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Scott Petersen: Broadway, Nashville – Where the Music Never Stops – Bass Musician Magazine, June 2014

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Scott Petersen-Bass Musician Magazine - June 2014The next interview in the Bass on Broadway series features Scott Petersen, our BMM June 2014 cover.

Scott is very well known on the local Broadway scene in Nashville, and can be spotted quite frequently playing the local clubs when he is not out on the road.

What influenced you to choose bass as your main instrument ?

At a youth bible camp, my counselor taught me to play Dream On (Aerosmith) and Stairway To Heaven (Led Zeppelin). When I got home, I sat with my dad’s Led Zeppelin record and worked up Stairway on the guitar. While doing that, I listened to the rest of the record and was mesmerized by what John Paul Jones did for the band. My dad also turned me on to Grand Funk Railroad. That rhythm section was explosive for me too. So I saved up some cash for a bass. My parents matched me dollar-for-dollar. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my parents.

Do you play any other instruments? 

I dabble with mandolin, acoustic guitar, keys, and bass kazoo. I played trombone in high school.

The lower Broadway scene in Nashville is very active. How long have you been performing gigs there?

I played my first downtown gig about 8 years ago on the Billy Block show. I’ll never forget it; Billy actually played drums with us.

Are you performing with your own groups, subbing, or both? 

I usually have one or two regular gigs at any given time and then fill in the holes with subbing and last minute calls. I estimate at least 25-50% of my gigs I find out about in less than a couple of days notice. It keeps me on my toes.

How much do you work on lower Broadway compared to other gigs, sessions, etc?  

It’s constantly changing. One week I might play 8 gigs in a week on lower Broadway, or I might be on the road for a couple weeks straight. One great thing about Nashville and lower Broadway, there is always local work when the road gigs and sessions are scarce. I’m glad I picked bass!

Bassist Scott Petersen-1

Photography: Keith Hughes

Any insight on basic etiquette, what to bring to the table? 

I agree with Michael, Zach, and Jon Q.  There are a ton of players in town, so be humble and recognize the hang factor. Do unto others as you’d have them do to unto you. Let the band before you strike the stage before jumping up there. If you are in that band, try to pack up and strike quickly. Don’t leave bottles, spit cups, and empty pitchers for the next band to throw away. Save drama for after the show. The crowd can spot  scowls and frowns. Smile…you’re playing music for a living.

Photography: Keith Hughes

Photography: Keith Hughes

How do you handle gigs when you are called to fill in on short notice? 

About half my gigs downtown are last minute fill in gigs. I bring an Android tablet with tons of charts on it, but I try not to use it unless necessary. I’d rather use my ears and eyes. Though, if someone wants to tip $100 for some Vern Gosdin rarity I’ve never played, the band usually appreciates that I have the chart to use to direct traffic. I like to bring my own mic to offer the option of singing background and some lead.

Who are some of your influences? 

That’s a tough one to narrow down. To name a few:  John Paul Jones, Mel Schacher, Victor Wooten,  Mike Gordon, Billy Sheehan, and many others. Also, as Zach Sturms mentioned in his interview, I find influence and inspiration from my Nashville Bass colleagues.

Photography: Keith Hughes

Photography: Keith Hughes

Final thoughts?  

I love the musical community in Nashville, but even more so, the Nashville Bass Hang. It’s truly heartwarming to see all of us help each other out. Jon Q mentioned I helped him when he came back to Nashville. I feel it’s my duty because of all the great guys that helped me when I first started… Johnny Stanton, Scotty Schultz, Bobby Turk, too many to list.

Over the next year I plan to take a master class at Adam Nitti’s MusicDojo. I believe our musical education is never over. I also plan to expand what I have to offer by co-writing with some colleagues and learning more songs I can sing to give singers a break.

I’d like to thank DNA Cabinets, Schroeder Cabinets, and MXR/Dunlop for excellent products and support. Also JD at Corner Music and Greg at GC Nashville.

I’m honored for the interview. There are so many great bassists that play Broadway. I’m honored to be a colleague and friend.

Visit Scott online at:

twitter.com/Petersenbass
facebook.com/petersenbass

 

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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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