Bass Videos
Mike Pope, Low-End Renaissance Man: July 2020 Issue
Mike Pope… A Day in the life of a Bass Pontiff.
From Editor, Raul Amador…
This ‘Day in the Life of Mike Pope’ cover has been in the works for several years. Kilian Duarte and his team spent a day with Mike at the Berklee College of Music. We are grateful to the faculty for allowing the team to record this day, and to the students that shared a glimpse into their growth process as bass musicians.
I sat down with Mike for a quick update earlier this year to get caught up on what has been happening since Kilian’s visit… here is what he had to share…
Now get ready for Kilian Duarte’s ‘Mike Pope… A Day in the life of a Bass Pontiff’. These eight videos are each loaded with great content. So, get comfortable and enjoy some very cool stuff!
Keep it low…
Raul Amador, Editor
For the uninitiated amongst us, Mike Pope is a jazz figurehead whose resume is one of the most impressive in our bass community.
With stage and studio credits such as Chick Corea’s Electric Band, Al Di Meola, Michael Brecker, and Blood Sweat and Tears, (among many, many others), he is a musical juggernaut and the working jazz musicians senpai. The creative mind behind the Fodera Pope preamp, as well as one of the integral designers in the foundation of Trick Fish amplification, he has a reputation both as an incredible performer, but also as a top-tier designer for bass tone and gear.
To add amazement to injury, he also happens to be a pretty darn spectacular jazz pianist, (no seriously, his phrasing and harmonic knowledge on the instrument is ridiculous). A Fodera signature artist, and a Berklee faculty member who happens to also be a really down to earth and a fun dude to hang out with and grab a coffee.
I was fortunate enough to meet Mike in 2009; being a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed young Berklee grad going on their first NAMM adventure, with a press badge and a 480p cam ready to make contacts and make first impressions.
When I had heard that Mike had come to Berklee as a faculty member, I reached out to him to see if a videographer and I could follow him around and document a ‘day in the life’ of a singularly awesome figure in the bass community. What proceeds is my videographer (Jeff Kesler) and I, documenting a full day in the life of an incredible musician interpolated in the heart of the Berklee faculty, showing his students learning and absorbing from his amazing wealth of musical knowledge.
Featured Mike Pope performance videos:
For more information about studying music at Berklee College of Music visit berklee.edu. Follow Mike online at mikepopejazz.com
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
www.derekfrank.com
www.instagram.com/derekfrankbass
www.youtube.com/derekfrankbass
www.facebook.com/derekfrankbass
Bass Videos
String Instrument Humidifiers
String Instrument Humidifiers
After living in some very humid parts of the country for decades, we moved to a dryer, much sunnier location. As a result, I started noticing some fret sprout on my string instruments and recently did a video on fret sprout correction.
It occurred to me that I should take a more preventative approach to string instrument humidification. Of course, I turned to my instrument maintenance experts, Music Nomad Equipment Care, for a solution and they suggested their Humitar series. (Note: They sent two press samples and I purchased the remainder online.)
Join me as I look at these useful tools for keeping my string instruments in tip-top condition.
The Humitar series is available online at Music Nomad Equipment Care, as well as Amazon.com
Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Bassist Graham Stanush…
Return to Dust is keeping Grunge alive and well! They have a new self-titled album that went out on May 3rd, 2024 and will be super busy promoting this project in the near future.
Graham Stanush is the bass powerhouse driving their sound and adding vocals to the mix. Join me as we hear all about Graham’s musical journey, details about the new album, how he gets his sound and their plans for the future.
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
linktr.ee/returntodust
instagram.com/returntodustband/
twitter.com/Returntodustbnd
youtube.com/@returntodustband
tiktok.com/@returntodustband
Bass Videos
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
CrystalBright Rombo Picks
PR SamplePlaying bass with a pick is still a touchy subject in our community. I believe you should be able to use whatever you need to get your sound. Even though I mostly play with my fingers, I like to check out innovative new picks that might have something new to offer, sonically speaking.
Judith and Carlos from Rombo recently contacted me about a new material called CrystalBright that they have been researching for the last 12 months and offered to send some prototype picks. After trying them out, I put together this video with my findings.
For more info check out @rombopicks
Bass Player Health
Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz
Preparing for Performance…
This month we discuss how to prepare for a performance and easy strategies that go a long way.
Dr. Randall Kertz is the author of The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health. Click here to get your copy today!
View More Bass Health Articles