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 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
Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes
Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes…
It is always great to meet a super busy bassist who simply exudes a love for music and his instrument. Erick “Jesus” Coomes fits this description exactly. Hailing from Southern California, “Jesus” co-founded and plays bass for Lettuce and has found his groove playing with numerous other musicians.
Join us as we hear of his musical journey, how he gets his sound, his ongoing projects, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Bob Forte
Featured Videos
Visit Online
www.lettucefunk.com
IG @jesuscsuperstar
FB@jesuscoomes
FB @lettucefunk
Bass Videos
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
“These stories from the front are with real-life, day-to-day musicians who deal with work life and gigging and how they make it work out. Each month, topics may include… the kind of gigs you get, the money, dealing with less-than-ideal rooms, as well as the gear you need to get the job done… and the list goes on from there.” – Steve the Bass Guy and Shawn Cav
Bass Videos
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
Ian Allison Bassist extreme…
Most recently Ian has spent the last seven years touring nationally as part of Eric Hutchinson and The Believers, sharing stages with acts like Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Rachel Platten, Matt Nathanson, Phillip Phillips, and Cory Wong playing venues such as Radio City Music Hall, The Staples Center and The Xcel Center in St. Paul, MN.
I had a chance to meet up with him at the Sellersville Theater in Eastern Pennsylvania to catch up on everything bass. Visit online at ianmartinallison.com/
Bass Videos
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
Spector Launches Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II…
Spector Musical Instruments expands their celebrated Woodstock Custom Collection with the Volume II series – a breathtaking series of 12 handcrafted, one-of-a-kind bass guitars, each one masterfully designed by members of the Spector team. Crafted in the Spector USA Custom Shop in Woodstock, New York, these works of art go beyond musical instruments and expand the boundaries of Spector Bass design.
Spector’s iconic design lays the foundation for the Volume II collection. Each bass showcases a unique vision, including the selection of tonewoods, electronics, captivating finishes, and intricate design details. The collection highlights Spector’s commitment to craftsmanship and artistry and the individual people and stories that make up the team.
“The Woodstock Custom Collection was such a huge success, and we had so much fun with it that we couldn’t wait to do it again,” said John Stippell, Director – Korg Bass Division. “With Volume II, we’re expanding on everything we learned from the first collection, as well as pushing our design and Custom Shop team even further. These basses are a testament to the inspiring talent, creativity, and skill of every person on the Spector team. I’m excited for all of these basses and love how they tell the unique stories of all involved.”
Visit online at spectorbass.com/