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Jaymi ‘Pinkbassman’ Millard, March 2019 Issue

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Jaymi ‘Pinkbassman’ Millard, despite the name, is not ‘pink’.

He just loves everything pink, even down to his cables and his goatee!

I met Jaymi a few years back and he has always been a kind, understanding, and insightful individual when it comes to the world of bass and many things beyond. Such an honor to do this interview with ‘Pinkbassman.’

How did you first get interested in playing bass?

I played Saxophone starting in fourth grade. I found heavier rock music in middle school and realized that I could not sound like that with a woodwind!

Before I was born, my mother played in a group and she had purchased an old Kay upright. I started messing with it when I was 12 years old and taught myself to read the bass clef. I rented an old P bass copy when I was 14 and started to learn Black Sabbath riffs and songs. That was where the real adventure began!

Fast forward a few years and over 1,000 basses, and the Pinkbassman made an appearance on the scene. More on that in a minute…

What is the story of the Pinkbassman?

I was working on business strategies and the idea of being a fish in a small pond. I already had a good reputation for live dates and session work and wanted to go further. The questions were, how do I do that? and What do I do to stand out among my peers?

At that time, I was working through a couple of endorsement deals for basses and settled on one that agreed to paint basses for me in various shades of pink. Trust me, I had to deal with lots of commentaries because of the color choices – lol.

Along the way, those who had initially scoffed at what I was doing began to ask for lunch appointments to talk about marketing ideas, etc. Part of those marketing ideas deal with swag and merch and of course endorsements and gear.

I have a special line of Pinkbassman jewelry made by my good friend Brittany that can be ordered through ladybassmusic.net… All kinds of cool necklaces and bracelets with pink flair!

If you want Pinkbassman clothing, go to lathonbasswear.com and ask for the Pinkbassman special!!

Speaking of gear, I am always asked about certain basses as well and rather than field questions repetitively, I wrote a book called  “Pinkbassman’s Quick Guide to Vintage Basses.” it is designed as a quick read to help players buy a vintage bass and not overpay; the book is on Amazon.

Tell us about some of the artists you have worked with.

I have played with a variety of artists along the way. Most recently, I have played country shows with Ryan Weaver who is a retired military hero who mixes country with hard rock and metal. We played some great arenas last year and the crowd response was awesome! I am also working with Mark Slaughter on his solo albums. We play a mixture of Slaughter hits and new songs. For the last 7 years or so, I have also played with a Native American band called Broken Walls. I am doing an “on call” basis with them and play as requested.

Broken Walls has taken me across Europe, which I really enjoyed. There is a solo side project that I have been working on that has evolved from a band I used to have called Innocent Monday. Be watching for new music from that project very soon!

There have been various pickup dates and that would be original music on the fly or with a day’s notice to learn the tunes….those are always fun! Over the years, I have done sessions with a variety of artists and musicians as well. Styles and genres have ranged from heavy metal to country to polka! I still enjoy the studio world and am having a great time helping people make their dreams come true!

What gear do you use when on the road and in the studio?

Currently, I am using Ampeg amps, including the SCR DI for part of my studio setup. The Tech 21 dUg pedal makes up half of my studio sound and 100% of my live sound going through the Ampeg. GHS has created a set of Pinkbassman Signature strings for me (they can be purchased at www.ghsstrings.com).

I am using a bunch of the Yamaha Attitude LTD basses, Billy Sheehan’s signature bass. After piles of Fenders and Rickenbackers et al, I have come to the conclusion that the Attitude Bass nails it for me tone wise. I am in process of having one or two repainted in shades of pink….those will be fun! Pinkbassman Attitude Basses coming soon!

When asked for upright bass, I go straight to the NS Design Omni WAV bass. For fingerstyle and bow, there is not a better, more versatile upright that I have found, and it fits nicely in small spaces for easy travel and storage. The one I have is currently black BUT, it will have a pink makeover at some point in the not-too-distant future!

What current projects are you working on and are there any new releases in the works?

There is new music in the works from Mark Slaughter, I am not only playing but co-writing for this album; a single will be coming soon. I am working on a new single for Innocent Monday (which will have a video as well), with a new line-up of players and a new singer, and of course doing remote sessions for some new projects that range from country to progressive symphonic rock.

Any advice for aspiring bassists?

YOU CAN DO IT!

If you are motivated to play bass, do it! Take the time to build relationships with people because, in reality, the gig itself is 10% of the overall time you spend with the band. The other 90% is hang time, be a good hang! Treat others the way you want them to treat you.

It also helps to be business savvy, don’t sign anything until you know what it says. And it also helps if you have an “other-than-music” income stream so you don’t have to rely on music alone (or someone else) to buy your Ramen noodles – LOL! Make every moment count, whether it’s practice or stage time, or doing your laundry…

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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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