Barry Bales
Long-time Alison Krauss & Union Station bassist tells FBPO all about his bluegrass roots, instructional DVD, the Nashville scene and more!
Read MoreBass Player Interviews
Welcome to this collection of first-hand stories from some of the most influential bass players in the world.
Since waaay back in 2009, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with bass players from every corner of the music world — legends, innovators, sidemen, bandleaders, and players whose work you’ve heard far more than you realize. Now at over 900 interviews (934, to be precise), this has grown into a deep archive of bass history — not just about gear or technique, but about musical choices, instincts, and real-world careers.
What I’ve heard consistently over the years is how motivating these conversations are. Hearing how great players think, adapt, and grow often sparks the desire to pick up the bass and take learning seriously. That idea — turning inspiration into action — is exactly what led to the creation of the Bottom Line Club, my membership for learning bass, right here inside For Bass Players Only. Want to learn bass? Check out the Bottom Line Club here.
Archived interviews
Kern Brantley
After Beyoncé, Ne-Yo, Aaliyah, Salt-N-Pepa, Boyz II Men and countless others, Detroit-bred groover is currently touring with Lady Gaga. Here is his story, in his…
Read MoreLarry Graham
Exclusive conversation with the funk pioneer himself, from Sly & the Family Stone to Graham Central Station and beyond!
Read MoreNathan East
From the L.A. studios to Clapton, Fourplay, Toto and George Harrison, Nathan tells all!
Read MoreIgor Saavedra
Chilean virtuoso and pioneer of the 8-string bass tells FBPO about his Vectorial Synthesis Technique and “Mic Ramp” invention
Read MoreBrian Torff
Jazz ace gives first-hand accounts of the tours with Cleo Laine, Stéphane Grapelli and George Shearing, as well as being Erroll Garner’s last bass player!
Read MoreAlex Blake
As part of our Blake Brothers tribute, Alex covers the gigs with Sun Ra, Dizzy Gillespie, Manhattan transfer and lots more!
Read MoreRussel Blake
First-hand accounts of the gigs with Sonny Rollins, Pharoah Sanders, Paquito D’Rivera and Chaka Khan, plus so much more! One a 2-part series with the…
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