The Bass Shed Podcast
Conversations with bass players, composers, and artists about
Artistry . Craft . Culture
Global Audience in 119 Countries
Rated in the top 5% of ALL podcasts
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All Episodes
EP 150 - Adam Russell (Story of the Year)
Adam Russell of Story of the Year on A.R.S.O.N., the band’s 25-year evolution, and how returning to their roots while focusing on personal themes shapes his role on bass in a high-energy live band.
EP 148 - Ed Breckenridge (Thrice)
Thrice bassist Ed Breckenridge joins Ryan Roberts to discuss coming to the bass during the band’s early days, the influences that shaped his approach to tone and feel, and how Thrice continues evolving creatively on their twelfth album Horizons West.
EP 146 - Ben Suarez (The Hip Snacks)
Ben Suarez didn’t start on bass — he started in hip-hop. In this episode, he shares how freestyling and performing as a rapper shaped his sense of rhythm long before he ever picked up the instrument. From beginning bass at 20 to building The Hip Snacks in Denver, Ben talks about developing identity through experience, serving powerful vocals without overplaying, and trusting a non-linear musical path rooted in artistry, craft, and culture.
EP 141 - Bud LeCompte (Bass & Pick-up Builder)
Ryan Roberts talks with luthier and pickup builder Bud LeCompte, founder of LeCompte Basses, about his path from player to builder, tone shaping, pickup design, and the philosophy behind crafting instruments that truly serve musicians.
EP 139 - Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne, WhiteSnake, DIO)
Legendary rock bassist Rudy Sarzo reflects on his Cuban roots, discovering American music after seeing The Beatles, joining Ozzy Osbourne’s band, life on tour with Quiet Riot, and the unifying power of rock.
EP 138 - Lawrence Haber (Freelance Bassist, Music Director, Educator)
Bassist Lawrence Haber shares his journey from New Jersey roots to sessions and songwriting, discussing ’90s influences, groove, articulation, work with Music Together and Ready or Yacht, and his new single “Gia.”
EP 137 - Steve Billman (Frank Gambale, Billy Cobham, Liza Minnelli, Alex Acuña)
Bassist and educator Steve Billman joins Ryan Roberts to discuss rhythm studies, odd meters, South Indian influences, teaching at LACM, his band Odd Dogs, and a career spanning jazz, fusion, and contemporary music.
EP 136 - David Dyson (Me'Shell N'degeocello, New Kids On The Block, Producer, Songwriter)
Bassist David Dyson shares his journey from D.C. beginnings to touring with Walter Beasley and New Kids on the Block, blending funk, jazz, and Go-Go while building a career as a performer, MD, and solo artist.
EP 135 - Steve Rosati (Steve The Bass Guy / Performer, Educator, Author)
Bassist and educator Steve Rosati joins Ryan Roberts to discuss gear, flatwound strings, diverse influences from jazz to rap, teaching philosophy, and the realities of building a sustainable career as a working musician.
EP 133 - Oskar Cartaya (Tito Puente, Jennifer Lopez, Producer, Arranger)
Bass legend Oskar Cartaya joins Ryan Roberts to share his journey through Latin jazz, funk, and sessions with artists like Herb Alpert and Spyro Gyra, plus his passion for mentoring young musicians.
EP 132 - Gary Wicks (The Manhattan Transfer, Stevie Wonder, Take 6, John Williams)
Bassist Gary Wicks joins Ryan Roberts to discuss a versatile career spanning jazz, pop, and orchestral work, from touring with The Manhattan Transfer to performing with Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, and more.
EP 128 - Frank Canino (Joe Cocker, Ray Charles)
Veteran bassist Frank Canino shares insights from a career spanning jazz, Latin, rock, and blues, discussing his influences, evolving technique, work with major artists, and navigating decades in the music industry.
EP 126 -Mark Egan
Fretless bass master Mark Egan discusses his five-decade career in contemporary jazz, studio work with artists like Sting and Joan Osborne, and the signature sound that shaped countless recordings and soundtracks.
EP 124 - Tom Kennedy
Virtuoso bassist Tom Kennedy shares stories from his career with legends like Freddie Hubbard and Michael Brecker, reflecting on jazz mastery, musical influences, and his work as both sideman and solo artist.
EP 123 - Reggie Hamilton
Renowned bassist Reggie Hamilton discusses his work with artists like Seal and Whitney Houston, sharing insights into session life, musical versatility, and building a lasting career across genres.
EP 119 - Bryan Beller
Bassist Bryan Beller discusses his multifaceted career with The Aristocrats, Joe Satriani, and Steve Vai, blending rock, fusion, and metal while balancing solo work, composition, and life as a touring musician.
EP 117 - Tony Grey
Bassist Tony shares stories from collaborations with legends like Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Hiromi, and John McLaughlin, reflecting on a global career spanning jazz, fusion, and pop.
EP 115 - John Pena (Session Player, Chaka Kahn, Michael Brecker, Jerry Garcia, Ricky Martin)
Bassist John Peña discusses a career spanning sessions and tours with icons like Celia Cruz, Santana, Aretha Franklin, Chick Corea, and Diana Ross, plus his work as an arranger, producer, and engineer.
EP 114 - Jerry Jemmott (Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, B.B. King, Session Musician)
Legendary bassist Jerry Jemmott reflects on his roots in New York City and a groundbreaking career shaping blues, jazz, and R&B through iconic recordings and influential session work.
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