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Interview With Harvey Brooks: Bass Gear, Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and More
Photo courtesy of Harvey Brooks
Harvey Brooks is an American bass guitarist who worked with Bob Dylan on his album “Highway 61 Revisited”. He then joined Mike Bloomfield’s Electric Flag. After that, he played on The Doors’ album “Soft Parade” and joined the band to play Live at The Forum in Los Angeles and Madison Square Garden in New York. At a jam at the Cafe Au Go Go in Greenwich Village, he and Jimi Hendrix started jamming on some chord changes that eventually became “Little Wing”. Harvey released an album in 2021 called “Elegant Geezer” and has written a book with his wife and Frank Beacham about 50 years of playing Bass called “View from the Bottom”.
KB: Did you always want to be a musician growing up?
I learned two chords in junior high school, and that inspired me to get a job as a newspaper delivery boy and then ask my parents if I bought a guitar, would they pay for lessons? They said yes.
KB: Why did you choose the bass? What is so special about this instrument?
I chose the bass because my friend Bob Rose had a band that I joined called the Citations. The group had drums, two guitars, and a saxophone. We had a manager who heard about Bassist Monk Montgomery, who was playing the electric bass with Lionel Hampton, and thought that since I played second guitar and we only needed one guitar, I was delegated to be the bassist in the band, which turned out to be a blessing because I was the bass singer in a 1964 doo wop vocal group. The bass parts came naturally.
KB: You were part of Bob Dylan’s backing band on the sessions that became the album “Highway 61 Revisited”… What do you remember of these sessions, and how was it working with Bob Dylan?
This was my first major league recording session. I got a call from a friend, Al Kooper, inviting me to the session. Dylan was not satisfied with the previous bass player. Al, having worked with me before, was confident I would fit. It seems Dylan was comfortable with me because I was invited back the next day. I met Mike Bloomfield for the first time at these sessions.
KB: You joined Mike Bloomfield’s Electric Flag… What is your fondest memory of working with him?
We would rehearse at the Sausalito heliport, sharing rooms with a few other bands like Santana, Denise Kaufman & Ace of Cups, Quick Silver Messenger Service, and Sons of Champlin. These rehearsals were Michael at his best. Creating arrangements and driving the band. One late night in our rehearsal room, Michael, Buddy Miles, Jimi Hendrix, and myself jammed. This was a one-time experience.
KB: You played with The Doors on their album “The Soft Parade” and performed with them live… What was it like working with Jim, and what is your fondest memory?
Jim was a brilliant and driven writer and performer. When he was sober, we had interesting conversations, but I avoided him when he was drunk or high. Playing in Madison Square Garden was amazing, and though the sound was difficult, I was able to lock in with drummer John Densmore.
KB: Paul Butterfield… What is the first word that comes to your mind, and why that word?
Blues…..He was a bluesman that knew no color and lived his life trying to keep the band working. Butter knew all the clubs and the players in his Chicago world, and when producer Paul Rothchild put Mike Bloomfield together with him, success followed. Unfortunately, with that success and moving to Woodstock, New York, Paul’s family life and management problems brought on alcohol and drug problems.
KB: What bass guitars did you use over the years, and what equipment? Do you have a particular favorite?
Bass Guitars:
Japanese Tower bass, Rickenbacker, Fender Precision, Fender Jazz, Ampeg Baby bass, Ampeg AEB-1, Epiphone EB-2, Ted Gardner 4-string fretless, Earthwood Acoustic Bass Guitar. Ovation Elite 5-String Bass Guitar.
Bass Guitar Strings: LaBella Strings for Bass & Guitar.
Amplifiers:
Current – Hartke LH1000, Hartke 410-XL cabinet, Ampeg B-15, Fender Dual Showman, Ampeg SVT.
KB: How do you describe your own sound on the bass?
I play LaBella flat-wound strings with PJ pickup configuration on a Fender Bass that gives me a solid sound using my left hand fingertips to control the duration and dynamic of the notes I’m playing. My style of playing manifests itself in a supporting role, never interfering with the lead vocal or instrumental melody. A good example is the tune “Summer Breeze” by Seals & Crofts, “Touch Me” by the Doors or “Positively 4th Street” by Bob Dylan, and “Killing Floor” by the Electric Flag.
KB: What makes a great blues song or a great song in general?
Number one is the story you’re telling; it has to be believable. A strong, simple repetitive bass line to carry the listener along, and finally a powerful hook or chorus to bring it all home.
KB: You played with Jimi Hendrix several times. What was it like playing with him (He looks like he’s in a bubble when he plays)?
We locked into the electric sound, and the spaceship took off. At a jam at the Cafe Au Go Go in Greenwich Village, we started jamming on some chord changes that eventually became “Little Wing”. He was never at a loss for ideas, which, for me, was a musical feast.
KB: What are you currently up to?
I have written a book with my wife Bonnie Brooks and good friend Frank Beacham entitled “View From The Bottom,” published and available on Amazon and most other online sites. Bonnie has a children’s book titled “Gramps Has A Ponytail” on Amazon.
