Bass 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 Clubmy membership for learning bass, right here inside For Bass Players Only. Want to learn bass? Check out the Bottom Line Club here.

Archived interviews

John Wetton

Rock & roll heavyweight tells FBPO about his new “Raised in Captivity” CD and reuniting with the original members of Asia

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Rich Appleman

The man who taught Jeff Berlin, Stu Hamm, Victor Bailey, Bryan Beller and countless others recounts 40 years as head of Berklee’s incredible bass dept!

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Jauqo III-X

Multi-faceted performer tells FBPO about his experiences with Ornette Coleman, Jamaaladeen Tacuma and his 15-string fretless bass!

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Jeff Bradetich

Classical virtuoso talks about life as a solo bassist, studying with Gary Karr, thoughts on jazz and electric bass and the Bradetich Foundation

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Neil Jason

NYC session heavyweight goes one-on-one with FBPO, covering everything from the Brecker Brothers to Letterman, with some invaluable advice for musicians!

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Mike Pope

Electronics wizard talks to FBPO about how he formed Michael Pope Design after decades of gigs with Chick Corea, David Sanborn, Mike Stern and Paul…

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Charlie Haden

From the earliest days of his family’s radio show to Ornette Coleman, the Liberation Music Orchestra and Quartet West, jazz giant tells his whole story!

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For Bass Players Only
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