Cover
Jaymi ‘Pinkbassman’ Millard, March 2019 Issue
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…
For more than six decades, the sound of the upright bass in modern jazz has carried the unmistakable authority, elegance, and intelligence of Ron Carter.
Recognized as the most recorded jazz bassist in history, Maestro Carter’s tone has become part of the very architecture of the genre.
From shaping the harmonic foundation behind countless landmark sessions to collaborating with many of the greatest jazz artists of our time, his artistry has both defined and expanded what the bass can be.
But beyond the staggering discography lies something even more enduring: dedication.
Maestro Carter has never stopped learning, never stopped refining, and never stopped listening. His commitment to excellence extends well beyond the stage and studio. As an educator and mentor, he has invested deeply in the next generation of bassists, setting a living example of discipline, curiosity, and musical integrity.
Now, in yet another inspired chapter of his extraordinary career, Maestro Carter joins forces with renowned choirmaster Ricky Dillard for a powerful gospel–jazz collaboration, Sweet Sweet Spirit, released February 6, 2026.
This project beautifully bridges sanctified soul and sophisticated swing, blending Carter’s masterful touch with Dillard’s uplifting choral brilliance.
The result is music that feels both reverent and rhythmically alive, deeply rooted, yet refreshingly expansive.
It is truly an honor to share this conversation with a living legend whose work continues to inspire musicians across genres and generations.
Here is Maestro Ron Carter.
Photo, Paul Rivera
Featured Videos:
Follow Online:
www.RonCarterJazz.com
www.facebook.com/RonCarterMusic
www.instagram.com/roncarterbassist/
x.com/RonCarterBass
www.youtube.com/@RonCarterBassist
www.threads.com/@roncarterbassist
www.tiktok.com/@roncarterjazz
imgur.com/user/RonCarterJazz/posts
www.tumblr.com/roncarterjazz
bsky.app/profile/roncarterjazz.com
open.spotify.com/artist/4wnzivx3OQ3vjrySAdTdJP?si=RUS946O4SpyHDD2ZI8-Y8Q
For decades, we’ve had the privilege of following the remarkable career of Nathan East, listening closely to his albums, tracking his milestones with Yamaha Instruments, and watching his evolving partnership with Laney Amplification with great interest. Along the way, we’ve talked gear, tone, and technique, while hearing his unmistakable musical “voice” woven into the work of more iconic artists than we could possibly list.
Today, we’re thrilled to reconnect with this true giant of the bass world following the release of a very special new album, Father Son, produced by Nathan alongside his son, Noah East. It’s a deeply personal project that showcases not only extraordinary musicianship but also a powerful family bond.
Join us as we dive into the making of this outstanding record, explore the new Laney Nathan East Signature Bass Preamp, and look ahead to what the future holds for one of music’s most respected and influential bassists.
Here is the one and only… Mr. Nathan East.
Photos, John Abbott @johnabbottphoto
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
www.NathanEast.com
FB, IG, X, & YouTube @NathanEast
For nearly seventeen years, we’ve followed the ever-evolving journey of bassist Cheikh Ndoye, watching with admiration as his musical vision continues to deepen and expand. Each project has revealed a restless curiosity and a commitment to sound that resists easy categorization.
When we last spoke in 2018, Ndoye was already hinting at new directions, and he hasn’t slowed down since.
In the years that followed, he’s been quietly and intensely at work, culminating in a new album, Genetic Tones, a project that captures both his roots and his forward-looking approach to music.
I recently had the great pleasure of listening to several rough tracks from the album, and, as always, I was both impressed and genuinely excited by what I heard. Genetic Tones feels like a bold and thoughtful statement, rich in texture and intention. Join me as Cheikh shares insights into the making of this upcoming release and reflects on the ways his musical language has continued to transform over the years.
Photo Credits: Courtesy of Cheikh Ndoye and Courtesy of Aguilar Amplification
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
IG @thegenetictones
tiktok.com/@cheikh.ndoye.the
This month, we have a real treat for all you metal fans out there! Joining us is none other than Pär Sundström, the powerhouse bassist and co-founding member of Sabaton, a band many consider to be the #1 global power metal act in the world.
Pär isn’t just the man behind those thunderous bass lines; he’s also one of the main lyricists and the band’s manager, helping to shape Sabaton’s unmistakable sound and unstoppable rise.
Hailing from Sweden, Sabaton has been conquering stages and hearts around the world for over twenty-five years, delivering their signature blend of history, heroism, and heavy metal might. And now, with the release of their brand-new album ‘Legends,’ the band is gearing up for a tour that promises to be absolutely spectacular.
We’re diving into all the details, from the making of Legends, to the evolution of Sabaton’s epic sound, to what lies ahead for this legendary band.
So, without further ado, let’s welcome the man himself… Pär Sundström!”
Photos: Jens De Vos (cover & interview photos), Ben Alexis (interview photos)
Featured Videos:
Templars”
“Hordes of Khan”
“The Duelist”
“Lightning at the Gates”
“Crossing The Rubicon”
(Featuring singer Jonny Hawkins and guitarist Mark Vollelunga of NOTHING MORE)
Visit Online:
I’m sure many of you will remember that I had the pleasure of chatting with Lettuce bassist Erick “Maverick” Coomes just last year, where we covered a ton of great material. (If you missed it, you can check out that interview here>>>bassmusicianmagazine.com.)
Now, with Lettuce on the verge of releasing their brand-new album Cook, I thought it was the perfect time to catch up with Erick and see what’s been cooking… pun definitely intended!
In this conversation, we dive into the new album and the videos that accompany it, explore Lettuce’s exciting collaboration with Aquila Cellars on their signature wines, and get a glimpse into what’s next for the band.
So sit back and enjoy… here’s Erick “Maverick” Coomes!
Cover Photo, Alex Varsa | Other Photos: HIllary Clinton, and Sam Silkworth
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
Maestro Ron Carter, Sharing the Spirit – June/July 2026 Issue
New Music: Danielle Nicole, Tug Of War
Right Hand Technique Strategies with Dr. Randy Kertz
New Music: Golden Flower, Are You Even Awake?
Interview With Bassist Adam Russell
Right Hand Technique Strategies with Dr. Randy Kertz
April 6 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
April 13 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
20 April Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram