Versatile bassist opens up about his awesome new solo release
Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
August 28, 2023
Music has been part of John Peña’s life for just about as long as he can remember. He picked up guitar at the age of 6 under the tutelage of his father, John Peña, Sr. At the age of 17, John Jr. had already become an in-demand bassist in Puerto Rico. Over the years, Peña has performed and/or recorded with a long list of music greats that includes Celia Cruz, Carlos Santana, Herb Alpert, Chaka Khan, Jerry Garcia, Chick Corea, Steve Vai, Diana Ross, Larry Carlton, Glenn Hughes, and Nina Simone. He’s also worked extensively in television and the movies, as a performer, composer, and arranger, lending his talents to productions like Rush Hour, Men in Black, Access Hollywood, Friends, and Oprah. His new solo album, Life, Legacy & Music, Pt. 1, was released on August 8.
Watch our interview with John!
See Jon’s blog, with key takeaways from this interview here.
John’s new release, Life, Legacy & Music Pt. 1, is available here.
John Pena’s work with Tania Maria is some of the hottest bass work I’ve ever heard. The live album Wild! is one of the best latin jazz albums ever,and his bass playing is nothing short of phenomenal
Yeah, John’s great! Thanks, Stephen.
I first heard John P when my kids were just toddlers. I had Nickalodian on and loved the band. Of course the bass player popped and i started paying attention to whenever that show came on. Built a brand new recording studio in the Bay Area so I was really busy and as times fly before I new it the show was off the air and no VHS or DVD’s nothing. Happened to catch an episode on YouTube 30 years later and BAM there’s that band and that incredible bassist.
Sheesh I wanna meet those guys! They’re great players.
Anyway, just say’n.
Time keeps marching on.
My kids are 35 & 33 now 😮
Hope all is well with you John.
Great story, Jesse. Thanks for sharing that!