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Jiro Okada, Japan’s Melodic Superstar by Andreas Farmakalidis: Bass Musician Magazine April 2013

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Jiro Okada! Jiro Okada was born in 1967 in Japan. He started studying bass at the age of 12, however he did not take music seriously until he was in his early 20s; he states that he started taking music seriously and performing at a professional level when he was 22.

A couple of years later, in 1994, he started performing with well-known Japanese singer Mariko Takahashi and was a part of Marikos touring band for 15 years. In order to broaden his horizons, in 2001, he became an official member of the renowned awe-inspiring jazz fusion band “Prism”. Together they have released 8 albums and 3 DVD’s!

Since 2009 he joined Japanese pop star Ayaka Hirahara’s touring band, which he is still a member. He is currently teaching at Senzoku University, Jazz course.

What inspired you to start playing bass?

I was in between guitar and bass, however I chose the Bass since it is a lot cooler than guitar! This is the reason why I treat the bass like a guitar sometimes (smile).

Who influenced you the most? Who are your favorite musicians and why?

Very interesting question. It is very appealing to me to understand who helped me evolve musically. I will have to mention: Bobby McFerrin, Tommy Emmanuel, Pat Metheny, Richard Bona, Ayaka Hirahara and Marcus Miller. All of these musicians have a unique “voice”. They are inspiring, lift up your spirits and motivate you!

Which are your favorite: Top 10 Recordings/CDs

Play / Bobby McFerrin & Chick Corea
Center Stage / Tommy Emmanuel (DVD)
Off-ramp / Pat Metheny
Greenhouse / The Yellowjackets
Star / Jan Garbarek with Miroslav Vitous and Peter Erskine
Eyewitness / Steve Khan
For You / Tatsuro Yamashita
Wain no nioi (??????) / Off Course
The Voice / Ayaka Hirahara
American Dreams / Charlie Haden

Which is your favorite bass, as well as piece of gear?

My favorite bass is the Real Bossa Design OBJ 5. For amplification I use Markbass amps and for effects I like the ZOOM B9ut.

Can you tell us any tips for younger musicians?

I believe that many people will listen to your music, regardless of the genre if you put feeling and your heart and soul into your music. If you love what you do then the result will be good.

I know that you are one of the most busy bassists in Japan; you tour a lot! Any touring advice?

Having fun is the most important thing. You have to make it fun and pleasant. Imagine being stuck in a tour bus with musicians that don’t get along with each other. This will affect everyone’s psychology and most importantly it will affect the music.

Any Funny touring moments that you would like to share?

I cannot think of funny moments, however I will tell you what I consider some of the most important moments. The fact that I’ve visited many historical castles in Japan, along with the tour members, makes it a truly imperative experience. Learning more about my culture as well as the history of Japan is imperative.

Any TECHNIQUE tips? I noticed that you use a 4-finger technique, as well as chords etc. Any comments on that?

It’s difficult to play fast when the fingers hit the strings too hard. For that reason I place my ring finger on the rear pickup. That way I can even-out the strength of each finger.

Any Studio advice regarding recording? I know that you worked with many Japanese, as well as international producers.

I just try my best each time, however there’s not as much session work as there use to be; the music business has changed a lot the last few years. Yes, I have worked with many well-known Japanese, as well as international producers. The last couple of years I started working with Neila Productions, which is an LA based production company/label and I am very excited about that. It is good to work with people from diverse backgrounds, as well as different and fresh views regarding music; it is always a learning experience.

What are your plans for the future? Any new recordings/tours coming up?

I will be recording a new album with “PRISM” very soon and I will be touring with Ms. Ayaka Hirahara. I have some new stuff in the works; I will keep you posted as soon as everything is finalized.

Any Solo music plans?

I have some stuff in the works. I will keep you posted very soon! All I can say is that I am very excited and I am looking forward to sharing the news with you.

Videos from YouTube

youtube.com/watch?v=sXrjiupL-ac

A big thanks to the people from Neila Productions, neilaproductions.com, firstly because they have brought me in contact with Jiro and secondly for helping me with the translation.

For more information please check:
www.jiro-okada.com
www.neilaproductions.com
www.prismjapan.com

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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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