We’re thrilled to announce that Lane Baldwin is this week’s feature interview at For Bass Players Only (FBPO). Created and maintained by renowned bassist and educator Jon Liebman, FBPO is a clearing house of information for bass guitarists.

“I’m so thrilled,” Lane said. “Jon is known for interviewing some of the most influential bassists in the world, so to be included in his series is a true honor.

This is the second time the veteran bassist has been featured on FBPO. In January, 2012, Lane’s Time of My Dyin’ (Live solo version, taped at the Low Notes for Nashville benefit concert) was the site’s feature video during the NAMM show week of festivities.

The interview covers everything from the beginning of Lane’s musical career, up through his current activities. To read the interview, visit For Bass Players Only.

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I’ll be honest: I am really getting tired of not having a place of my own. But that’s about to change. (Cue the music; release the doves!)

In six days, I will move into my new (rental) home. I’ll be living just a bit Northeast of Sacramento, state capital of California. I couldn’t be more excited about the move, as it’s the next to last step in creating my new life. (Last step is still a secret.) The house was built in the 50s, but is still in excellent shape. It’s got four bedrooms, so I’ll have a guest bedroom, as well as an office space and a place to shoot my videos. And the kitchen! Oh, my, am I going to have fun there! Just a ridiculous amount of counter space and storage, so I’ll have plenty of room to hide my kitchen toys, and plenty of space in which to work.

This past month, the big news is my journey to quit smoking for the last time. I’m into my second month now, and getting used to being a non-smoker. I’ve got to admit, it’s pretty nice to not have to go outside to smoke several times a day. And it’s nice to not smell like a wet ashtray half the time. Even better, I’m already starting to breathe easier, and that certainly helps with things like… oh, I don’t know… singing, for instance… By the way, if you’d like to follow along, please check out Diary of a Quitter.

Still on the To-Do List is a trip back to Maryland for my mom’s funeral. We’re still waiting for a date, but expect to hear something from Arlington National Cemetery soon. While there, I’ll take care of all the administrative details, and will pick up my belongings from storage to bring back with me. Once that trip is done, I can really settle down into my new life. I’d like to thank everyone of you that wrote, called or texted to offer sympathy and condolences. It’s never easy to lose a loved one, but hearing from so many of you reminded me just how lucky I am to have such great friends.

Once I complete that trip back home, I can focus on work. I have an album to record this year (the second Deeper Blues CD), and a LOT of work to do on the web sites. I’ve been adding to my list of tasks, so at least I’ll know what I need to do when I finally have time to do it all!

Before I close, I’d like to ask each of you a favor, please. This year is all about spreading the word, and I’m hoping you’ll each help me. What I’d like to ask is that each of you post a Status Update on Facebook encouraging your friends to LIKE the LaneOnBass fan page. That page is my main vehicle to alert folks to new content on this web site. by LIKE-ing the LOB page, you’ll make sure you’re the first to know about anything new here. So… if you’re willing, the URL for the fan page is www.Facebook.com/LaneOnBass.

And thank you SO much for your help!

OK… I’ve got a long list of things to accomplish today, so I’d best get back to it. I’ll do my best to do another blog post before I move in. I know darn well that, once I take possession of the house, I’m going to have several days of unpacking and settling in. And I really want to get back on a decent schedule of posting. So… until then, everyone enjoy the Spring! And, as always,

Keep Thumpin’!

Lane on Bass

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Welcome to the first ever Lane on Bass video update! I know it’s been longer than forever since I did an actual blog post. Today, when I made the commitment to get one done, I decided I’d do a video version. I did my best to cram everything in to as short a time as possible.

I hope you enjoy it. And please do let me know in the comments below. I’m thinking about doing one every month, and I’d really like to know what you want to see… or not see… Just let me know, OK?

All right. On with the show. Grab your popcorn, folks. Enjoy!

Remember, leave me a comment with your thoughts.

Keep Thumpin’!

Lane on Bass

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I’m thrilled to announce that my video in the My Spector Story was released today on the Spector Central You Tube channel. As many of you know, I’ve been endorsing Spector basses for sixteen years. They are my longest-running endorsement relationship, and with good reason.

Spector uber-enthusiast Patrick Stern, who manages the Spector Bass and Spector Central web sites was kind enough to clean up as best he could, a video I sent him to go into the series. At the time, we didn’t realize that we’d have time at the January NAMM show to sit down and do a serious session, complete with the use of his super-camera.

In addition to the NAMM footage, which should release soon, I’ll be taping demos for the Spector NS-6XL and Coda 5 basses, for use on both web sites. We’ll do those when I head south to visit Patrick in the near future.

