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Bass Musician Magazine: Jun/Jul 2010 Featuring Eddie Gomez

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Eddie Gomez, Interview by Rick Suchow –

Cover Image by Davide Susa –

With even the most cursory glance at the long list of major jazz artists who have sought out his enormous bass talent, one thing is immediately clear: Eddie Gomez has blazed his own trail. Name after iconic jazz name such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner and Gerry Mulligan fill his discography and concert history that now stretches back over four decades. Blessed with an uncanny ability to find the right note, the right phrase, to instantly absorb the sound of each instrument that surrounds him and react with the perfect piece of the puzzle, hearing Eddie perform is an experience to behold. Through it all, his unmistakable tone and technique allow him to put his own personal stamp on all that emanates from his upright, whether in the role of supporting player or soloist. In short, Eddie Gomez is our modern master of bass.

Not that his low-end journey has been limited to the world of jazz, as his body of work readily reveals. Pop, R&B, Classical and Latin artists alike have all utilized Eddie’s distinctive dexterity in the studio and on stage. And yet when all is said and done, Gomez may perhaps be most remembered for the eleven years he spent with the legendary Bill Evans. Widely regarded as one of the most important jazz pianists of the 20th century, Evans made major contributions to recordings by Charles Mingus, Miles Davis and others before breaking out with his own trio in 1959, a group that included bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian. When LaFaro, a revolutionary talent in his own right, died suddenly in a tragic car crash in 1961 at the tender age of 25, Evans suddenly found himself without the telepathic piano-bass connection the two had. He would hire various bassists over the next few years, but it wasn’t until Eddie Gomez joined him in 1966 that Bill was able to recapture that same level of interplay that made the Bill Evans Trio so unique. And although Gomez is the first to admit that it took him a while to settle in and feel comfortable with the trio, it’s apparent that Bill Evans immediately found his man in Eddie, and the two would be kindred bandmates for more than a decade.

In the 30 years since leaving the Evans fold Eddie’s career has never slowed, and he’s added a bevy of innovative and well received recordings to his discography, both as sideman and solo artist. Continually challenging himself with disparate and wide ranging live performance situations, he remains to this day an in-demand bassist of the highest caliber. Now at age 65, Eddie’s bustling schedule reads like the itinerary of a musician half his age, and he retains a fresh, youthful, energetic approach to the many projects he immerses himself in and a wide-eyed optimism about the musical possibilities that have yet to unfold. And make no mistake, the man is still bringing his A-game; just last year he was awarded with a Latin Grammy for best instrumental album for his Duets collaboration with Carlos Franzetti.

His musical endeavors are not limited to recording and performance either. Gomez not only enjoys success as a composer, writing for his own groups as well as various film and television projects, but he also finds himself in the prestigious position of Artistic Director of The Conservatory of Music Of Puerto Rico, where he has been professor and artist-in-residence since 2005. In fact, the PR Conservatory is merely the latest in a long string of educational positions that Eddie has held, which also includes Associate Professor of jazz double bass at Oberlin Conservatory, and artist-in-residence jobs at Stamford, North Texas State, and Georgia State Universities.

Our interview took place in April of this year, just days after Eddie returned from a week-long tour of Japan with drummer Steve Gadd. He was also just days away from preparing for a two week stint at New York’s famed Blue Note jazz club with pianist Chick Corea and drummer Paul Motian, a special event to be billed as “Further Explorations of Bill Evans”. Chick’s concept for the trio was to introduce some lesser known Evans compositions as well as a few of his own originals, all in the spirit of remembering and honoring the great Evans. Although this highly anticipated event was to be filmed and recorded for a future DVD and CD release, Eddie was not aware of the exact nature of the project when I mentioned it to him. It was on this topic that we began our interview.

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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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