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Bass Musician Magazine: Apr/May 2009 Issue Featuring Anthony Jackson

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Interview with Bassist Anthony Jackson by Editor Jake Kot –

Innovator: one who renews; to introduce new methods; changes a way of doing things. Anthony Jackson most certainly personifies the characteristics of this title. After a long (and thoroughly enjoyed) interview with him, I’d like to go beyond the well publicized innovations he’s known for (the picked and flanged bass line on For the Love of Money by the O’Jays decades ago… the early development of the 6 string contrabass) and show how in my opinion he merges the act of innovation with individualism, and how this merging encapsulates this particular artist’s vision.

Being an academician at heart, every aspect of his artistic makeup is researched, from the integrity of a harmonic approach to the inner workings of his gear. When I questioned him about the business approach he would consider after completing the CD, he quickly replied that he wasn’t interested in that at all… his only concern was what was “on it”, not to mention that he waited decades before releasing a solo CD out of a strong need to make sure it was “done right”. Another interesting and related example of this man’s commitment was his willingness to lose a tremendous amount of session work in the seventies staying true to his vision of himself and his personal statement on his instrument, rather than employing the slap techniques of the time he was asked to perform.

When you couple that kind of commitment to his “follow your heart” mantra that he upholds and employs, it is easy to understand the direction, or should I say path that he has chosen to follow as an artist, and the impact that choice has created within the industry, as well as the overwhelming respect he’s earned that is so evident from his colleagues giving credence to his musical and personal choices.

Where does this thin line between innovation and individualism fall? I believe it falls squarely upon this particular human being.

Jake: I’d like to start off talking about your upcoming release “Interspirits”, which I believe is your first solo project under your own name. What was the motivation behind your decision to release your first solo CD?

Anthony: I had heard what Yiorgos (Fakanas) was doing. He is in my opinion a genuine composer/performer as opposed to a bass player who writes music. I see him as a seriously gifted composer, not just a songwriter. There is a qualitative difference between the two. Yiorgos writes for a full orchestra as well as string quartets. And he is superbly trained to handle these things without embarrassing himself at all. After listening to what he is able to do as a composer, as well as being a first rate bass guitarist, I thought that he would have an unusual vision for me, plus he knew that if someone didn’t come along and say, I’m going to do this for you, period, I might never do it.

I had serious plans to do a record a number of times over very many years, and something always seemed to come along and push the train off the track so to speak. About six to seven years ago I had plans to do a rhythm section trio, keyboards, bass, and drums, and I had really grand plans on how I was going to use that format in a very unique and very effective way. I had kind of a model in mind, but I don’t want to try to compare it to anything else. It was ready to go. I was ready to start the project, but I couldn’t get the keyboard player I wanted. So I was in a position where I realized that no one else could do it. There was no one else who had the peculiar qualifications of keyboard ability, a really strong and individual solo voice, and the compositional integrity that I could really respect. It was literally that crucial to have three particular individuals in mind. So this idea had just been kind of drying in the sun, and I hadn’t been giving it any further thought until Yiorgos came along and said, I really want to try this, I’d like to do this with you, and I thought to myself why not… this certainly could be a good time. This is someone I truly respect, someone I really like and have a real rapport with on all levels, and I knew it could be very interesting. He’s been a fan of mine for a long time and had listened to many of my recordings. He knew who he would be writing for. So I decided to go ahead with the project… close my eyes, hold my nose and jump into the deep end of the pool, because it was beginning to look like I would never pursue this, especially after this last project that never got off the ground. I was tired of being disappointed.

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Leland Sklar, Over Half a Century of Bass, March 2024

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Leland Sklar, Over Half a Century of Bass, March 2024

We all have enjoyed Leland Sklar’s Bass lines for over half a century.

You might remember that we had him on our cover back in 2017 and did an update when he launched his book “Everybody Loves Me” in 2020. It was exciting to hear that The Immediate Family had got back together in the studio to work on their own music in 2019 and are now up to two albums.

Just last December, Magnolia Pictures released a documentary titled “Immediate Family” where we got a behind-the-scenes look at the massive contributions Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel, Ross Kunckle, Leland Sklar and Steve Postell have made in countless songs that are the very essence of our daily personal musical soundtracks. Seeing the astronomical roster of performers they have supported over many years is very eye-opening. It is a must-see for any music lover!

Now, I am thrilled to bring you a special chat with Leland Sklar where we go more in-depth into the bass side of his musical journey.

Photos: Header, Rob Shanahan – Cover Photo, Jay Gilbert/Chris Schmitt

Skin In the Game – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhbnzIrdjJ8 
from new album Skin In The Game

The Toughest Girl In Town – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVQLZIRfLjU 
from new album Skin In The Game

Fair Warning – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DN18DYwLsU –
from the self-titled album The Immediate Family

Visit Online

www.immediatefamilyband.com/
www.facebook.com/TheImmedFamily
www.instagram.com/theimmedfamily/

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Bass Videos

Ricky Phillips, STYX Bass And More – February 2024

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Ricky Phillips, STYX Bass And More, January 2024

Ricky Phillips, STYX Bass And More…

This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram

I have always been a huge Styx fan. Their music kept me awake during countless nights studying and gave my imagination a place to escape when I had a moment to take a break. 

I had the immense opportunity to chat with STYX bassist Ricky Phillips for our August Cover in 2017 and follow his projects as time passed. Now, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to catch up with Ricky as he has been super-busy over the past six years. 

Join me as we take a deep dive into the band’s most recent album “Crash the Crown” and EP “The Same Stardust”. Ricky shares some insights into the herculean team effort behind the scenes and the musical process that keeps them ever so busy and how he has updated his sound. 

Without further ado… Here is Ricky Phillips!

Photo: Jason Powell

“Crash of the Crown” lyric video

“Reveries” lyric video

“Save Us From Ourselves” lyric video

“Sound the Alarm” lyric video

“Too Much Time On My Hands” Zoom video 2020

Visit online:

www.Styxworld.com
FB & IG @styxtheband

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Bass Videos

Jeff Pilson, Foreigner Low End – January 2024

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Jeff Pilson - Bass Musician Magazine - January 2024

Jeff Pilson, Foreigner Low End – January 2024…

Those of us who were around back in the 70’s remember how certain songs on the radio resonated with us. It turns out that many of these iconic melodies came from Foreigner and they were part of our personal soundtracks! 

After all these years, the band is going as strong as ever with Jeff Pilson firing away on bass midstream into a 2-year farewell tour. 

I am excited to be able to bring you all the details about Jeff’s musical Journey, the farewell tour in progress, how he gets his sound and his plans for the future.

Cover Photo: Krishta Abruzziini / Video Photos: Krishta Abruzzini, Karsten Staiger, Gina Hyams

For more news on FOREIGNER and upcoming Farewell Tour dates, fans can visit:
foreigneronline.com
facebook.com/Foreigner
twitter.com/ForeignerMusic
instagram.com/foreignerlive
youtube.com/user/FWebTeam
Also on FB @officialjeffpilson

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Bass Videos

Rodney O’Quinn, Rockin’ Hard Through the Years – December 2023

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Rodney O'Quinn, Rockin’ Hard Through the Years – December 2023

Interview With Foghat Bassist Rodney O’Quinn…

Rodney O'Quinn - Bass Musician Magazine - December 2023-v2

Many rock fans have enjoyed music by Foghat, who originally formed in London back in 1971.

Over the many decades of playing, the band members have changed, leaving behind only Roger Earl as the only original member. Bassist Rodney O’Quinn left the Pat Travers Band and joined the group in 2015 and has been laying down the low end for this iconic quartet keeping the Foghat legacy alive. With a new album titled “Sonic Mojo” which dropped on November 10th, the band is as busy as ever and there is lots of very tasty music to come.

Join me as we learn of Rodney O’Quinn’s musical journey, how he gets his sound, and his plans for the future.

Photos:
Cover,
Jake Coughlin
Video Thumbnail, Tom Apathy
Photos used in the video: Kerry Quinn, Chuck Lanza, Kim Granger, Kenneth Strohm, Jake Coughlin, Jay Jylika

1st Single from Sonic Mojo – Official “Drivin’ On” 

2nd Single from Sonic Mojo – “She’s a Little Bit of Everything Official Video

 “Road Fever”- California Mid State Fair – Paso Robles, CA – 7-27-22

“Stone Blue” – Rodney O’Quinn Bass/Lead Vocals – Don Odell’s Legends – Woonsocket, R.I – 10/15/22 – The Stadium Theater

The Earl’s Court – Season 2, Episode 7: Funny Guys 

“I Just Want to Make Love to You” – CasinoRama – 6-9-23 

FOGHAT “Somebody’s Been Sleepin’ in My Bed” – Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT – 1/28/22

“I Just Want to Make Love to You” – California Mid State Fair – Paso Robles, CA – 7-27-22

Visit Online:

www.foghat.com
www.facebook.com/Foghat
www.twitter.com/FOGHAT
www.instagram.com/foghat_official
www.youtube.com/user/FOGHATMUSIC

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Bass Videos

Suzi Quatro, Eternal Powerhouse – November 2023

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Suzi Quatro, Eternal Powerhouse – November 2023

Interview With Bassist Suzi Quatro…

Suzie-Quatro-Bass-Musician-Magazine-November-2023

It is always exciting to have the opportunity to talk to an artist who has been prolific for decades.

Suzi Quatro has been rocking our world since the sixties and has been super-creative as a bassist, musician, actress, singer, songwriter, author, radio show host and so much more. Most recently, Suzi released a new album titled “Face to Face” where she joined forces with KT Tunstall and together they are a force of nature. (See our video with Suzi about the album release)

Join me as we hear about Suzi’s musical journey, her many projects, how she gets her sound and her plans for the future.

Here is Suzi Quatro…

Suzi Quatro & KT Tunstall – “Truth As My Weapon” (Official Music Video)

“Shine A Light” music video (from the upcoming album)

“Bad Moon Rising” music video (from 2022):

Bass-Solo / Live in Prah? 1979

Glyserine Queen / Bass solo – Tampere Finland

Follow Online:

suziquatro.com
IG @suziquatroreal
FB @Suziquatrorocks
TW @Suzi_Quatro

Photos: 
Video – Andrew Whitton
Cover and Header Photo – Courtesy of Suzi Quatro

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