The Talkingbass Podcast

This week Ellen is sitting down to talk bass with a true legend of bass guitar: Tony Levin.    Tony has been a first call session bass player since the 1970s having recorded with artists such as John Lennon, Paul Simon, Lou Reed, David Bowie and many many more but he’s most well known for his pioneering work with Peter Gabriel and as bass player with the progressive rock giants King Crimson.   In this interview Tony discusses his background in classical music and how he eventually came to work with Peter Gabriel and Robert Fripp.    He also provides an insight into his recording of the classic bass line from the song Sledgehammer and gives some tips on working as a professional bass player. You can follow Talkingbass on social media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TalkingBassVideo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingbasslessons

This week Ellen is sitting down to talk bass with another bass legend and pioneer, the great Gail Ann Dorsey.   Gail is most famous as bass player for the late, great Davie Bowie from 1995 through to his passing in 2016. She’s also played with a wide variety of other bands and big name acts such as Lenny Kravitz, Tears For Fears, Bryan Ferry, Gwen Stefani, Seal and many more    In this interview Gail gives an insight into every area of her musical life and the steps that led her to such a huge gig with David Bowie.  She also digs deep into her biggest musical influences and how they shaped her approach to both playing and singing. You can follow Talkingbass on social media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TalkingBassVideo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingbasslessons

This week Ellen O'Reilly is sitting down to talk bass with the amazing Bryan Beller!   Bryan Beller has played with guitar legends such as Mike Kenneally, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Dweezil Zappa and has spent the last 10 years as bass player for supergroup The Aristocrats with guitar phenomenon Guthrie Govan and drum legend Marco Minnemann.    As well as his real world music ventures Bryan also plays bass for the fictional animated death metal band Dethklok.   In this interview Bryan gives some insight into his bass background and how he developed a successful music career over many years. You can follow Talkingbass on social media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TalkingBassVideo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingbasslessons

This week Ellen is sitting down to talk bass with the king of speed metal bass playing - David Ellefson!   David is an innovator of heavy metal bass playing. As a founding member of Megadeth, his incredible technique, time and tight bass tone has been a fundamental part of the band's sound since the very beginning. Doubling the intricate rhythm guitar lines of Dave Mustaine has led to David developing a bullet proof bass style that cuts through a guitar heavy mix while adding wonderful groove and distinctive, memorable bass riffs.   In this interview David gets to talk about his musical background, including his jazz influence and reading facility developed through his early years as a tenor saxophonist and organist. He also dons his bass in order to take us through some influences and to also demonstrate some of his most famous Megadeth lines. You can follow Talkingbass on social media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TalkingBassVideo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingbasslessons

This week Ellen is sitting down to talk bass with the super talented Divinity Roxx.   Divinity is best known as touring bass player for Beyonce as well as her collaborations with Victor Wooten and her own solo work.  Not only is she a killer bassist, she’s also a fantastic rapper with the ability to mix both together showcasing her incredible rhythmic co-ordination and independence.    In this interview Divinity discusses her musical background and the steps that lead to her filling such a massive bass chair with Beyonce. She also gives some tips on bass practice and an insight into her work with Victor Wooten. You can follow Talkingbass on social media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TalkingBassVideo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingbasslessons

This week Ellen is sitting down to talk bass with a UK session bass player who has played with literally every famous musical act you can think of: Dave Swift.    As bass player for Jools Holland and all his many TV shows here in the UK over a period of 30 years, Dave has been fortunate to play with hundreds and hundreds of brilliant artists including everyone from Al Jarreau to Tom Jones, Amy Winehouse, Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Chaka Khan and the list just goes on and on and on.   In this interview Dave gives us an incredible insight into the requirements for playing with such a diverse array of artists while under the pressures of live television and recording.  He also talks at length about the steps he took during his long professional career that eventually led to securing such a great gig. You can follow Talkingbass on social media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TalkingBassVideo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingbasslessons

Federico Malaman is an Italian virtuoso of the highest order and has been taking Youtube and the online space by storm over the past ten years or so.    Federico can do it all from beautiful grooves and composition in any style all the way through to incredible jazz improvisation all performed with some of the most flawless technique on planet Earth.    His popular online videos and collaborations with other incredible players such as Hadrien Feraud, Victor Wooten and Henrik Linder have seen him develop a huge following and reputation. He’s also a great bass teacher with many online lessons. You can follow Talkingbass on social media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TalkingBassVideo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingbasslessons

This week Ellen is Talking Bass with a true female pioneer of bass guitar that needs no introduction, the legendary Suzi Quatro.    Suzi is a singer, songwriter and bass player that rose to fame during the 1970s with hit songs such as Devil Gate Drive and Can The Can. She’s released 15 solo albums since her debut in 1973 and sold over 50 million records through her amazing career.   Suzi has been a massive influence on female musicians over the years and on this, the week of International Women's Day, we’d be hard pressed to interview a more impactful, hard rocking lady of bass. You can follow Talkingbass on social media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TalkingBassVideo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingbasslessons

This week, Ellen O Reilly sits down to talk bass with the amazing Cody Wright.   Cody is an incredible player with virtuoso chops and a great funk groove all made possible with his great picking technique.   Cody made a name for himself with the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra and you might have also seen him work alongside guitar sensation Eric Gales.    As well as his super sideman work Cody has also become an internet sensation with his great looping improvisations and computer game covers. From blues to funk and beyond Cody is super entertaining and groovy as hell. You can follow Talkingbass on social media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TalkingBassVideo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingbasslessons