Springtime’
Sunshine, birds chirping, warm weather. All things one would associate with spring. One reader submission captures those warm, lax feelings of a lazy spring day called ‘Springtime’. Submitted by Dutch bassist and teacher Guus van Beelen, his latest composition, ‘Springtime’ perfectly captures the easy-goingness of a warm spring day. Combining pinch harmonics and carefully … [Read more...] about Track Review: Guus van Beelen’s ‘Springtime’
Feeling Uninspired Musically: 3 Ways To Get You Out of Your Playing Rut
Ever try to write a song or a bass line and nothing is coming to you? Has that thought extended one layer deeper and you wonder why you’re playing right now? Did a frustration begin to mount that you can’t think of anything creative and the thought of a blank musical page or an empty DAW file staring at you is driving you crazy? So you put your bass down and walk out of your … [Read more...] about Feeling Uninspired Musically: 3 Ways To Get You Out of Your Playing Rut
Re-Learning Bass Guitar After a 25-Year Hiatus: It’s Not Like Riding a Bike
This is a guest post from bassist and Smart Bass reader Jeff McWilliams I had a friend in high school who was a pretty good guitarist. Not a great lead, but a really solid rhythm guitarist who had a fairly large repertoire of songs that he could belt out pretty well. Good enough for me to grab a 12 pack and listen to music being made right up in my face. He had a … [Read more...] about Re-Learning Bass Guitar After a 25-Year Hiatus: It’s Not Like Riding a Bike