I recorded an album named “Elegant Geezer” available on Amazon and other sites. Bonnie and I can also be found on Facebook and YouTube:
YouTube
Facebook
Album “Elegant Geezer”
View From the Bottom: Miles Davis- Bitches Brew
Ron Carter is an American Double Bassist with a career spanning more than 60 years who has recorded over 2200 albums. This is a Guinness World Record. He is not only a musician, but also a teacher, a band leader, and an author. He won three Grammys and earned seven honorary doctorates. His new album “Sweet, Sweet Spirit”, with choirmaster Ricky Dillard and New G, was released on 6 February.
KB: Your new album “Sweet, Sweet Spirit”… What was the creative process?
I shared the recordings I made for my mom 30 years ago, and Dr. Dillard and I worked together (along with Zeke Listenbee) on the arrangements to weave the choir, instrumentation, and merge the jazz-gospel genres.
KB: Does the album title have a special meaning?
Aside from being the title of one of the hymns on the album, it embodies the spirit of my mother, and the inspiration and joy I hope everyone feels when listening to this music.
KB: What is the album’s story?
The story on my website tells it best:
The hymns on this album have an independent and deep history for the gospel community, in addition to having been integrated weekly into the life and musical development of the Carter family in the intimate Detroit church community they attended. A church that depended solely on the voices of the parishioners as instruments.
When Willie O. Carter was on bed rest toward the end of her life, she asked her son to sit with her and sing the hymns of his childhood to keep her spirits elevated in musical reminiscence. Mr. Carter promptly went home, recorded himself composing his bass lines integrated with the hymns, for his mother to enjoy during the final weeks of her life.
KB: You collaborated on this album with Dr. Ricky Dillard… How did this come about?
We met when Don Was (President of Blue Note Records) introduced us. He knew I wanted to do an album of hymns, and he knew that Dr. Dillard and I would make a formidable musical team. He and his choir were wonderful. We were able to meld jazz and gospel in a way that has never been done before.
KB: Which musicians are working with you on the album?
In addition to Ricky Dillard and New G, The Baylor Project is on “Farther Along”, Wendy Wyatt is incredible on “Softly and Tenderly”, Avery Sunshine on “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” and Tim White on “In The Garden”.
KB: Which basses and equipment did you use on the album?
Only my upright Juzek bass and Epifani amp.
KB: I did an interview with Brandi Disterheft, and she called you her mentor.
Brandi is a wonderful student starting to make some headway in the industry. I’m just the bass teacher.
KB: What are the rest of your plans for this year?
No tour plans for this album at the moment, although I’ve got a pretty busy recording and touring schedule this year.
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Back in May 2021, I had the pleasure of speaking with a talented nine-year-old bassist named Ellen Alaverdyan, who was just beginning to make waves in the music world (View Interview). Even then, her passion, dedication, and remarkable talent hinted at a bright future ahead.
Today, I’m excited to welcome Ellen back, along with her father, professional guitarist Hovak Alaverdyan, following the release of Take Off, the debut album from Ellen’s band, Jaminai.
Join me as we discuss the making of this exciting new project, explore how Ellen developed her now-signature bass tone and style, and learn what lies ahead for this young musician whose career continues to soar.
Please welcome Ellen and Hovak Alaverdyan!
Album cover artwork, Ellen Alaverdyan
Header Photo, Hovak Alaverdyan
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Website: www.EllenPlaysBass.com
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It’s hard to believe that I’ve been chatting with George Gekas, bassist for The Revivalists, for more than a decade. Over the years, we’ve connected during some of the band’s biggest moments, and now they’re preparing to release their sixth full-length studio album, Get It Honest, on July 24, making it the perfect time for another conversation.
Join me as we dive into the making of the new album, discuss what fans can expect from this exciting new chapter, and explore all the great things on the horizon for the band.
Here is George Gekas!
Photo, TommyMoore
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Adam Russell, bassist for Story of the Year, hasn’t slowed down for a second.
With the band’s latest album A.R.S.O.N. dropping on February 13, 2026, they’ve not only delivered new music but also pushed their creativity further through a series of visually striking videos, several of which Adam himself co-directed and edited.
In this interview, we dive into the making of the new record, explore how Adam shapes his signature bass sound, and get the inside scoop on the band’s upcoming Camp Screamo Tour with Silverstein and Origami Angel.
Here’s Adam Russell.
Photo: Ryan Stephens
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Get ready for a conversation with one of Southern rock’s enduring forces, Tim Neilsen. For over 35 years, Drivin N Cryin has been delivering a powerful blend of grit, melody, and heart, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon. With their brand-new album “Crushing Flowers” set to drop on April 10th, the band is gearing up for another exciting chapter.
At the core of that signature sound is bassist Tim Nielsen, whose driving grooves have helped define the band’s identity and earned them a place in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
In this interview, we sit down with Tim to talk about the new album, the secrets behind his unmistakable tone, and what lies ahead for Drivin N Cryin.
Here is Tim Nielsen.
Photos: Chris Neilsen, Carlton Freeman, Ted Lanthangue, and courtesy Tim Neilsen
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Interview With Bassist Ellen Alaverdyan and Guitarist Hovak Alaverdyan
Gear News: Fender Honors James Jamerson with a 1962 Precision Bass
Artist Update With The Revivalists’ Bassist George Gekas
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
May 4 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
May 11 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
May 18 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram