tag:ricksuchow.com,2005:/blogs/archive-9c7732fe-7a56-4291-a691-be61630ce8d9?p=4Archive2021-04-14T17:14:35-04:00Rick Suchowfalsetag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900912017-05-31T12:00:00-04:002021-07-16T14:45:07-04:00NEWS ARCHIVE<p><em>This section contains the final 5 years of news items I wrote for this site, until it went on hiatus in May 2017.</em></p>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900972017-05-01T00:00:00-04:002021-04-14T17:18:12-04:00The Angel Is Back<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/ec1f348cb1917317794d428bc7ee095e338d2e9c/original/angela-bofill-i-try-the-anthology.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDQ2eDQ0NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Angela-Bofill-I-Try-The-Anthology.jpg" height="446" width="446" /></p>
<p>Angela Bofill returns in June with her biggest compilation album to date. <em>I Try:The Anthology 1978 - 1993 </em>will be released June 16, available as a 2-CD set as well as digital formats on the Soul Music label. Fortunately for me the tune I co-wrote with Angie, "Let Me be The One", was included, and so this makes the 7th time that the song has been re-released since it was the title track of her Arista album <em>Let Me Be The One. </em>The new anthology features extensive liner notes from renowned writer A. Scott Galloway with quotes from Angela herself and comments from noted producers and musicians like Narada Michael Walden, David Frank & Mic Murphy (The System), Kirk Whalum, Buddy Williams, Preston Glass and others.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/01f037af18a1b7c2fb2d73b39de3fcbb93be7ce7/original/brandi-disteheft.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjAweDExMyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Brandi-Disteheft.jpg" height="113" width="200" />Bass players: feel free to check out my recent interviews for <em>Bass Player </em>including <strong>Neal Caine</strong> (long time sideman for Harry Connick Jr. and former member of the <strong>Elvin Jones</strong> band) as well as up and coming <strong>Brandi Disterheft</strong>, whose recent release<em> Blue Canvas</em> is stellar. The Caine interview is in the April 2017 issue, and Brandi appears in the current May issue.</p>
<p>Finally. congrats to <strong>Camille</strong> for picking up two more award nominations for her album <em>I Sing Stevie: The Stevie Wonder Songbook. </em>The JPF Awards were recently announced and Camille is nominated for best cover song for "They Won't Go When I Go", and Best Tribute Album as well. The JPF Awards (Just Plain Folks) don't occur every year so the album was eligible for nomination. Look for Camille's debut video for the album later this year.</p>
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<hr>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900962017-03-23T08:00:00-04:002021-04-14T17:16:42-04:00James Jamerson Isolated Tracks, Ten Years Later<p>I never intended to have a website. I had nothing to sell and no real interest in self promotion.</p>
<p>In 2004 I played an event at the White House for the Bush family, and was able to get a few photos <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/13207a734106eddf5168c0186c7ebaa40bcfb88c/original/newbush.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjIweDM4OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="newbush.jpg" height="388" width="220" />with the President and his family as well as a handful of shots while I was roaming around the place. Since this was in the days before Instagram, I didn't know where I could share the photos with others, so at my wife's suggestion, and with the help of a popular hosting service, I decided to start a site. Besides, she had begun working on an album that I knew we would be promoting, and so I figured why not, it'll come in handy eventually.</p>
<p>The only problem was that unforeseen delays put her album on hold, and I was left with a website that had nothing interesting to share other than a handful of White House photos. Reaching out to other bass players, I decided to upload a few audio tracks that I thought might be of interest, including a live recording of Jaco's very first Word Of Mouth gig after he left Weather Report. In March of 2007 I uploaded some rare isolated James Jamerson bass tracks I had acquired; these were taken directly from Motown's master multitrack tapes.</p>
<p>I posted a quick message on talkbass.com to let the bass community know about my tracks, which at the time I didn't even refer to as "isolated tracks", but rather "soloed tracks" . But my concocted word "soloed" just never looked right, and I also thought that people might think these were Jamerson bass solos if they glanced quickly, so I changed the term to "isolated tracks" and added a link to them on Jamerson's Wikipedia page.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/fc0fb20e35b0b9c3814958f86be88249cf8005b4/original/jjgp1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDQ2eDMxMiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="jjgp1.jpg" height="312" width="446" /></p>
<p>This month marks ten years since I uploaded the Jamerson tracks. They've literally been heard millions of times since, not only via this site and my Youtube channel, but from the various places they've popped up on the web by others who took my tracks and added it to their own YT channels. I appreciate those who gave me credit for being the source, and disappointed by those who didn't . But in the <a data-imported="1" href="http://www.bassplayer.com/artists/1171/the-100-greatest-bass-players-of-all-time/61989" target="_blank" title="Bass Player's 100 Greatest Bass Players"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/bc416f8e3d7d2cfea6f1c95e3dfa6f164cbc7c21/original/bp-2017-02-medium.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTk4eDI0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="BP-2017-02_medium.jpg" height="240" width="198" /></a>end, we're all just spreading the gospel when it comes to the monumental and legendary work of the great James Jamerson.</p>
<p>Not only that, "isolated tracks" are now a common thing to post all over the web. I think the popularity of the Jamerson tracks made that possible. And now, ten years later, I'm proud that the Motown great is the cover of the recent special issue of Bass Player's 100 Greatest Bass Players, where he sits at number one on the list. I helped write the magazine's cover story with a dozen other <em>Bass Player </em>writers past and present.</p>
<p>Jamerson lived in anonymity, receiving virtually no credit for all the great work he did for Motown. Imagine what he would have thought of how his work is appreciated today.</p>
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<hr>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900952017-01-10T07:50:00-05:002021-04-11T05:34:28-04:00Full Circle<h2><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/3646abe855fd50b953e425d1b0d4649828604490/original/bp-percy-lg2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzM4eDQxMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="BP-Percy-lg2.jpg" height="410" width="338" /></h2>
<p>My first foray into music journalism was way back in college. I was attending Hofstra University and figured I'd take a shot at writing for the school's newspaper, the <em>Hofstra Chronicle</em>. It was a cool experience. I got to write reviews and do a couple of interviews, and it helped me to eventually land a writing position for <em>Good Times </em>magazine, which was the biggest local music-only paper at the time.</p>
<p>At the <em>Chronicle</em> my very first interview<em> </em>assignment was with bassist <strong>Percy Jones</strong> of the fusion band <strong>Brand X</strong>. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/418f0a35a5a8c2c7d6db4a67570e5a787df7ebb6/original/percy-jones.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTQweDE3MyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Percy-Jones.jpg" height="173" width="140" />It was at the height of the jazz-rock fusion era, Brand X was on fire, and Percy had already established a reputation of being one of the most innovative and influential bassists in that genre. I went backstage after the show with no mic or recorder, just a pen and a pad, and chatted with one of my personal bass heroes. It was a bit surreal for me, and obviously a sign of things to come. I have no recollection of how it all went, but I did write the article.</p>
<p>Fast forward to late 2016. This time I had a recorder when I got to interview Percy for a second time a few months ago, not to mention a bit of experience under my belt. Amazingly, Brand X is back together for a reunion. Deja vu all over again! The results of our interview are in this month's January 2017 issue of <em>Bass Player</em>, which, by the way, also features a great cover story interview with <strong>Metallica</strong>'s Robert Trujillo.</p>
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<hr>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900942016-11-09T07:00:00-05:002021-04-14T17:17:09-04:00You're Hired<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/c9734f95c017379f57ffcd33a23ba06f03e11434/original/trumpweb2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDUweDI5OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="trumpweb2.jpg" height="299" width="450" /></p>
<p>Like everyone else, I watched last night's stunning, shocking, historic election results. I'm not sure what to make of it all, but I think we learned a little bit more about America's values. Time will tell what to make of a President Trump in the White House, but let's hope he doesn't put his last name in big gold letters on the outside of it.</p>
<p>Starting January 20th, Trump voters can spend the next 48 months evaluating the great improvement in their lives and watch how their country, which they no longer see as "great", returns to its former greatness. <i>Or they can decide they were duped</i>. When the 48 months are up, I suppose our celebrity <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/08fe2264e4f68c50a85f784dd5bb0afbf4a9511c/original/bp-hammond.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTUweCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="BP-_Hammond.jpg" width="150" />obsessed nation can look forward to the 2020 race between Trump and Al Franken.</p>
<p>Speaking of presidential history, have you seen the Broadway show <em>Hamilton</em>? I'll take you under the stage where the real action is. Check out my interview with NYC bassist Richard Hammond, who plays in the pit for the mega-hit hip-hop musical, in the November issue of <i>Bass Player</i>.</p>
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<hr>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900932016-09-09T06:05:00-04:002021-02-28T19:35:02-05:00Fifteen Years Ago<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/d567860005ef480b6e98d090c73f87d2da57d389/original/nyc-9-11c.jpg/!!/b%3AW10%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="NYC-9-11c.jpg" /></p>
<p><strong>A</strong> few months ago I was on a rare long break during a gig, and was chatting it up with one of the guys in the band. He had been looking at a website on his cell phone, so I asked him what he was checking out. Although he told me the site name, I don't recall what he said it was, but essentially it was a website that promotes various conspiracy theories. He was looking at pictures of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks on the site, and explained to me that many people believe it never happened; that it was a series of projected images that created the illusion of the buildings being hit by planes and then falling. I listened to him explain the theory, reminded myself that he was a young impressionable guy in his 20's, and asked him what his opinion was. He said he wasn't sure if the attacks actually happened. I then calmly suggested to him that it was no illusion and that I saw it with my own eyes and watched both buildings collapse into rubble from my window. Perhaps I swayed his opinion, perhaps not; that's the thing about conspiracists and the people who believe them: facts are not always relevant.</p>
<p>It's hard to believe that Sunday is fifteen years since the attack. I used to write about it every 9/11 anniversary, and then gradually I stopped as the day became a distant memory. But there are things that will always stay with me, as they will with all New Yorkers who lived here at the time: the experience of a city in lockdown on the day of the attack-- no traveling in or out, virtually no cars or taxis driving, and an eerie silence I had never "heard" before or since in this city. I remember people just wandering the streets, dazed with the day's news and scared at the horror of the event, fearful there might be more to come. In the days that followed, nervous with every plane that flew overhead, I recall our sense of community and reaching out to each other. Although we were strangers, we became brothers and sisters through shared circumstance. Some openly cried on the street, some posted signs and pictures of their missing loved ones, desperate for someone to offer a glimmer of hope. I'll also never forget the horrid smell of burning rubble that permeated the city for weeks after. I don't think anyone at the time was fully aware of what a world-changing event September 11th, 2001 would become; two U.S. wars would follow as a result. So this Sunday we once again say a prayer for all Americans who lost their lives that day and in the deadly wars that came after.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/029ab69831a4bfbcf0c574732696212fc7dd0fb2/original/bp-oct2016.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTk3eDI0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="BP-Oct2016.jpg" height="240" width="197" /></p>
<p>Back to my insignificant little world of bass... for fans of Weather Report co-founder and ECM recording artist <strong>Miroslav Vitous</strong>, check out my interview with him in the new October issue of <em>Bass Player</em>, on newsstands now. Miroslav's new album <em>Music Of Weather Report </em>is quite a listening experience, and he talks all about the making of the record, as well as his time as a member of the group.</p>
<p>Finally, a quick thanks to those who came to the Bitter End gig in July that I mentioned in my last news item. I used my new Sire V7 Vintage Marcus Miller 5-string, and now, after two months and playing more than 20 gigs with it I'm happy to report that it's quite a killer bass and holding up nicely. I'd be happy to answer any questions about it, and plan to post a small snippet of video from the Bitter End gig. Feel free to email me via my Contact page.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/f3a01e1bf13732cbdf2dd30c2470d0c8c720b35b/original/bitter-end-1.jpg/!!/b%3AW10%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Bitter-End-1.jpg" /></p>
<p> </p>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900922016-07-03T09:00:00-04:002021-02-28T19:36:01-05:00Maybe You Don't Have To Change Your Evil Ways After All<p><strong>Is</strong> it 1973 again? Iconic Latin-rockers <strong>Santana </strong>have just released <em>Santana I</em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/fa2bc24d0c8b93df4be47ece514b7acf1c52d81c/original/benny-bp2016.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDE2OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Benny-BP2016.jpg" height="169" width="300" /><em>V</em>, which reunites original members Carlos Santana, Greg Rolie, Neil Schon, Michael Shrieve and Michael Carabello. Original bassist Dave Brown passed away in 2000, but longtime Santana low man <strong>Benny Rietveld</strong> lends his talents to the Santana fold once again. Benny and I got to talk all about it the day before Santana and <strong>Journey</strong> co-billed for a loud and raucous night at Madison Square Garden (double duty for Neil Schon!). It's always great to chat with Benny, and it was a blast to see the show at the Garden. Check out my interview with him in the July issue of <em>Bass Player.</em></p>
<p>On July 21st I'll be playing at the Bitter End on Bleecker Street with the Tate Simms Band, so if you're in the area come check us out! The band will be t<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/ac99d12ce3f430eb9c3a5d8cfdd07292140b47e3/original/tatesimmsbitterend.jpeg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzI1eDUwNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="TateSimmsBitterEnd.jpeg" height="505" width="325" />op notch. My own Bitter End story... years ago I was playing with the opening act for guitarist Arlen Roth, who at the time had the legendary Jerry Jemmott on bass in his band. I don't remember the circumstances, but minutes before we were set to go on stage to open, Jerry still hadn't shown up. Arlen asked me if I could play bass for him in the event that Jerry didn't make it. I don't recall what my answer was, or what shade of pale white my face turned, but I think I muttered something along the lines of, "yeah, I guess...". I didn't know any of his material, and had never heard it. What's that phrase they use? Oh yeah-- <em>scared shit. </em>Fortunately Jemmott showed up at the last minute and Arlen's band went on without a hitch and did their thing after we were done.</p>
<p>Writing for <em>Bass Player </em>is a blast, but time-consuming as well, so I haven't had much of a chance to add much to this site lately. I do plan to pick up the pace if possible though. I really appreciate people coming here to read my stuff, and I still get email via the Contact page all the time. Every now and then I'll get a nice message from someone who just wants to show their appreciation. Here's one I got back in May from a reader named Jeff Kramer, which I liked so much I asked him for permission to reprint his comments, and he did so. Thanks Jeff!</p>
<p>Here's his message:</p>
<p><em>Rick, </em></p>
<p><em>First of all congrats on such a great career of your own, and secondly thank you so much for providing this website for musicians and fans who truly appreciate the finest in bass playing. I was thrilled to find your site yesterday and have been reading virtually every article on here. It's almost as if you've created an on-line museum we can visit from our homes! </em></p>
<p><em>I was born in 1964 and grew up listening to CKLW and M</em><em>otown. My very first records I ever owned were the Jackson 5 when I was merely 7 or 8 years old. At age 16 I became a drummer and have played many styles of music over the last 36 years. People ask what my favorite type of music is or who my fave drummers are, but honestly, the bass and drums must be "one" so I have grown to appreciate the best bass players in the biz. I love them all from Paul McCartney, Sting, Flea, Nathan East, Mars Cowling, Jaco, Geddy Lee, and on and on. And even though I've played some heavy rock in my day, my heart and soul is with Motown. James Jamerson is in my book one of the best bassists who has ever pla</em><em>yed the instrument. It's an absolute shame that we may never truly know the entire scope of his discography. </em></p>
<p><em>BTW, thank you for your work isolating bass lines of many of these greats. Your website is amazing and I am already forwarding your link to my musician friends! I noticed a Password is required to listen to some of the isolated tracks and that you graciously provide this as a service to the music industry, and NOT to profit from it. It is a joy to know that people like you can provide all of this historical video, audio and articles without trying to make a buck from it. Cheers to you, Rick and thank you again for your fantastic web page! -- Jeff </em></p>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900902016-03-31T00:00:00-04:002021-02-28T19:38:28-05:00Chauncey Gardiner For President<p>There's an old movie that starred Peter Sellers titled <em>Being There.</em> The story is about a simple-minded gardener named Chance (played by Sellers) who spends his entire life living in <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/538fc5fb785d6305e4f5d01b2743560e4b637e09/original/peter-sellers-cr.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjIweDE0OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Peter-Sellers-cr.jpg" height="149" width="220" />the townhouse of a wealthy old man, tending the garden. Chance's entire knowledge of the world is derived from what he watches on television, and gardening of course. The old man dies, Chance moves out and wanders aimlessly until he gets hit by a car driven by an advisor to the U.S. president, who takes Chance in to recover. The advisor and his wife (Shirley MacLaine) see that Chance is dressed in pricey tailored clothes (left to him by the old man) and assume that Chance is an upper class highly educated person. They ask him his name; he replies "Chance, the gardener". They mistakenly think he says <em>Chauncey Gardiner</em>, and call him by that name from then on.</p>
<p>All Chauncey talks about is gardening and weather, but because the new people around him think he's well educated they take his simple statements as profound philosophical observations about politics and the economy. So does the president, who Chauncey gets introduced to. The gardener rises in prominence, becomes a celebrity and resonates nationally; a jaded public think that Chauncey is putting forth an informed view on politics and they like his simple non-political approach. Eventually it is suggested that he could be the next president. But, as the movie viewer knows well, he is nothing more than a simple-minded gardener who watches a lot of television.</p>
<p>Here's the point: belief is in the mind of the believer.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/0b7c2d89fb68b6ab691394a934aabdcca6756234/original/donald-trump-black-tie.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Donald-Trump-Black-Tie.jpg" width="300" /></p>
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<p>In other news... here's a flashback: Back in 2005 I posted a photo of myself with President Bush at the White House. It wasn't long before I got email from various people who assumed I was pro-Bush, and they were eager to tell me why I was wrong, or what their political opinions were (or their opinions of me), amid the growing anti-war-anti-Bush fever in the country at the time. I suppose that when you post a photo of yourself with a politician, people just assume you are a supporter. Maybe I was, maybe I wasn't.</p>
<p>Back to the business of bass: Check out my latest articles on <em>Bass Player</em>: first up, my interview with <strong>Billy Joel</strong>'s longtime bassist <strong>Andy Cichon</strong>, which appears in this month's April issue (on newsstands now). Also up on the <em>BassPlayer.com </em>site is my new series titled <em>Give The Drummer Some</em>, where I ask world class drummers what they look for in bassists, who they like, etc. The first installment features the one and only <strong>Peter Erskine. </strong>Please feel free to leave your comments below the article on the BP site.</p>
<p>More to come... see you here shortly!</p>
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<hr>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900892016-02-05T08:10:01-05:002020-01-09T07:56:47-05:00R.I.P. Maurice White
<p>It's hard to believe how many musical giants we've lost in just the past few months, but yesterday may have been the biggest of them all: <strong>Maurice White</strong> of <strong>Earth, Wind and Fire</strong>, <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/b07b944aca625c3631ce10de3f65798949d39bd4/original/maurice-verdine.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDE2OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Maurice-Verdine.jpg" height="168" width="300" />who lost his long battle with Parkinson's. When I interviewed Verdine White a couple of years ago we spoke at length about his brother, and at the time I had gotten the sense that perhaps Maurice was worse off than the band acknowledged publicly. I admire the brave face that EWF put on when they released their 'comeback' album <em>Now Then & Forever </em>in 2013<em>. </em>R.I.P Maurice, you fought a courageous fight and the music of Earth, Wind & Fire will live on always.</p>
<p>Maurice's departure follows that of <strong>Natalie Cole</strong>, <strong>David Bowie</strong> and the <strong>Eagles'</strong> <strong>Glen Frey</strong>. If I had to make a list of my five favorite female vocalists of all time, Natalie would definitely be on it. She knew when to be understated and <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/b367731cad00317b36513f7eab3952f433c65e69/original/natalie-cole.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDE2OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Natalie_Cole.jpg" height="168" width="300" />when to dig in, and damn, the girl could swing her ass off. Bowie was always Bowie, a complete original, and I think his often-overlooked album <em>Live At The Tower Philadelphia </em>is one of the best live albums ever. As for the Eagles, I may not have been as big a fan as some, but when I was coming up as a bassist, country-rock was big. Learning that style fluently definitely made me a better player, and I've certainly performed many an Eagles tune over the years. Like EWF, their music will never be forgotten.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/eaa3fb14c9f229e4f0ed664ecbf25248e0c6235c/original/bp-2016-02-medium.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTk5eDI0MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="BP_2016_02_medium.jpg" height="240" width="199" />Speaking of music legends, I would consider the Stones' <strong>Keith Richards</strong> to be one, and I recently had the opportunity to interview NYC bassist <strong>Paul Nowinski</strong> about his contribution to Keef's just-released solo album <em>Crosseyed Heart</em>, among other topics (including Paul's time as a member of the <strong>Les Paul Trio</strong>). The interview is in this month's<em> Bass Player</em>, on newsstands now.</p>
<p>Looking forward to Super Bowl 50 this weekend! I think the Panthers have a great team, I dig Cam Newton, but I'm kind of hoping Peyton Manning goes out on top. In any event, I'm gonna sim the game on <em>Madden 16</em> before the game starts. My Madden skills are <em>slowly</em> improving, but my increase in game skills is directly proportionate to my increase in guilt that I'm not doing more important things, like practicing and writing. And then there's this damn election season, which is taking even more of my limited attention span as I check out daily developments. Will Hilary make it to the finish line? Whether she does or doesn't, she'll still be in the White House every day:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/1abb87884abf6d11de2021977249e79d1a300c3e/original/hillary.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDUweDM1OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="hillary.jpg" height="358" width="450" /></p>
<p> </p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900882015-12-30T06:20:00-05:002021-02-28T19:39:29-05:00Late Show Bass 2.0<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/77e29900f236e52fb9a59adc1b5dcfcf0968ae64/original/colbert-large.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDQ2eDI3OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Colbert-large.jpg" height="279" width="446" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/fb68950d071e1b842bb9548598b7acfa6e02e4c6/original/thurber-stock.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjI1eDIyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Thurber_stock.jpg" height="225" width="225" /></p>
<p>The January 2016 issue of <em>Bass Player </em>includes my feature interview with <strong>Michael Thurber</strong>, bassist for the house band Jon Batiste & Stay Human on <em>T<strong>he Late Show with Stephen Colbert</strong></em>. Michael's a fascinating guy, really articulate, and-- might I add-- one helluva bassist. I enjoyed the interview and writing it up for BP.</p>
<p>I'd also like to thank everyone who's stopped by my YouTube channel <a data-imported="1" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ricksuchow" target="_blank" title="Suchow TV">Suchow TV</a>, which recently topped five million channel views. There will be more videos to come in 2016, so stay tuned.</p>
<p>Wishing everyone a healthy and happy New Year. I hope your 2015 was a good one, and here's to next year being even better!</p>
<p> </p>
<hr>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900872015-11-20T08:00:00-05:002021-02-28T19:41:07-05:00Yes In The Press<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/344903fd2bd110e3c5ca0338f446c85b770f5f4f/original/yes-logo.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjQ5eDE1MCJd.png" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="yes-logo.png" height="150" width="249" />Big thanks to <strong>Yes</strong> for adding links on their official site and Facebook page to my Chris Squire cover story in this month's <em>Bass Player</em>, now online at BassPlayer.com: <em>Chris Squire: A Wonderous Journey</em>.</p>
<p>Thanks as well to the official <strong>Chris Squire</strong> FB page for the same post. I appreciate all the nice comments from folks about the article, and I'm grateful to <em>Bass Player </em>for allowing me to write for their prestigious magazine and intelligent readership.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/b57c7284c1d5152cdf37f05b1157eb19fdfc3d39/original/chris-squire-resize.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjUweDE1NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="CHRIS-SQUIRE_resize.jpg" height="156" width="250" />Due to the limitations of print space, my interviews with current or former Yes members Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman and Alan White were necessarily edited. In the coming weeks I will be posting full transcripts of those interviews right here, so feel free to check back and read what was omitted from the BP Squire tribute issue.</p>
<p>The companion piece to my article (which did not make it to print either) has now been posted on the Bass Player website titled "Yes Master: Ten Essential Chris Squire Tracks".</p>
<p>Wishing all a very happy Thanksgiving!</p>
<p> </p>
<hr>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900862015-10-22T09:00:00-04:002021-02-28T19:41:38-05:00For Your Consideration<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/dcde4d554627bd65e386843a1619deefe42352a5/original/camille-b-w-web.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzM1eDQ0NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Camille-b_w-web.jpg" height="446" width="335" /></p>
<p>To our voting friends in the Recording Academy, for your Grammy consideration in this year's 58th Awards:</p>
<p>BEST ARRANGEMENT, INSTRUMENTS AND VOCALS:</p>
<p>"The Secret Life Of Plants" <strong>Camille with Will Lee </strong>/ arranged by Mitchel Forman and Rick Suchow</p>
<p>ALBUM OF THE YEAR:</p>
<p><strong>Camille</strong> - <em>I Sing Stevie: The Stevie Wonder Songbook</em></p>
<p>We're now on the 1st Round ballot. All songs are available <em>in full </em>for download and streaming for a limited time on Camille's music page. Thank you in advance for your support!</p>
<p> </p>
<hr>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900852015-10-13T08:00:00-04:002021-02-28T19:42:09-05:00A Wonderous Journey<p>I was honored to be asked to write the <em>Bass Player </em>tribute to Yes bassist <strong>Chris Squire</strong>, who sadly passed away this summer from leukemia. The cover story tribute is available now in the BP November 2015 issue.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/7aea69b38fa36d06a47684fdb72951440b96f65a/original/chris-squire-cover-lg.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDk4eDYwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Chris-Squire-cover-lg.jpg" height="600" width="498" />I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to interview Chris several years ago; it was certainly a highlight for me as a music journalist, and a conversation I won't soon forget.</p>
<p>Since there is really no way of telling Chris' story without including his iconic band mates from the glory years of Yes, I reached out to <strong>Jon Anderson</strong>, <strong>Steve Howe</strong>, <strong>Rick Wakeman </strong>and <strong>Alan White</strong>. All were happy to contribute their thoughts when they heard that <em>Bass Player </em>was doing a tribute. I also did a brief interview with luthier <strong>Michael Tobias</strong>, who did much work for Chris over the years and built several basses for him.</p>
<p>These days space is tight in the print world, so the entire piece did not make it to print. Fortunately, part of what was omitted will eventually make its way onto the <em>Bass Player </em>website.</p>
<p>I recently uploaded a video trailer for the article to <a data-imported="1" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ricksuchow" target="_blank" title="Suchow TV">my YouTube channel</a>; feel free to have a look: <a data-imported="1" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGIzB6nHPrU" target="_blank" title="Chris Squire - Bass Player cover tribute November 2015">Chris Squire: Bass Player cover tribute November 2015</a>.</p>
<p>Other news to share, but I'll save that for next week. Till then...</p>
<p> </p>
<hr>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900842015-09-22T08:00:00-04:002021-04-22T01:56:09-04:00The Catcher In The Sky<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/8f81f44533c91492951bca4602383ee9c8d5c032/original/yogi4.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzM4eDQ0NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="yogi4.jpg" height="446" width="338" /></p>
<p>R.I.P. Yogi Berra (May 12,1925 - September 22, 2015).</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<hr>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900832015-08-28T08:00:00-04:002021-02-28T19:43:17-05:00The Stars Of David<p>I've really enjoyed the last two interviews I've written for <em>Bass Player</em>. <strong>David Hood</strong> is a pretty legendary guy, having built his legacy decades ago with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/4e9412863b88768dc42dc6bd12c12999ce503e10/original/david-hood.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDEyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="David-Hood.jpg" height="125" width="300" />He's still going strong (now on tour with Mike Scott's band The Waterboys), but here's a partial list of some of the great artists he's recorded with (maybe you've heard of a few of them): Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Percy Sledge, Cher, Wilson Pickett, Boz Scaggs, Linda Ronstadt, Laura Nyro, Duane Allman, Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, Simon & Garfunkel, James Brown, Jimmy Buffet, Carlos Santana, The Staple Singers... need I go on? It's remarkable what a humble guy he is, and it was a great experience for me to be able to pick his brain a bit.</p>
<p>After Hood, I had the opportunity to interview <strong>David Hungate</strong>, who's back with <strong>Toto</strong> after a three decade hiatus. Like Hood, Hungate has played with the best of them: Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, Bette Midler, <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/9f9ed643e81858fb4af23597a2392e7918a4f2fa/original/toto-gold.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzQweDIyNiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Toto-gold.jpg" height="226" width="340" />Barbra Streisand, Gladys Knight, Sarah Vaughan, George Strait, Vince Gill, and on and on. Like Hood he also played with Boz Scaggs, and it was Hungate who played on Boz' landmark <em>Silk Degrees</em> album. To this day, his bass playing on Scaggs' "Harbor Lights" remains one of my favorite bass performances of all time. He co-founded Toto, played on their first four albums, and left the band at the height of their success just as <em>Toto IV </em>was winning Grammys and getting global attention. Why did he leave? He was more than happy to answer. It was a <em>great</em> pleasure to interview him, and it's good to see him back on the road with Toto (and on their latest album as well).</p>
<p>We're 14 months away from the presidential election, but I'm already hooked. It should be a fascinating ride watching the 20+ candidates who are out there selling themselves to the American public. I'm as opinionated as the next guy about this cast of characters, but you don't need to hear my opinions. We're all smart and we all get our news from the same sources. Don't let anybody fool you into thinking that they know more than you do when it comes to politics. They don't; they just think they do.</p>
<p>On a related note... I remember Donald Trump giving a speech at a benefit event I played years ago. He was scheduled to speak for about 30 minutes about the organization that was being honored, and if my memory serves me correctly, he spent about 20 of those minutes talking about how <em>The Apprentice</em> was killing every other television show in the ratings.</p>
<p>Let the games begin!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/c9734f95c017379f57ffcd33a23ba06f03e11434/original/trumpweb2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDUweDI5OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="trumpweb2.jpg" height="299" width="450" /></p>
<p> </p>
<hr>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900822015-04-17T06:00:00-04:002021-04-22T01:57:24-04:00Facing East<p>It seems that every year starts out the same for me: I vow to do less, work less, take it easier, relax more. Hasn't seemed to work out that way yet.</p>
<p>Another brutal New York winter is finally over, thankfully. Now that the shivering has subsided and spring has sprung, some reflection is in order before I get back in the saddle of my non-stop life.</p>
<p>Although I only did two full length bass interviews in 2014, they were certainly highlights in my writing experience, and for one simple reason: both were with Nathan East. In January 2014 I interviewed him before his debut solo album came out, and at the end of the year I caught up with him again just as his full length<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/79269a244d86712f92d0a642fb8da93d806d11d2/original/nathan-east-cover.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTI1eDE4OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Nathan-East-Cover.jpg" height="188" width="125" /> documentary <em>For The Record </em>was released. His brilliant album was a true success story: #1 on the jazz charts, Grammy nominated, destined for classic status. Lots of bass players put out musically great albums (well maybe not <em>lots</em>), but in Nate's case I think the album went the extra mile because of that likeability factor he exudes. The stars were aligned, and industry people, journalists, fans-- pretty much everyone-- jumped at the chance to support him in his solo debut. Bottom line, Nathan is just one of the most genuine people you could ever meet. It's a quality you can't make up and you can't fake; either you are, or you're not. In the words of his producer Chris Gero: "Everybody loves him."</p>
<p>Speaking of successes, a round of congrats to Camille (my wife), whose new album <em>I Sing Ste</em><em>vie: </em><em>Th</em><a data-imported="1" href="http://www.independentmusicawards.com/imanominee/14th/Album/Tribute-Album" target="_blank" title="Camille IMA Best Tribute Album"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/fa30d1475010e22e01626e39d69fb04766bf7e81/original/camille-vocalist-2015.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTI1eDEzMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Camille-vocalist-2015.jpg" height="130" width="125" /></a><em>e</em><em> Stevie Wonder Songbook</em> was just nominated in the 2015 Independent Music Awards for Best Tribute Album. Submissions were received from more than 70 countries across 6 continents. Winners will be selected by a panel of industry judges and announced in June, but there is also a fan vote as well, kind of like a separate "People's Choice" award. We'd love for you to vote for Camille and <em>I Sing Stevie:</em><em> The </em><em>Stevie Wonder Songbook</em> as Tribute Album of the Year, so feel free to head over to the IMA site and give the girl five stars. You'll have to register, but it only takes a minute, and you will have our gratitude forever.</p>
<p>On the writing front, I recently wrapped up my tenure at <em>Bass Musician Magazine</em> after 5 years. It's been a fun ride, and because of the mag's arrangement with its writers I own my written content and therefore can reprint it on my site. But now it's time to move on, and I thank everyone over at BMM for giving me free reign to write whatever I want and interview whoever I want.</p>
<p>I've had a bunch of interesting gigs over the past few weeks, and in the little-known category of "you never know who's going to be in the room" I've had the opportunity to inject some low frequencies into the ears of both Madeleine Albright and Archbishop Timothy Cardinal Dolan. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/20cb611709039b33c66bb8295366fac5a47d7260/original/jan-2014.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTI1eDE1NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Jan-2014.jpg" height="157" width="125" />But, in the name of reflection, the personal highlight for me was in mid-March when I played my 3,769th gig (yes, I've kept track). Nothing particularly special about the gig itself, but for one thing: the date marked the 40th anniversary of my first professional gig. I'm not sure what it all means in the grand scheme, other than this musical train that I'm on has somehow kept rolling for a long time. Of course, in a business where ageism exists, and I'm generally surrounded by younger players, I don't necessarily feel the need to call attention to my age. But for just this one time I'm taking a moment to look back and be thankful that I've been able to do what I've loved to do for so long.</p>
<p>Oh, and that first gig in 1975? I remember it like it was yesterday. I was a keyboard player, still abou<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/0060aeb6352f2689b8c6f7deb2777db72e006ba3/original/transit-2sm.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTUweDIzMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Transit-2sm.jpg" height="230" width="150" />t two years away from becoming a bass player, so the low-end journey hadn't quite kicked in yet. The job was in our local Junior High School, I was playing a Farfisa Combo Compact organ and singing lead vocals (that's right) in a band I formed and called Intrepid. The first song I ever played live in front of an audience: Jethro Tull's "Locomotive Breath". Then we followed with the Stones' "Sympathy For The Devil". The rest of the set is a bit hazy (maybe I have that written down somewhere too), but I'm pretty sure the Allman Brothers' "Les Brers In A Minor" was in there somewhere. Anyway, it was an amazing feeling to perform live, and a total game changer. I guess that's what keeps us musicians doing it again and again. Sometimes even 40 years later.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/10fd18b0246c7de049fa25c4a5c4f4efa6a54847/original/transit-1sm.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDE4NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Transit-1sm.jpg" height="184" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="300" /></p>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900812014-11-05T09:00:00-05:002021-04-22T01:57:44-04:00Real Deal Camille<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/92bec008328a038b481be623f86045515b5f70e2/original/camille-movie-ad3.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDQ2eDM0MSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Camille-movie-ad3.jpg" height="341" width="446" /></p>
<p><em>"Bravo! Love the version of 'As'... wonderful!</em>" <strong><em>- Peter Erskine</em></strong> (Weather Report, Steely Dan)</p>
<p><em>"Camille has serious vocal skills and a wealth of experience to make her the perfect performer to attempt this musical 'Mount Everest'." - <strong>Raul Amador, Bass Musician Magazine</strong></em></p>
<p><em>"I'm really impressed. Camille sounds great, a fantastic job." - <strong>Mitchel Forman </strong></em>(Metro, Wayne Shorter Group)<em><strong> </strong></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Just on word of mouth, Camille's new album landed in Amazon's Top 10 on <em>three different charts</em> in its first week of release (#2 Latin Jazz, #6 Salsa, and #9 Contemporary R&B)!</p>
<p>Of course big things lay ahead in the coming year, as management and PR teams are put in place and the real promotional machine gets cranking. Congrats to Camille on a great opening, and we look forward to seeing a successful journey.</p>
<p>Feel free to check out sound samples and order directly yourself... details at CamilleMusic.net.</p>
<hr>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900802014-09-05T09:00:00-04:002021-02-28T19:47:49-05:00Let Me Be Your Download<p><a data-imported="1" href="http://www.amazon.com/Let-Me-Be-the-One/dp/B00N25H9UE/ref=sr_1_32?ie=UTF8&qid=1409971309&sr=8-32&keywords=the+essential+angela+bofill" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/04b152819b42e6ee17f30484ebbc6aaf2ec9d19b/original/essential-angela-bofill.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDQwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Essential_Angela_Bofill.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></p>
<p>Many years ago, a tune I had co-written with then-Arista artist <strong>Angela Bofill</strong> snuck onto the radio and got a good dose of regular airplay. From that point on it seemed to have a life of its own, getting re-released on several of Angela's "best-of" collections and also being included in Sher Music Company's <em>The New Real Book</em> (the book went on to become the best selling legal fake book of all time, with over 100,000 copies sold).</p>
<p>The company recently informed me of their just-released digital v<a data-imported="1" href="http://www.onlinesheetmusic.com/let-me-be-the-one-p362384.aspx" title="Let Me Be The One sheet download"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/5a43cad1e986c1dc8d5b6cb57d40def81c61b0de/original/drb-75.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTIyeDY3Il0%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="drb_75.jpg" height="67" width="522" /></a>ersion of the book (appropriately titled <em>The Digital Real Book</em>), and so "Let Me Be The One" is now finally available for single sheet music download-- <a data-imported="1" href="http://www.onlinesheetmusic.com/let-me-be-the-one-p362384.aspx" target="_blank" title="Let Me Be The One sheet download">you can find it here</a>. A new cool feature with the <em>The Di</em><em>gital Real Book </em>is that it fully supports transposition and midi-playback. So go jam out and do your best Angela Bofill karaoke!</p>
<p>Also just released last week, a new compilation album from Sony Legacy: <em>The Essential Angela Bofill</em>. Click on the cover image above for the Amazon download link for "Let Me Be The One".</p>
<p>In an unrelated story... here's an interesting thing that happened recently:</p>
<p>Every now and then I look for various writing opportunities in the music journalism field. I decided to approach a particular publication (no names mentioned). This magazine specifically caters to the working musician, and I offered to write an article or two and asked how much they pay. I should point out here that the magazine is a champion of musicians' rights and have run umpteen million articles addressing the importance of musicians having the right to fair wages. In fact recently they printed several articles bemoaning the fact that some bands actually <em>pay to play</em>, and how obscene a concept that is. Which, by the way, I totally agree with; I find it hard to believe that this is a practice that actually goes on. Call me old school, I don't know... the way I figure, you play a gig and you get paid for it. How groundbreaking.</p>
<p>But pack to the point. If this magazine stands for anything, it stands for fair pay for work. So when I inquired about getting paid to write for them, the response I got was that most of the articles they print are "volunteered". In that same response I was asked --just for the hell of it I guess-- how much I would want if they were to actually pay me to write. Oh, and with this disclaimer: "don't hold my breath".</p>
<p>I gave them an amount I considered fair. No response back.</p>
<p> </p>
<hr>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900792014-06-23T10:00:08-04:002020-01-09T07:56:47-05:00New Album, New Label
<p>I'm happy to announce that the official release date for <strong>Camille</strong>'s new album is set for October 7th, which will coincide with the launch of her own record label <strong>Camilleon Records</strong>. <a title="CamilleMusic.net" href="http://camillemusic.net/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/0ec72a528e72d380f815eef2d860ff5fd0c6f9c8/original/camilleon-records-logo2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjIweDE0OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Camilleon_Records_Logo2.jpg" height="148" width="220" /></a>As the date gets closer I'll have more to share about the making of this great recording, which features some stellar playing by Mitchel Forman, Will Lee, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, Bobby Franceschini, Barry Danielian, Marc Quiñones and many others. I produced the album with Tommy Uzzo.</p>
<p>Camille's website, <a title="CamilleMusic.net" href="http://camillemusic.net" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong>CamilleMusic.net</strong></a>, is still being revamped, and will be fully up and running well before the album is out. One other note... while the album will be easily downloadable via iTunes, Amazon, and all the usual places, etc., it will also be available in a beautifully designed CD special edition, complete with great photography and a 16-page booklet that features personal dedications and thank you notes written by Camille.</p>
<p>In other news... I'm glad to hear that <strong>Joni Mitchell</strong> has gotten involved in the <strong>Jaco Pastorius</strong> documentary being produced by Metallica's Robert Trujillo. To be honest, when I first heard that Trujillo was producing this project, I was skeptical that Jaco's story would be told from the right perspective. I'm still skeptical, but with Joni involved, and Peter Erskine, I think it certainly has a better shot at capturing the right emotion of Jaco's impact.</p>
<p>The Jaco documentary actually began more than seven years ago, with Bob Bobbing and Mary Pastorius overseeing the production. At the time, which I believe was the summer of 2007, I was able to help Bob & Mary out with the filming of one scene which was shot in<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/7739cd3de068ecafe03930a98a606e99a4dd1268/original/jacop.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mzc2eDI3MiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="jacop.jpg" height="272" width="376" /> my apartment on New York's East Side. The segment was about 30 minutes of Mary interviewing the doctor who treated Jaco at Bellevue Hospital near the end of the great bassist's life (the doctor's name escapes me at the moment). What gave this particular scene added depth was that at the time I was living on the 31st floor of Paramount Tower, and the crew filmed Jaco's doctor sitting on a chair in front of the window in my living room that faced southeast; appropriately there was a clear shot of Bellevue way in the background. I recall part of Mary's conversation with the doctor was rather poignant; she discussed the stigma of Bipolar Disorder, an affliction that affected not only her Dad, but her as well. I remember Mary saying that even to this day, many people don't consider Bipolar a real disease.</p>
<p>Anyway, long story short... I haven't been in touch with either Bob or Mary in quite a while, so I don't know if that footage will be used in Trujillo's documentary, or even if the two filmmakers who are doing the current project are the same two guys who were shooting back then. I have more to say on that time period regarding Jaco, and some of the goings-on, but that's for another day. In any event, I look forward to seeing the end result of Trujillo's piece now that I know a bit more about who's involved, and I truly hope that the film strikes the right tone.</p>
<p>By the way, speaking of the East Side... although I lived at Paramount for 10 years (the longest residence of anywhere I've lived in the city), I've long since relocated to the other NYC coast, and happy over here on the West Side these days. It's only a cab ride away from where I used to be, but it's a different world. At Paramount my views were midtown and part of the East River; these days it's life on the Hudson, baby! Here are a few cool balcony shots:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/fa35f66fe817c56eb4bb5c366810b93cadf64164/original/balcony1a.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDIyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="Balcony1a.jpg" height="225" width="300" /></p>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/57c852b5e75e4189151a0060a8ff61499e85748b/original/balcony4a.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDIyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Balcony4a.jpg" height="225" width="300" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/677d664c4e94f5181dba4c289dd4f5d84bcfc067/original/balcony3a.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAweDIyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Balcony3a.jpg" height="225" width="300" /></p>
<p>For my taste, the Hudson wins. As for life inside the apartment, here's <em>Miss Thang</em>... this is Gigi.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/21c44b7e5c0039d0f3303459ad36fc303058bb99/original/gigi11.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjQweDMyMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="Gigi11.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900772013-12-30T08:53:02-05:002020-01-09T07:56:47-05:00Ring Out The Old
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/3bd326f920766b59c4984ccb8d6cdaa0c6a3a32d/original/nycnye-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDIyeDM0MyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="nycnye-s.jpg" height="343" width="422" /></p>
<p>It feels like it's been a long and busy year. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty happy to see it wind down. For me, the past few months have been a time of reevaluating where I'm at and where I'm going, a time of connecting with new people and disconnecting with others; a re-focusing of the road ahead.</p>
<p>I want to say thanks to the visitors and subscribers to <a title="Suchow TV" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ricksuchow" target="_blank" data-imported="1">my YouTube channel</a>, you've kept it busy! The channel has topped 3.5 million views, 2500 subscribers and 3500 comments. Thanks as well to those who have contacted me on this site, and apologies if I haven't yet replied.</p>
<p>Bass players: Thanks to all of you who have given me interviews. In some cases I've reached out to you, in other cases you've reached out to me, but in all cases we've connected, and the conversations have been very cool. This year, perhaps more than any other, I've had the chance to pick the brains of some of my biggest bass heroes: <strong>Chris Squire</strong>, <strong>Tony Levin</strong> and <strong>Verdine White</strong>.</p>
<p>2014 will mark the <em>10th year</em> this site is online, hard to believe. In the new year I'll be doing more writing here than in the past, including a new website page entitled "Pen". After all, if you can't write and contribute to your own site often, why the hell have one?</p>
<p>Two album projects I've worked on will see the light of day in the new year. Both records I co-produced, and one I wrote. Returning to songwriting has been rejuvenating and inspiring! But whether it's songwriting or journalism, writing is something I've always done and loved since I was a kid. I got into music journalism in college, writing articles for the college paper and a local publication called <em>Good Times</em>. At some point my writing habit morphed into songwriting-- instrumental jazz at first, then a solid decade-plus of pop and dance tunes. I got back into journalism simply by an odd combination of three unrelated events that occurred in one week (more on that in a future post), and have been writing specifically for bass magazines for the past 6 years. But here's the bottom line: writing is an act of creating something from nothing, and what could be any higher form of creativity than that? That's how I know I will always write.</p>
<p>And finally, I've just submitted my vote for this year's Grammy winners (the show will air January 26th). I think the Academy did a <em>great</em> job on the nominations this year, I feel like we really got it right in all the categories. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/b2816fbbdba97e6da274a089b510f0826a53c07f/original/beatles-on-sullivan-1964-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjM0eDIyMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Beatles-on-Sullivan-1964-s.jpg" height="221" width="234" />The night after the Grammy Awards, the Academy will be taping "The Night That Changed America: A GRAMMY Salute To The Beatles". That special will air at 8 PM on Sunday, February 9th-- exactly 50 years to the day, date and time of the original event, which was of course the <strong>Beatles</strong> debut on the <em>Ed Sullivan Show</em>. So it looks like winter 2014 might just kick off with a new wave of Beatlemania, thanks to the Grammy special. Now how cool would that be?</p>
<p>To all, a safe and happy new year.</p>
<p> </p>
<hr>
Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900762013-11-25T08:48:17-05:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00Michael Jackson's Man In The Window
<p>Sure, Michael spent some time looking at the man in the mirror, but when he looked in the glass to the studio control room, at the peak of his career, he saw two other guys who were just as creat<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/11a447ff96e8c7f2e4d67ea2768e92063bbf65e0/original/mj-qj-swedien.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzM4eDIwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="MJ-QJ-Swedien.jpg" height="200" width="338" />ive: <strong>Quincy Jones</strong> and <strong>Bruce Swedien</strong>.</p>
<p>Quincy, of course, was the producer of Jackson's greatest solo works including <em>Off The Wall</em>, <em>Bad</em>, and the biggest selling album in history, <em>Thriller</em>. However none of those albums would have been captured quite the way they were, nor sounded the way they did, had it not been for the brilliant and innovative Swedien, who was the important third member of the Jackson team.</p>
<p>I had a fascinating and lengthy chat with the legendary recording engineer for my latest interview for <em>Bass Musician Magazine,</em> and my article, "Bruce Swedien: The Sound Of History", will be featured in next month's issue. While Bruce is probably best known for his work with Michael, this 13-time Grammy-nominee (winning 5 times) has had an astonishing career recording some of the giants of modern music, from <strong>Sarah Vaughan</strong> to <strong>Ray Brown </strong>to <strong>Stevie Wonder</strong>. As my interview is intended for a bass-playing audience, many of the questions I asked Bruce were bass-specific, but just as many were not, and will be of interest to everyone. Having just written an excellent book entitled <em>The Bruce Swedien Recording Method</em>, Bruce was ready to share some great stuff about his career, the music he recorded, inside stories about Michael, recording bass, and much more-- including the subject of having great take-out menus in the studio.</p>
<p>In other news: On <em>Suchow TV</em> I recently posted the <a title="Rick James iso bass Super Freak" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYmDXlFeDjw&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLpQl5KE0DGVbVcWMcD85Hj70Zm4pp3O9A" target="_blank" data-imported="1">never-before-heard isolated bass track</a> from <strong>Rick James</strong>' hit "Super Freak", and will soon be posting the full track, minus drums, on this site. What makes the full track interesting is James' alternate lead vocal on it. I would have had the track up already, but free time is a rare commodity these days. Which brings me to the last item for now... here's a shot from a recent gig in Naples:<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/edad434d952ede273af4fbb362a68cb30d59f6ce/original/rick-suchow-naples-f2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDQ2eDMxMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Rick-Suchow-Naples-f2.jpg" height="310" width="446" /></p>
<p>How's that for a stage location while you're playing for a few hours? Sometimes it's hard to refer to this line of business as work.</p>
<p>That's all for this month... hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving, and I'll be back here in December with a year-in-review update.</p>
<p> </p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900752013-09-02T09:45:21-04:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00That's The Way Of The Bass
<p><a title="Verdine White: The Eternal Dance Goes On" href="http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2013/09/verdine-white-the-eternal-dance-goes-on-bass-musician-magazine-september-2013/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/acd70188577d5c761aaeb14646b500b1359133dd/original/verdine-white-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzA3eDQ0NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="verdine-white-s.jpg" height="444" width="307" /></a></p>
<p>You can read my interview with <strong>Earth, Wind & Fire</strong>'s great bassist <strong>Verdine White</strong> in this month's <em>Bass Musician</em>. The direct link is here:</p>
<p><a title="Verdine White: The Eternal Dance Goes On" href="http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2013/09/verdine-white-the-eternal-dance-goes-on-bass-musician-magazine-september-2013/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Verdine White: The Eternal Dance Goes On</a></p>
<p>... and a special "page-flip" version is <a title="Verdine White: The Eternal Dance Goes On" href="http://bassmusicianmagazine.uberflip.com/i/163065" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><em><strong>here</strong></em></a>.</p>
<p>My thanks to the guys, who popped this <a title="Earth, Wind & Fire on Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/EarthWindandFire" target="_blank" data-imported="1">on their Facebook page</a>. Much appreciated!</p>
<p> </p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900742013-08-16T09:42:33-04:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00Picasso The Cartoonist
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/c657ebd467127c97172f70c3fddd59a11032525c/original/wic-book-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mjg1eDI1MSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="wic-book-s.jpg" height="251" width="285" />Former <em>Bass Player </em>magazine contributing editor <strong>Tom Wictor </strong>is my latest subject, and you can read <a title="Thomas Wictor: Interviewing A Bass Journalist Story" href="http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2013/08/thomas-wictor-interviewing-a-bass-journalist-story/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">our great interview online now</a> on <em>Bass Musician Magazine</em>. Tom's fearless new book <em>Ghosts And Ballyhoo: Memoirs Of A Failed L.A. Music Journalist</em> is one of the funniest books you'll ever read... and that's a promise.</p>
<p>In other news, <strong>Camille's </strong>website is getting a long overdue makeover, and will be fully up and running shortly. Even better, her new album is mastered and inching ever closer to the ears of the public.</p>
<p>Here's a sneak peak at the site:</p>
<p><a title="Camille Music.net" href="http://www.camillemusic.net/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/c0f727aacd42925fe46fd92342fdd7d2abb8fe2a/original/camille-2013-sm2-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjM0eDE1NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="Camille-2013-sm2-s.jpg" height="156" width="234" /></a></p>
<p><a title="CamilleMusic.net" href="http://www.camillemusic.net" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><em>CamilleMusic.net</em></a></p>
<p>People ask me about her all the time... now you can ask yourself! Visit her contact page and feel free to send Camille a message. She'd love to hear from you.</p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900732013-08-06T09:36:36-04:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00RIP George Duke (1946 - 2013)
<p><a title="RIP George Duke" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca22gIliSy8" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/7af3864314eeb258f7fb853118dc05e4ff92fc80/original/duke-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDQ2eDM3OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Duke-s.jpg" height="379" width="446" /></a></p>
<p>One of the greats passed away yesterday at age 67: Keyboardist and producer <strong>George Duke</strong> was one of a kind, a brilliant musician and a massively successful producer. Rest in peace George, and thanks for making the music world a better place while you were here.</p>
<p>Click on the photo above to see a rare clip of George performing solo.</p>
<p> </p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900722013-08-01T09:49:35-04:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00Happy 6th Anniversary Bass Musician
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/6d609ae08a2b42f64981315d5ea0c882464119d5/original/bmm-ann1-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDQ1eDM0NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="BMM-ann1-s.jpg" height="345" width="445" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/976505c5cb14a8d68e9b53059c56ba2d4ae34777/original/bmm-ann3s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDQ0eDM0MiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="BMM-ann3s.jpg" height="342" width="444" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/9d439b980f99872f7880fec2d06ea55e3744322b/original/bmm-ann2-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDQ1eDM0MiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="BMM-ann2-s.jpg" height="342" width="445" /></p>
<p>Online today: the <strong><em>sixth</em></strong> anniversary of <em>Bass Musician Magazine!</em> This special issue marks the first time the premier bass mag has been available in a special page-flip format, giving it the feel of a true virtual magazine. Hey, are print magazines dead yet? Oh, not yet? Ok, I'll check back shortly.</p>
<p>The new issue is also a special 182-page Latin Bass edition, so check it out. Inside of it you'll also find links to all of the previous <em>Bass Musician </em>issues. I see more than a few cover stories from yours truly (fifteen, but who's counting?). My, time flies. My thanks to Jake Kot, who invited me in years ago, to Valery Amador for her tireless work, and Executive Editor Raul Amador, for keeping the whole thing moving forward. Not to mention the great staff of contributing writers.</p>
<p>So now that I'm knee deep in the shameless plug department, be sure to look for my cover interview story in next month's September issue. Did someone say legendary bassist? Did someone say legendary band? If I never did another interview again, that would be fine-- now that I've finally interviewed.... oops, can't say just yet. Sorry.</p>
<p> </p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900712013-07-19T09:16:03-04:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00Get Well Detroit
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAMBM7YaEvQ" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/14169e1b03c2d930808f556c03b35b1e2e4557e7/original/marvin68s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mzk2eDI4NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Marvin68s.jpg" height="287" width="396" /></a></p>
<p>News broke today that the city of Detroit is filing for bankruptcy. Let's hope this great city gets back on its feet soon. The video above is a reminder of two things that helped make Detroit the iconic city it is: Motown and the Tigers.</p>
<p>Although he was born and raised in Washington DC, Marvin Gaye helped put Motown on the map, and the Tigers were kings of baseball when Marvin sang this great rendition of the National Anthem at Tiger Stadium during the 1968 World Series.</p>
<p>(Click on photo to view video)</p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900702013-07-10T09:18:16-04:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00Summer In The City
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/387478473a8d368046011a3c51f838dcc6184703/original/hudson74.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDQ2eDM0MyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Hudson74.jpg" height="343" width="446" /></p>
<p>Hope everyone had a nice July 4th holiday weekend... took this nice shot of the Hudson while relaxing at home. This was about an hour before the Macy's fireworks started, with boats lining up to get a good view.</p>
<p> </p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900692013-06-03T09:15:48-04:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00Jeff Pilson: Rock Journeyman
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/4181519652eefb4f9a209469a4106210552be283/original/jeff-pilson-cover-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzA3eDQ0NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Jeff-Pilson-cover-s.jpg" height="444" width="307" /></p>
<p>Online now... my interview with Foreigner's <strong>Jeff Pilson</strong> on this month's cover of <a title="Jeff Pilson: Rock Journeyman" href="http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2013/06/foreigners-jeff-pilson-rock-journeyman-by-rick-suchow-bass-musician-magazine-june-2013/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><em>Bass Musician Magazine</em></a>.</p>
<p> </p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900682013-05-07T09:18:40-04:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00Cassie Taylor: Born Of The Blues
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/638901152768c79a6a9018887b985a37f0317272/original/ctaylor-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mjk0eDQyNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="CTaylor-s.jpg" height="424" width="294" /></p>
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<p>Is it possible to be born with grit in your DNA?</p>
<p>Read my <a title="Cassie Taylor : Born Of The BluesT" href="http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2013/05/cassie-taylor-born-of-the-blues/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">interview with <strong>Cassie Taylor</strong></a>, bass-playing daughter of acclaimed blues innovator <strong>Otis Taylor</strong>, online today at <em>Bass Musician Magazine</em>.</p>
<p>Here's a quote:</p>
<p><em>"There is a common thought in the songwriter world that in order to write good songs, you have to be miserable." </em></p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900672013-04-24T09:00:00-04:002021-03-05T00:03:46-05:00Rolling With Stone<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/f243790e72e46019ff5d0a5d6911968458cd18b5/original/allen-stone-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDUyeDMxNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="allen-stone-s.jpg" height="314" width="452" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/6984572f6d6c1834424caf2b3b4b8fac446a484d/original/allen-press-shot.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjE0eDIxNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="allen-press-shot.jpg" height="214" width="214" /></p>
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<p>Playing with artist <strong>Allen Stone </strong>at Capitale on NYC's Bowery.</p>
<p> </p>
<hr>Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900662013-03-02T08:15:23-05:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00New Interviews with Chris Squire and Tony Levin
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/3a921dc77aed2dab495dfdbb1f6dcafa707418ee/original/squire.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzA5eDQ0NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="squire.jpg" height="446" width="309" /></p>
<p>Out today.... read my interviews with these two prog-rock kings:</p>
<p><a title="Chris Squire Takes A Straight And Stronger Course" href="http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2013/03/chris-squire-takes-a-straight-and-stronger-course-by-rick-suchow-bass-musician-magazine-march-2013/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong>Chris Squire</strong> Takes A Straight And Stronger Course</a></p>
<p><a title="Tony Levin: Mr. Deep" href="http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2013/03/tony-levin-mr-deep/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"><strong>Tony Levin</strong>: Mr. Deep</a></p>
<p> </p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900652013-02-05T09:35:45-05:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00Rare Anthony Jackson Performance 1982
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/bb6e41a2f5c7dd170778dcb9cf969a387a190dc4/original/aj-pm82-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDQ0eDI3MSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="AJ-PM82-s.jpg" height="271" width="444" /></p>
<p>Now playing on <em>Suchow TV</em>... check out this rare 1982 video of a young <strong>Anthony Jackson</strong> playing with drummer Kenwood Dennard and guitarist Pat Martino. It's from Pat's first documented live performance after his life saving brain surgery. I've just posted Part Four of my six-part series titled <em>"Pat Martino: The Re-Remergence". </em></p>
<p>Part Four is the longest of the first four segments (over 16 minutes in length) and features some great impromptu jamming by AJ and Kenwood, with Pat "re-emerging" on guitar at the end of the video.</p>
<p>Here's the link:</p>
<p><a title="Anthony Jackson 1982" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TspUZxWoAgQ" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Pat Martino: The Re-Emergence (pt. 4)</a></p>
<p> </p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900642012-12-01T08:15:07-05:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00The Master Is In
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/1412025f303a4383440975873d3d19e3a8a1c545/original/john-patitucci-bmm-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzA5eDQ0NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="John-Patitucci-BMM-s.jpg" height="446" width="309" /></p>
<p>Part one of my interview with the great <strong>John Patitucci</strong> is in the current issue of <em>Bass Musician</em>. The direct link to the article is <a href="http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2012/12/john-patitucci-jazz-icon-goes-interactive-by-rick-suchow-bass-musician-magazine-december-2012/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"> here</a>.</p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900632012-11-07T08:14:59-05:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00Bass From Another Dimension
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/7e0046ed161870275707993cbd0065684ba79ee6/original/tom-hamilton-bass-musician-magazine-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzA3eDQ0NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Tom-Hamilton-Bass-Musician-Magazine-s.jpg" height="444" width="307" /></p>
<p>Many thanks to <strong>Aerosmith's Tom Hamilton</strong> for taking time out from the band's busy schedule to chat with me about their new album, his basses and an update on his health, among other things.<em> Music From Another Dimension! </em>is Aerosmith's first album of new material in ten years and I highly recommend it, it's one of their best ever. The direct link to the interview is<a href="http://www.ricksuchow.com/press-group-327.html/" target="_blank" data-imported="1"> here</a>.</p>
<p>Speaking of new albums... want to know what albums your favorite bassists are playing on? Feel free to check out my reviews in the new Rick's Picks column at <em>Bass Musician Magazine. </em>I'll also be writing the cover interview for next month's December issue.</p>
<p>The last week here has been like a tale of two cities; it seems everyone in lower Manhattan got <em>hammered</em> by Hurricane Sandy, and most of us who live north somehow slipped through the wrath. Looking south from my West Side apartment, it was as though someone flipped a light switch off at about 38th Street and left downtown in the dark. It's been crazy here, but hope everyone is getting back to normal...and finding gas!</p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900622012-09-21T09:14:51-04:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00It Was 25 Years Ago Today
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/5ae56ab85452bc05a3a128e8321806f040de1785/original/jaco-ingrid-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzAzeDI1MiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Jaco-Ingrid-s.jpg" height="252" width="303" />You can read my latest article, <em>Jaco Pastorius: 25 Years Ago Today... </em>marking the 25th anniversary of the murder of <strong>Jaco Pastorius</strong>. Included is a brief excerpt of an interview that I did with his wife Ingrid, just weeks before she passed away last November. The direct link to the article is here: <a href="http://jonimitchell.com/library/view.cfm?id=2521/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Jaco Pastorius : 25 Years Ago Today</a>.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/05df9c113f791791ed01b525bd9c2ff514f636e7/original/harry-shearer-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTg0eDE4NCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="Harry-Shearer-s.jpg" height="184" width="184" /></p>
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<p>Also in this month's issue is my interview with the great <strong>Harry Shearer</strong>, and that link is here: <a href="http://www.ricksuchow.com/press-group-326.html/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Harry Shearer Interview</a>.</p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900612012-08-01T09:14:43-04:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00New Interviews with Marcus Miller and Zac Brown's JD Hopkins
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/4e30b073da1b4b9ea3c2f164e3a1d827907f1f74/original/mm2012s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzA4eDQ0NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="MM2012s.jpg" height="446" width="308" /></p>
<p>Online today: feel free to check out my latest articles in the new August issue of <em>Bass Musician Magazine</em>, which includes my cover interview with <strong>Marcus Miller</strong> (<em>"Marcus Miller: Renaissance Man"</em>) and <strong>Zac Brown Band</strong>'s low-end man <strong>John Driskell Hopkins</strong> (<em>"Zac Brown Band's John Driskell Hopkins: The Bassist Uncaged")</em>.</p>
<p>Direct link to my <em>Marcus Miller interview</em> is here: <strong><a href="http://www.ricksuchow.com/press-group-322.html/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Marcus Miller : Renaissance Man</a></strong>.</p>
<p>Direct link to my <em>John Driskell Hopkins interview</em> is here: <strong><a href="http://www.ricksuchow.com/press-group-323.html/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">John Driskell Hopkins : The Bassist Uncaged</a></strong>.</p>
<p>The issue is available at www.bassmusicianmagazine.com (for free, as always). By the way, Zac Brown Band's new album <em>Uncaged </em>is currently at the top of the Billboard charts, and Marcus' new album <em>Renaissance </em>gets released next Tuesday (August 7th)<em> </em>. Take my word for it, you want both of these great albums in your collection.</p>
<p>Enjoy the new <em>Bass Musician </em>issue!</p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900602012-05-02T09:14:36-04:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00The Groove King
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/a37b80778fadd763561921dbf763727f0ac6ef38/original/hhjpg.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzA5eDQ0NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="HHjpg.jpg" height="446" width="309" /></p>
<p>Available online today, May 1... my interview with <strong>James "Hutch" Hutchinson</strong>... the Groov<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/255abe714ac6d5c94e45cc23ff5e1abfdbb3ea77/original/br2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6Mjc4eDMwMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="BR2.jpg" height="301" width="278" />e King.</p>
<p>See entire article in this month's <em>Bass Musician Magazine</em>, and catch Hutch on tour with <strong>Bonnie Raitt</strong> in 2012.</p>
<p>Among the topics we chatted about: Bonnie's new album <em>Slipstream</em>, Hutch's equipment (including his collection of nearly 80 basses), the U-Bass by Kala, his well-known musical neighbors in Hawaii, drummers Ringo Starr and Bill Kreutzmann, and much more.</p>
<p>The direct link to the interview is here: <strong> <a href="http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2012/05/hutch-hutchinson-the-groove-king-by-rick-suchow-bass-musician-magazine-may-2012-issue///" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Hutch Hutchinson : The Groove King</a></strong>.</p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900592012-04-02T09:14:27-04:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00New Girl On The Block
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/55a86cf541b12c4581dcd31e16d9fe797647156f/original/nik2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NTAweDUwMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="nik2.jpg" height="500" width="500" /></p>
<p>See my live video interview with Bassist <strong>Nik West</strong> in the April 2012 issue of <em>Bass Musician Magazine</em>... available online here: <a href="http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2012/04/nik-west-by-rick-suchow-bass-musician-magazine-april-2012-issue//" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Nik West "New Girl On The Block"</a>.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/c049ec58d00b456d22508de944fc5d409af0d02c/original/nikwestcovers.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzA4eDQ0NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="nikwestcovers.jpg" height="446" width="308" /></p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900582012-03-01T08:14:18-05:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00No Kennedy Conspiracy Here
<p>My interview with the great bassist <strong>Tom Kennedy</strong> is online now at <em>Bass Musician Magazine</em> (March issue). I got a little help from drummer Dave Weckl on this one.</p>
<p>See the 60-second promo trailer here:</p>
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<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JrqCMUX-sGQ" width="420" class="wrapped wrapped"></iframe></div></div></div></div>
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<p>... or go directly to the article here: <strong><a href="http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2012/03/tom-kennedy-by-rick-suchow-bass-musician-magazine-march-2012/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Tom Kennedy Interview</a></strong>.</p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900572012-01-15T08:13:30-05:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00I've Looked At Sites From Both Sides Now
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/f09ed66733dbcb6aabbce5ebb3de670e1b77a094/original/jms.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MjQxeDIzMiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="jms.jpg" height="232" width="241" /></p>
<p>My December cover story for <em>Bass Musician</em> has been added to the official <strong>Joni Mitchell</strong> website (jonimitchell.com). I've been a lifetime fan of Joni's work, and I'm honored to be included. The direct link is here: <a href="http://jonimitchell.com/library/view.cfm?id=2450" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Joni Mitchell Library</a>.</p>
<p>Look for my next interview on the March cover of <em>Bass Musician</em> (online March 1st). Thanks again to all who have taken the time to send me messages... your thoughts and comments are always welcome.</p>
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Rick Suchowtag:ricksuchow.com,2005:Post/61900562011-12-01T08:13:22-05:002020-01-09T07:56:46-05:00Jaco At 60: His Legacy Loves On
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/425866/87224353ece9a77951f0d02b5eece2a4bc82e116/original/jacobmm-s.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MzQweDQ0NiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="JacoBMM-s.jpg" height="446" width="340" /></p>
<p>My most recent article is available online now in the December issue of <em><strong>Bass Musician Magazine </strong>(bassmusicianmagazine.com).</em></p>
<p><em><strong>Jaco at 60: His Legacy Lives On</strong>... </em>revisiting the <strong>Joni Mitchell </strong>years, with new revelations from <strong>Peter Erskine</strong>... see article here: <strong> <a href="http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2011/12/jaco-at-60-his-legacy-lives-on-by-rick-suchow-%E2%80%93-bass-musician-magazine-december-2011-issue/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Jaco At 60: His Legacy Lives On</a> </strong></p>
Rick Suchow