Bass virtuoso on his upcoming album, new signature bass and more
Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
March 5, 2018
By David Sands
Widely thought of as one of the electric bass’ true living greats, Stu Hamm has a reputation for innovation and unorthodox techniques like polyphonic two-handed tapping, slapping and popping. He made a name for himself during the 1980s playing alongside Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. And, starting with 1988’s Radio Free Albemuth, he’s gone on to release a string of solo albums that have won praise for their ability to highlight the bass as a lead instrument (in both a solo and ensemble context). Hamm is also a founder of the GHS trio, which also included guitarist Frank Gambale (Chick Corea’s Elektric Band) and drummer Steve Smith (Journey), and the Bx3 tour, which featured him playing alongside fellow bass virtuosos Billy Sheehan and Jeff Berlin. Over the years, he’s also appeared on recordings by artists like Richie Kotzen, Michael Schenker and Steve Fister. Beyond that, he’s also a former Bass Department chair with the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, California, and is known around the world for his work as bass clinician.
During this year’s Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California, FBPO’s Jon Liebman had an opportunity to speak with Hamm about his upcoming album, The Diary of Patrick Xavier, crowdfunding projects, his new signature bass and other topics.
Watch our interview with Stu here!
