Few musicians can claim they were present at the birth of the electric bass, and even fewer can say they helped shape what came next.

Leo Lyons has been playing bass for more than half a century, standing at the crossroads of innovation and influence as rock music found its voice. From the explosive blues-rock of Ten Years After, to later projects such as Hundred Seventy Split, Lyons has been a constant pillar of the UK rock scene and a familiar force in studios on both sides of the Atlantic as a bassist, producer, and sound engineer.

So when news broke that Ten Years After’s 1969 album Sssh was being reissued in a deluxe format on both CD and vinyl, it felt like the perfect moment to sit down with the man behind those unmistakable low-end lines. I was excited to talk with Leo about the early days of electric bass, the legacy of Sssh, and what it means to revisit a landmark album more than five decades later.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in January 2026

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For nearly seventeen years, we’ve followed the ever-evolving journey of bassist Cheikh Ndoye, watching with admiration as his musical vision continues to deepen and expand. Each project has revealed a restless curiosity and a commitment to sound that resists easy categorization.

When we last spoke in 2018, Ndoye was already hinting at new directions, and he hasn’t slowed down since.

In the years that followed, he’s been quietly and intensely at work, culminating in a new album, Genetic Tones, a project that captures both his roots and his forward-looking approach to music.

I recently had the great pleasure of listening to several rough tracks from the album, and, as always, I was both impressed and genuinely excited by what I heard. Genetic Tones feels like a bold and thoughtful statement, rich in texture and intention. Join me as Cheikh shares insights into the making of this upcoming release and reflects on the ways his musical language has continued to transform over the years.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in February 2026

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For more than four decades, British bassist Richard Vernon has been a quietly formidable presence in rock music. Cutting his teeth on the UK scene in the early 1980s, he’s carved out a reputation for groove, grit, and unshakeable musical instinct.

Best known for anchoring the sound of The Mission, Vernon has also brought his distinctive low-end touch to an array of projects, from acclaimed session work to performing with Peter Perrett. Most recently, he’s been powering the thunderous live energy of Ricky Warwick & the Fighting Hearts, proving that his playing is as vital and inventive as ever.

Join me as we dive into Richard’s musical journey, the influences that shaped him, the craft behind his unmistakable tone, and where his creative compass is pointing next.

Here is Richard Vernon.

This interview first appeared in Bass Musician Magazine in Jan 2026

Go to jazzguitartoday.com and bassmusicianmagazine.com more interviews and lessons.