I can’t thank Patrick and the rest of the folks at Spector enough for their support. They’ve been with me longer than anyone else, and have always been real friends. I can’t recommend them enough.

So… enough yakkin’… here’s the video:

Keep Thumpin’!

Lane on Bass

Lane is proud to announce that his bass work is featured in Spydah’s latest remix project. Spydah – aka Roger Barlow – is a bassist, arranger and producer who has lately made a name for himself creating metal remixes of pop songs. His latest effort – a remix of Jessie J’s Domino – features Lane on the low end.

“It was a blast!” said Lane. “Roger already had the guitars, keys and drums completed, so all I had to do was plug in and play along. He did an excellent job, as always, and I’m proud to be included.”

Lane and Roger have been friends for several years, and began partnering on web site designs two years ago. The two have several more recording projects on the list to complete while Lane is visiting roger and his family in northern California.

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Well, HI, there! LOL Yes, you read that right; after being back on the East Coast for just three days, I began my long … really long … really REALLY long … drive to Northern California to spend time with my web partner Roger, and his family. Reading this post should make it obvious that I arrived safely, but what’s the fun of starting at the end?

I pulled out of my sister’s driveway (in Maryland) at 7:30 Thursday morning. While it was a tad longer, I chose the southern-most route, and headed west. I had to deal with a bit of steady, light rain, but it was nothing close to what other parts of the country were dealing with. Since the traffic was fairly light, the day actually went pretty well. By the time I stopped that night, I’d gone just about 900 miles, give or take. I stopped just to the west of St. Louis, MO. It wasn’t long until I was in bed, hoping for six hours and not being disappointed.

Because I was on the west side of St. Louis, I didn’t have to deal with rush hour, as most of the traffic was headed in to the city, not out. The day was bright and beautiful, with the temperature rapidly climbing into the 60s, allowing me to loose the hoodie. After another thousand miles, I got another six hours of sleep. But because I had gone to bed earlier than the night before, I also woke up earlier … at 6 am. Bummer.

Not to be discouraged, I just got myself going. After getting a half-cup of coffee into me, I started doing some calculations, and realized that the early start made it possible to get to Roger’s that night, albeit pushing 10 pm. A quick phone call assured me it would be no problem, so I got serious about making miles. The traffic was more than willing to assist, and I arrived at Roger’s just after 9:30, even with several stops at Indian trading posts.

Sunday was a day of rest, as it’s supposed to be. Monday I began to settle in, bringing in my luggage, and connecting my various technology boxes to the family’s wi-fi. For dinner, we had White Lasagna, with salad and garlic bread. What was really cool about it was that Giovanna, the oldest daughter, helped me a lot! Gio prepped the entire salad, and did a fantastic job tending the bechemel sauce, which was as smooth as I’ve ever seen. Other than explaining a few things, all I did was to prepare and mix the cheeses, then layer the lasagna. Gio did the rest! Everyone loved it, and Gio and I shared more than a few high fives.

Yesterday was filled with appointments – first for new glasses, then to visit a local chiropractor. Both issues are things I’ve wanted to deal with for a long time, and I’m really happy to be addressing both. I should have my new eyes within a week. We’ll see how long it takes to correct the spinal and muscular issues. (smile)

For the rest of this week, I’m mostly going to focus on settling into life in Cali. I’ve got laundry to do, clothing to sort, stuff to find places for so I can move in the room I’m using. I’ve also got several meetings to schedule and the like. Next week, the real work begins.

So, really, that’s about all there is to write about. But you know me; I’ll be back soon with another report. Until then,

Keep Thumpin’!

Lane on Bass

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Lane Baldwin is this week’s featured guest on fellow bassist John Montagna’s Radio 418 podcast. The first of two parts, this segment is the fourth episode since John revived his popular podcast.

“John and I go back several years,” Lane said, “and I really appreciate the invitation to be on his show. It was a total blast – just two friends sitting down to talk about all things music.”

John Montagna has toured with many top acts, including several years with the Alan Parsons Live Project. He now stays closer to his home in Brooklyn, doing live and studio work in the New York area. His podcast is very popular, especially among bassists. The two-part interview with Lane covers the recent NAMM show (in Anaheim, CA), Lane’s work with Deeper Blues, and many of John’s and Lane’s bass playing friends.

Listen to Part 1 of Lane’s interview on Radio 418.

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Stuart Spector and Lane Baldwin

Hey, all y’all! I hope this post finds you well and enjoying the beginning of the new year. I am in between trips, having just returned from the 2012 NAMM show, and preparing for a trip cross-country back to California, albeit this time to the northern part of the state. NAMM was a wild ride, as always, but also very successful and a lot of fun. Let me tell you about it.

I finally got to meet my good friend John Montagna face to face. While that may seem weird, it really isn’t in my world. I have a lot of music business friends that I’ve never met, and yet we are very close. I met many of them through business, and maintained a relationship with them via phone and email. John is one of those people, and we’ve been close for many years. When I made the decision to go to the NAMM show, I felt it best to room up with someone to save money. And John was the first one I called.

John and I coordinated our flights to arrive at LAX late Thursday night. We arrived within a half hour of each other, grabbed our rental car and headed to Anaheim. Although we were both very tired (at 2 am), we went directly to the IHOP just down the street for some food and conversation. Back at the room, I shot a short bit of video, then we hit the pillows at about 4.

Eight O’clock came a lot sooner than I wanted, but there was nothing for it but to stand under a cold shower to wake up. After a bit more video, we headed off to the show. Many thanks to Brian Barrett of The Low End for helping me with a badge. Without him, I wouldn’t have been able to attend. After getting our badges from Will Call, we stood in the looooooong line for entrance. Not to worry, though. The NAMM staff was as efficient as ever, and we were inside within ten minutes of opening.

John Montagna, Lane Baldwin and Rocco Prestia

We had barely set foot on the show floor when we saw another close friend, Polo Jones. It was the perfect way to begin the show. After a good hang with Polo, John and I began walking the floor. We spent much of this day together, hopping from one booth to the other, and meeting a ton of people. By the time 5:00 came around, we were both about dead on our feet, so we headed back to the room before the rush.

After taking time to rest our tired feet, John set up his mobile recording station to begin our sessions for his podcast, Radio 418. What was supposed to be an hour of yakking turned into almost two hours, and weren’t even close to being done. The only reason we stopped was so we could head to San Pedro to meet up with Sean O’Bryan Smith and hear his new band Polcat. Before the show, however, we grabbed an amazing burger at the 710 Grill – where they offered beef, buffalo, ostrich, elk, turkey and veggie burgers. John had a concoction dubbed The Mess – and it was messy! – while I chose the Elk burger. Both were awesome, but also really, really big! So we were pretty slow to roll after dinner.

Alva’s Showroom was just down the block, and we met up with Sean in plenty of time to have a nice hang before his show. Now, for me, fusion is a hit or miss thing. I love some of it, but some of it just leaves me quite unmoved. Knowing Sean, I figured this would be in the first category, and I was not disappointed. Polcat SLAMS! They blasted through an hour of some of the tightest stuff I’ve heard in ages. I could see why Sean is so excited about being a part of this one.

Afterwards, we drove back to the hotel and dived into bed about 2 am. This was to be our longest night of sleep for the trip. And boy did I need it!

We were up at 8 again on Saturday, and ready to go far more quickly than I expected. That gave us time to grab coffee at the hotel’s coffee shop. I grabbed some video, then we headed back to the show. This time around, John and I split up, so we could each make it to all of the vendors we needed to see. I managed to see everyone I had on my list – LJ and Pat at LM Products (straps), Rosa Daza at DR Strings, John Norris at Peterson Tuners, Barry Heid at Manhasset Stands, plus several companies with which I hope to build a relationship. (No, I can’t tell you which ones yet. Let’s wait and see what happens, OK?)

I also got to see a lot of friends, many of whom I didn’t even know were going to the show. One of them was Johnny O, and incredible drummer I only get to see when I’m at NAMM. Although we only see each other once a year (or less), we’re very close, and we love to work together. We caught up just as he was preparing to leave, but he stuck around for over an hour, so we could catch up with each other.

Lane Baldwin, John Montagna, Nicki Tedesco and Aalics Bronson

Late in the afternoon, John and I reconnected at the Spector Artist Hang. Instead of doing signings throughout the show, PJ Rubal and the crew decided to invite all the artists to a single event. And it was AWESOME!! I got to meet several of my Spector brothers, including Rex Brown of Pantera fame. Other notable meets included Nicki Tedesco and her husband, Aalics Bronson, and Ra Diaz. Aalics and Ra had connected with me on Facebook, but we had never talked except wall to wall, so it was really cool to have time to hang with them. I got to jam with both of them, which was a blast! Unfortunately, although Nicki really wanted to jam, we weren’t able to do it, because she had disappeared by the time I could get a seat at the amp. We’ve promised to do it at the next show, however, and I’m really looking forward to it.

After the show, John and I had dinner with his friend Tommy, and a good long conversation about all things Beatles. Geez, both of them were virtual encyclopedias of information, and they went on forever. I stepped outside for a quick smoke, and when I came back, they had kicked it into overdrive. I just shook my head and asked, “did you guys do some Beatles heroin while I was gone or what?”

