Bass Player News
Tribute to Maxim Janowsky
I was in my early teens when I was lucky enough to meet one of ‘those’ people… I had been playing the upright bass in the middle school orchestra but my Mother insisted I take private lessons from a qualified instructor. Keep in mind this wasn’t piano or guitar that I was playing, it was an upright bass and teachers for this beast of an instrument weren’t exactly a dime a dozen. But my older brother Brian, a great drummer in the Detroit area, was able to locate a bass instructor who came highly recommended, Maxim Janowsky from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Up to this point, I had only played in the school orchestra and had taken some private guitar lessons in the local music stores, so I remember being excited but scared to death all at the same time. I kept thinking “This guy was gonna be serious and probably really old and really mean!”
Maxim Janowsky greeted us at the front door to his home in Huntington Woods, Michigan; he was neither old nor was he mean. He was a man of slim stature with a kind face and a friendly warm smile, as he welcomed me into his home on that day so many years ago; a day my life as a young musician changed forever.
Over the course of the next four years, my high school years, Max taught me every Sunday morning for an hour-long lesson. My father, mother and sometimes my older brother would drive me to the lessons until I was old enough to drive on my own. As courteous and welcoming as Max was, he never allowed anyone to wait in the room while he was teaching, a private lesson was truly private! Max taught me no differently than his college students from Wayne State and Oakland University. I studied from all the same method books and played the same sonatas & concertos as students four and five years older than me.
Max encouraged me to enter every regional solo competition and symphony orchestra. In fact, he was directly responsible for me attending a weeklong summer workshop with classical bass virtuoso Gary Karr. At the age of sixteen, I was studying with legendary world-renowned bassists and playing in orchestras with musicians nearly three times my age. Needless to say, this experience was immeasurable and I progressed as a young bassist in a way that probably would’ve not been possible if I had not been under the mentorship of Max Janowsky.
In my senior year of high school, I received scholarships to the Interlochen all state music program and the University of Michigan. Max had prepared me well and always offered encouraging yet realistic advice. I can remember losing a few scholarship auditions and Max saying to me, “If you can’t handle rejection you’re in the wrong business…” truer words have never been spoken to me!
After high school, I attended the University of Miami Music School on scholarship, however I had changed my emphasis from classical music to Jazz & Rock Fusion. Perhaps this change of focus from a life in the symphony to life in the nightclubs as a freelancer was a disappointment to Max, but I never lost any of the discipline and incredible knowledge he passed on to me. Regardless of what style of music I chose to pursue, I would not be the player I am today without the effective practice habits and overall respect for my craft & art that Max Janowsky instilled in me. I thank you Max, as you now play in heavens orchestra, you were not only a great teacher but also a great man. Love ya Max!
Maxim Janowsky’s Official Bio:
Maxim Janowsky joined the DSO in September 1964 following a four-year post with the Hartford Symphony and performances with the Connecticut Opera orchestra. Born in Hartford, CT, Janowsky studied at the Tanglewood Institute, Interlochen Arts Academy and the University of Hartford. His principal teachers have included Fred Zimmerman of the New York Philharmonic, George Moleux of the Boston Symphony, and his own father, Isador Janowsky, who was Principal Bass of the Hartford Symphony.
An active teacher, Janowsky has taught at Wayne State and Oakland universities. His article, “Theme and Variations,” which discusses the application of the Galamian Violin Method of effective practicing to the study of the bass, was printed in the International Society of Bassists’ Magazine in 1984. He also lectured on the subject at the 1984 International Society of Bassists Convention.
Also very interested in gourmet cooking, Janowsky has studied in Paris at two of the world’s most famous cooking schools: Cordon Bleu and La Varenne. At Cordon Bleu he received a diploma in Pastry and at La Verrenne he focused on French Provincial cooking and fish cookery. He has also attended classes at the Escofier Cooking School at the Ritz.
Mr. Janowsky was born in 1943 in Hartford, Conn. His father and onetime teacher, Isador Janowsky, was principal bassist of Hartford Symphony. Mr. Janowsky’s other key teachers were the noted bass pedagogue Fred Zimmermann of the New York Philharmonic and George Moleux of the Boston Symphony.
Mr. Janowsky studied at Tanglewood, Interlochen Arts Academy and University of Hartford. Prior to joining the DSO he played with the Hartford Symphony.
He is survived his wife of 37 years, Joan.
Notes From An Artist Radio / Podcast hosts David C. Gross and Tomaso Semioli are letting the music do the talking! The two media personalities are releasing instrumental music that corresponds with works of art and film.
David C. Gross Presents Experiments in the Barn: A Fusion of Music and Experimental Film
Acclaimed bassist, composer, and music educator David C. Gross announces his latest 144 MUSIC project, Experiments in the Barn, an immersive exploration of sound and cinema. This unique series blends original music with experimental and silent films, creating a dialogue between visual imagery and auditory experience.
Experiments in the Barn invites audiences into a world where music and film intersect, challenging traditional storytelling and inspiring new ways to experience art. Drawing on decades of performance across jazz, rock, R&B, and avant-garde styles, Gross composes scores that amplify the emotional and narrative possibilities of the visual medium.
The series has been described as a meditative journey through soundscapes, a cinematic experience reimagined, and a testament to the power of music as a storytelling tool. Experiments in the Barn exemplifies Gross’s commitment to innovation, improvisation, and the transforma4ve poten4al of combining disciplines.
Tomaso Semioli Presents Ambient Sketches, Vol. 1 A Mélange of Music & NYC Art
On his decidedly D.I.Y. debut release, Tomaso Semioli fuses ambient, funk, dub, indie pop, and Nu Jazz with his MY #NYC photographic art collages throughout instrumental vignettes. Select tracks are available on Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, and most music streaming platforms.
Each song sketch/fragment complements a specific photographic art collage created by Tomaso Semioli for his #MY NYC collection. These collages are an inimitable kaleidoscopic interpretation of the way Tomaso experiences life in New York City!
The idea to create one-to-two-minute “mini operas” was inspired by Tomaso’s observation (and 4ming) of how long museum and gallery visitors actually gaze at artwork on average!
Ambient Sketches Video Playlist
PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT
We’re thrilled to introduce VIBRATIONISTS, our exciting new band and upcoming album!
Suzy Starlite (bass, fife, piano, vocals)
Simon Campbell (guitars, vocals)
Dave Boyd (piano, bodhrán, percussion, vocals)
After three diverse studio albums as Starlite & Campbell, we felt the time was right to record an acoustic-based album, a long-held dream.
This journey began serendipitously when mutual friends connected us with Dave Boyd, a brilliant Northern Irish musician living surprisingly close by in Portugal. Our instant connection with Dave, a master of the traditional Irish bodhrán who also incorporates unique digital effects and a vast array of instruments, quickly evolved into forming a truly collaborative band—a first for us in a long time.
Our new sound, captured on the forthcoming VIBRATIONISTS album slated for early 2026, has grown far beyond our initial acoustic vision. We’ve embraced expansive soundscapes, integrating everything from Wurlitzer electric piano and synthesisers to drum machines and Moog Taurus bass pedals.
As songwriters who don’t stick to genres, we let each song guide us, resulting in a rich sonic tapestry of contemporary alt-folk, prog-rock, and blues. Our name, VIBRATIONISTS, reflects our belief that every atom vibrates, echoing the profound impact of sound in our world.
To give you a taste of our live sound and prepare for future tours, we’ve begun playing low-key warm-up shows and recording live video sessions at the Supertone Sonic Lab in Portugal.
Our first video, reimagining It Ain’t Right with Suzy on vocals, will be released soon on our new VIBRATIONISTS YouTube channel.
We invite you to explore more on our website, where you can sign up for updates!
Fused Frequencies is a bold new Bay Area jazz fusion collective—Mads Tolling, Paul Hanson, Frank Martin, Farida Nelson, and Deszon Claiborne—crafting original, genre-defying music through fearless interplay and masterful production. This dynamic ensemble blends jazz, rock, classical, and world music into a sound that’s cinematic, groove-rich, and built equally for the stage and the screen.
Each member of Fused Frequencies is a celebrated artist in their own right, with deep roots in innovation, education, and international performance. Together, they form a powerhouse of creative energy, performing all-original compositions that are as intricate as they are emotionally resonant.
At the heart of the band’s sound is the electric interplay between violinist Mads Tolling and Paul Hanson on electric bassoon and saxophones—a fierce yet lyrical dialogue that fuses classical precision with untamed sonic exploration. Frank Martin layers rich textures on piano and synthesizer, moving seamlessly from ambient landscapes to fiery solos. Farida Nelson anchors the low end with a blend of bass guitar and keytar, while Deszon Claiborne drives the rhythm with nuance, power, and versatility.
This is music without borders. Drawing from jazz, funk, classical, prog rock, and electronic traditions, Fused Frequencies creates a sound that defies genre yet feels instantly recognizable— bold, cinematic, and relentlessly inventive.
Whether reimagining familiar themes or presenting bold new originals, Fused Frequencies delivers an electrifying live experience. Every performance is a journey into the unexpected, fearless, genre-blurring, and unmistakably alive.
Photo courtesy of InnoTech Representatives / Photographer, Bob Hakins
Spector Bass Welcomes Megadeth Bassist James LoMenzo as Newest Brand Ambassador…
Spector Bass is proud to announce the addition of legendary bassist James LoMenzo of Megadeth to its esteemed roster of artists. With a career spanning decades and a reputation as one of rock and metal’s most formidable bassists, LoMenzo brings his signature style and energy to the Spector family.
“I’m immensely proud and excited to have the opportunity to be a new brand ambassador for one of my favorite basses of all time, Spector,” said LoMenzo. “I was first made aware of these amazing basses when I was starting out in the clubs in NYC in the early ’80s. They were THE top-end basses made in my hometown Brooklyn. Back then one hit song after another featuring the aggressive up-front sound of these basses played on the radio. Looking back, I can’t believe I never picked up one of these basses for my collection—their recorded legacy alone speaks for itself!”
LoMenzo’s journey with Spector came full circle during the recording of Megadeth’s latest album. “While prepping for our latest Megadeth record, our co-producer/engineer Chris Rakestraw told me about his most recent bass acquisition—a new Spector Euro CST. I had the opportunity to try it out when I got together with the guys at our studio in Tennessee and was blown away. Great to play, amazing in-your-face tone—I just kept it strapped on and recorded the entire album with it. Since I couldn’t convince Chris to sell me his, I had to get my own.”
Fans can catch James LoMenzo live on tour with Megadeth, where he’ll be wielding his Spector bass on stages around the world. “Come on out and see me rip it up with Megadeth and my very own Spector bass out on The Killing Road!”
Spector Bass is thrilled to support LoMenzo’s continued musical journey and looks forward to the powerful performances and recordings to come.
Learn more about Spector at www.spectorbass.com
Bass Player News
Justin Emord Joined NAMM’s Washington DC Advocacy Fly-In to Support Federal Funding for Music Education
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Justin Emord joined a delegation of NAMM Members, music and arts advocates, and industry partners to speak with Members of Congress to request continued support for federal funding for quality, sequential music education as part of the school day for more than 50 million public school students. The 19th NAMM Advocacy D.C. Fly-In welcomed new and returning advocates from all over the U.S. This included 94 music business leaders and professionals representing all 50 states.
“For me, music education has helped develop and shape me into the person I am today. I wouldn’t be who I am or experienced the things that I have without my music teacher in elementary school. The connection from the classroom to touring and being a voting member of the Recording Academy is about as clear and defined as it possibly can be.”
To kick off NAMM’s Advocacy Fly-In, The NAMM Foundation hosted a “Network With the Pros” event on Monday, May 5th, where music industry professionals met with students at Eastern Senior High School to share all the various career paths outlined in The NAMM Foundation’s Careers in Music initiative.
Follow Justin on IG @justin_emord and FB @justinemord16
Gear News: Fender Unveils Highly Anticipated Vintera III Series
New Music: Oteil Burbridge & Lamar Williams Jr. New Single, Hush
Interview With Bassist Virginia Franks
Nathan East, Echoes of a Lineage – April/May 2026 Issue
Gear Review: Italia Leather Straps
Feb 16 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Feb 23 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Mar 2 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Mar 9 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram