Here’s a bit of a heads up for you UK bass-heads – have a look at bassmasterclass.com – it’s a new venture by a very resourceful chap called Kofi Boafo, who is running a series of weekend bass masterclasses, starting with one that I have great pleasure in recommending – Todd Johnson – Todd is THE ONLY person I’ve had a bass lesson from in the last 15 years, since I left music college. I heard Todd play in a trio with Jimmy Haslip at NAMM in about 2002 and was blown away by his jazz knowledge and ability to comp chords and walk bass at the same time. Since then, he’s put out a gorgeous record with singer/bassist Kristin Korb and a series of fantastic DVDs on beginning jazz walking bass. He’s great, he’s a lovely man, and is a born teacher.
I’m in discussions at the moment about some StevieClasses in the near future, but for now, you REALLY should go and see the site check out the stuff about the 40% discount (!!) for Todd’s weekend, and go and be inspired. He’s great. Seriously.