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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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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