The Bass Shed Podcast

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Tom Kennedy joins The Bass Shed Podcast to discuss his latest album, The Summit, and the musical influences that have shaped his voice as one of today's premier jazz bassists.
Listen to The Summit:
https://open.spotify.com/album/2JIhnFiyngRdmvGMQk2yNX?si=D9b9qE2ZQI-XY6dx6ENYIQ
In this conversation, Tom reflects on growing up surrounded by the music of Horace Silver and the great big bands before discovering the legendary bassists who would leave a lasting impact on his playing, including Ray Brown, Jimmy Blanton, Scott LaFaro, and Rufus Reid.
We explore the inspiration behind The Summit, why he wanted to create a more acoustic, straight-ahead jazz record, his compositional process, and what it takes to lead a band while remaining deeply committed to serving the music. Tom also shares insights into his long-running musical partnership with Dave Weckl, the role of the bass in guiding an ensemble, and the balance between supporting the band and stepping forward as a soloist.
Whether discussing composition, improvisation, ensemble playing, or the responsibilities of the modern bassist, Tom offers a thoughtful look into the artistry and craft that have defined his career.
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Bassist, composer, and recording artist NOA Eve joins The Bass Shed Podcast to discuss Late Bloomer, a deeply personal debut album that blends solo double bass, bluegrass, new acoustic music, and songwriting into a unique artistic statement.
NOA shares the journey from studying classical bass to discovering an individual musical voice and learning to step beyond the traditional expectations of the instrument. We also explore the making of Late Bloomer, the stories behind several of the album's compositions, recording the double bass in the studio, and how personal experiences shaped both the music and the message of the record.
Whether you're a bassist, musician, or simply interested in the creative process, this conversation offers an honest look at artistry, identity, and finding your own voice.
Listen to NOA Eve's Late Bloomer:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/35mAlMvqNhtGk8JMKVcc9c?si=ly0GYe2JQgiGX_K56p7aTw
FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE
Lemur Music – Upright Bass Strings, Bows & Accessories
https://www.lemurmusic.com
Use promo code: THEBASSSHED for 10% off your order.
Jerry Jemmott – 15 Timeless Basslines
https://www.thebassshedacademy.org/741259528234
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Joe Principe has spent more than two decades anchoring the low end for Rise Against, helping build one of punk rock's most influential and enduring bands.
In this episode of The Bass Shed Podcast, Joe reflects on the band's origins following the breakup of 88 Fingers Louie, how Rise Against came together, and the challenges of building a career from the Chicago punk scene. He shares stories from the early years, the breakthrough success of Revolutions Per Minute, and how the band has remained committed to its values while evolving musically.
Joe also offers an inside look at the making of Rise Against's latest album, Ricochet, discussing the band's approach to the record, how they view each album as a snapshot of who they are creatively, and why staying authentic has always mattered more than chasing trends.
Beyond the music, the conversation explores balancing family life with decades of touring, raising independent and open-minded children, the influence of punk culture, veganism, activism, and using a platform to support meaningful causes. Joe also discusses his bass influences, evolving gear, touring rig, and why playing with a pick remains central to his sound.
Whether you're a bassist, songwriter, or lifelong punk fan, this episode offers an honest conversation about longevity, creativity, and staying true to your convictions.
Joe Principe & Rise Against
Official Website
https://riseagainst.com
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/riseagainst/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/riseagainst
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@RiseAgainst
Links & Resources
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Get all-access to Podcast Extras including The 5 Spot and The Listening Room, plus a growing library of bass transcriptions, lessons, and special member discounts.
https://www.thebassshed.com/backstage
Jerry Jemmott: 15 Timeless Basslines
Own the book and learn the stories behind some of Jerry Jemmott's most iconic recordings, complete with note-for-note transcriptions and firsthand commentary from Jerry himself.
https://www.thebassshedacademy.org/741259528234
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If you enjoyed this episode, please show your support by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with another bass player. Your support helps grow and connect the bass community.
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In Episode 150 of The Bass Shed Podcast, Ryan Roberts sits down with Adam Russell, bassist of Story of the Year, to talk about the band’s latest album A.R.S.O.N., their evolution over 25 years, and how his role as a bassist has grown alongside the band.
Adam shares how A.R.S.O.N. reflects a return to the band’s emo and post-hardcore roots while focusing more on personal emotional expression rather than political themes. They discuss the shift from early major label days with Maverick Records to their current chapter with Epitaph, and what it takes to sustain a band across decades.
The conversation also dives into Adam’s time away from music, including a four-year stint working at Apple, and how those technical skills now inform the band’s live show through Ableton integration, automated effects, and modern production approaches on stage.
They also explore Adam’s influences, touring mindset, and how technology, tone, and musical identity intersect in a high-energy rock setting.
Key Topics
 Story of the Year’s album A.R.S.O.N. and return to roots 
 25 years of band evolution and longevity 
 From Maverick Records to Epitaph 
 Time away from music and working at Apple 
 Live performance tech: Ableton and automation 
 Balancing emotion, identity, and consistency in rock music
Guest Links
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamrussellbass

 Band: https://www.storyoftheyear.net

Featured on This Episode
Lemur Music
Everything you need for the double bass.
https://lemurmusic.com

Jerry Jemmott – 15 Timeless Basslines
A collection of transcriptions personally developed with Jerry Jemmott and approved by the legend himself.
https://www.thebassshedacademy.org/741259528234

The Wood Shed Bass
Vintage soul. Modern voice.
https://www.thebassshed.com/wood-shed-bass

Bass Shed Socials
 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheBassShed

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_bass_shed/

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The.Bass.Shed.official/
Back Stage Pass
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Back Stage Pass members can submit questions for upcoming guests and help shape future episodes. You’ll also get access to exclusive Podcast Extras, including The 5 Spot, behind-the-scenes content, and the full episode archive.
Join here: https://www.thebassshed.com/back-stage-pass
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Mark Wade is a New York-based bassist, composer, and bandleader, and a five-time DownBeat Readers’ Poll finalist for Bassist of the Year. In this episode of The Bass Shed Podcast, Ryan Roberts sits down with Mark to talk about his musical path, his work as a creative artist and ensemble leader, and take a deep dive into his latest recording, New Stages.

On this episode:

Mark Wade’s background as a bassist, composer, and bandleader
His development as a creative artist in the modern jazz world
What has shaped his voice as a musician and writer
The artistic vision behind New Stages
How the record reflects a new phase in his creative evolution
A deeper look at the music, concepts, and writing on his latest release
New Stages, released by Dot Time Records, represents a major creative turning point for Wade, reimagining classical forms through a modern jazz trio lens.

Guest Links

Website: https://www.markwademusicny.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markwadebass/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLCeks8bGpU2fuYAEobBagw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5UJBuLbTmWg5XNUv3e5xDW

Featured on This Episode

Lemur Music
Your go-to shop for upright bass gear, accessories, and repairs.
https://lemurmusic.com
Jerry Jemmott – 15 Timeless Basslines
A deep dive into the feel, phrasing, and vocabulary of one of the most recorded bassists of all time.
https://www.thebassshedacademy.org/741259528234
The Wood Shed Bass
Vintage soul. Modern voice.
Built in collaboration with Woodcraft Guitars.
https://www.thebassshed.com/wood-shed-bass

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Website: https://www.thebassshed.com

Back Stage Pass
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With the Back Stage Pass, you can submit questions to guests and help shape future episodes of The Bass Shed Podcast.
You’ll also get access to exclusive Podcast Extras, including The 5 Spot — a rapid-fire look at how each guest responds to bass, music, and artistry — plus behind-the-scenes content and the full episode archive.
Join here: https://www.thebassshed.com/about-back-stage-pass
Support the show
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