From there, Jon and I headed back to the hotels immediately adjacent to the Anaheim Convention Center. Basically, we were just killing time before my appointment with Patrick Stern – the wizard behind the Spector Bass and Spector Central web sites. Patrick has been extremely supportive, and has done a lot for me already. But he wanted to get an interview with me for the My Spector Story video series. It was pretty late when we arrived – almost 11 – and John was beat. So he snoozed while I taped the interview. I’m sure we got way too much video, and Patrick will have to edit it down a LOT!

Lane Baldwin and Ra Diaz jam at the Spector Artist Hang.

By the time we got back to the room, it was almost 2 am, so we only got about an hour and a half of sleep before we had to get up and head to the airport for early flights. We arrived in plenty of time for John to catch his flight, and I had a couple of hours to kill, which was interesting. I so wanted to sleep again, but was afraid to for fear of missing my flight. I managed to stay awake until we boarded, at which point I fairly passed out. I had a long layover in Atlanta and was once again faced with the challenge of staying awake until the flight. Thankfully, I kept myself busy enough that I didn’t notice how tired I was.

I got to my hotel about 10 pm, and was under the covers as quickly as I could manage. And that brings us to the end of my trip. Looking back, it was a huge success, and I’m really glad I went to the show. Since I haven’t do so yet, let me try to remember everyone I saw:

Polo Jones, Bryan Beller and his lovely wife Kira Small, Peter Davyduck, Alex Harrington, Johnny O, Angeline Saris, Gretchen Menn, Bobby Vega, Rocco Prestia, Nicki Tedesco, Aalics Bronson, Ra Diaz, Rex Brown, Sean O’Bryan Smith, Joe Sanchez,  Matt Harington, Rev Jones, and I know I’m leaving several people out. Not because I don’t care… but because I can’t remember them all!

I have included a few pictures and the video I put together, and will soon post the photo gallery. But they don’t show half of what occurred. It’s just so hectic that I couldn’t always get photos or video. I didn’t always have a lot of time with different folks and I didn’t want to waste it fumbling with a camera. But I hope you do get some sense of the excitement.

I’ve got to close this out so I can tackle my long list to To-Dos for the next trip. I only have about a day and a half to complete a six day list. I’ll post an update once I get to California. And get some sleep. LOTS of sleep! Until then,

Keep Thumpin’!

Lane on Bass

PS – if you have pictures from the show, please email them to me, so I can include them in the photo gallery. Thanks! – LoB

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I’m thrilled – and honored – to announce that the Time of My Dyin’ – Live solo version video is the feature video for this week on For Bass Players Only. FBPO is maintained by Jon Leibman, noted bassist and educator. Each week they feature one video that Jon feels displays great bass playing. So to be featured – especially during NAMM week – is a real treat to me! Check out For Bass Players Only – and while you’re there, take a look at Jon’s huge library of educational material. Thanks so much, Jon, for your support! And, as always, Keep Thumpin’! Lane on Bass

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Photo by Anna Henderson

Lane Baldwin – aka Lane on Bass – has departed Ryan Pelton & the Difference to focus on his own project, Deeper Blues. After touring for most of 2010 and 2011 with Pelton, the world’s premier Elvis Tribute Artist, the veteran bassist felt the time was right to return to his own music.

“I’m very grateful to have worked with Ryan,” Lane said. “I learned a lot from him, got to meet thousands of people, and had a blast copping Jerry Scheff’s lines. But there’s been a lot of interest in a new Deeper Blues CD and supporting tour. And I want to pursue those opportunities.”

During his stint with Pelton and his band, Lane also had the chance to work with dozens of top tribute artists, including Lori Mitchell Gay (Tina Turner), Jordann Carol (Barry White), Doug Brewin (Alan Jackson) and many others. Performing at fairs, casinos and concert venues across the country, Baldwin brought his solid bass work to hundreds of thousands of fans.

“American Icon Entertainment [Pelton’s own management company] has a stable of the best tribute artists in the world,” Lane said. “It was a blast to play with so many great artists, filling the roles of so many great friends and top bassists.”

Photo by Moscato Images

Lane is currently in preproduction for the follow-up to his internationally acclaimed Deeper Blues CD, Dig the Hole, which many have called “the best new Blues in decades.” The second CD will expand the boundaries of the project by including more “lead bass guitar” than the first CD. The project is likely to include guest appearances by other top bassists and Blues icons.

“My first love is filling the bass’s role as the foundation of the band,” Lane said. “But there has been serious interest in the whole lead bass concept, and I want to see where that goes. It also gives me the chance to work with some close friends by having them fill the traditional bass role on some of the songs.”

The new CD is expected to release in late 2012 or early 2013.

View and print the official press release. (Opens in new tab/window.)
For high resolution photos, send an email.