Janek Gwizdala Podcast

Dive deep into the music universe with the podcast that unveils the journey of one of the most influential bass players in the music industry – Janek Gwizdala. Designed for bass enthusiasts and musicians alike, each episode is a sonic exploration into the world of groove, gear. technique, and artistic evolution.
Janek Gwizdala, renowned for his mastery of the bass, shares his life's narrative – from the early days as a budding musician to his current status as a sought-after sideman and solo artist. Whether you're a seasoned bassist or simply appreciate the magic of live music, join us as we unravel the layers of Janek's experiences, revealing the secrets behind his signature sound.
Expect in-depth conversations with Janek and special guests, offering unique perspectives on music, composition, and the art of creating an unforgettable groove. Explore the challenges and triumphs of a professional bass player, gain insights into the creative process, and discover the stories behind some of Janek's most iconic performances.
Whether you're looking for inspiration for your own musical journey or simply want to bask in the rich tones of the bass, "The Janek Gwizdala Podcast" is your backstage pass to the world of bass and music.
Subscribe now for an intimate look at the life and legacy of Janek Gwizdala's bass-centric career.
janekgwizdala.substack.com
How Do You Stop Airlines Destroying Pedalboards?
2023-04-11 09:30:00
We’re talking about everything from String Tension to touring pedalboards in today’s episode. A new board build will be coming up in a couple of months to try and prepare for summer touring in the US, and recording the new album in Argentina.
Other things mentioned in the podcast include:
Today's Sponsor: https://www.steigerdynamics.com/
Rick Margitza "Hope":
Bass Books: https://janekgwizdala.com/store
Janek's Bass Studio: https://www.janeksbassstudio.com/
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
The Genius Behind The Noble Preamp DI
2023-04-05 08:28:42
I was so psyched to be back in Santa Cruz on tour again after so many years, and am really glad it worked out to have Jack come by my hotel and tape this interview for you all.
I’ve been a massive fan of the Noble since Jack handed me serial #9 (an unintended prototype) in Santa Cruz when I was on tour with David Ryan Harris in 2014. I’ve used it almost non-stop ever since, have always been curious about the back story to the company, and the ideas that eventually became what we all know and love today as the Noble Preamp DI.
Jack or Noble are in no way sponsoring this podcast. I recommend the unit during the interview out of a genuine love for what it’s meant to me over the years, and this interview came about because of my curiosity in terms of the story of Noble.
Enjoy, Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
The Best Advice I Was Ever Given
2023-03-29 02:54:39
Greetings from the Vital Information 40th Anniversary tour. We’re out on the west coast of the US, and having a blast. Donny McCaslin stopped by our show in Santa Cruz last night and melted a few faces, and we’re now up in Oregon enjoying our first day off, and preparing for the last four shows of this leg of the tour.
I’m psyched to be able to carry a touring podcast setup and still be able to bring you this every week. I know it’s a day late, but travel, combined with an incredibly slow laptop that is allergic to video and audio editing, got the better of me with the workload.
I’m looking forward to being back in my studio and being able to share some video and audio from the shows, but until then, enjoy the episode and don’t forget the pre-sale for the new album is up and running! Get your copy now and follow the journey to Argentina as the project unfolds and takes shape.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
In Conversation With Peter Erskine
2023-03-20 20:06:09
From who Peter considers to be his favorite drummer in Weather Report, to how we can all improve our experience as musicians from the simplest adjustments of intent, Peter goes deep into some of the most important stops along the way of his decades-long musical journey.
Steps Ahead, Weather Report, Stan Kenton, and Steely Dan all come up in our conversation as well as details on the importance of his relationship with bassist Marc Johnson and how he reveres studio legends like Jeff Porcaro and Jim Keltner.
We also close the interview with a fantastic Will Lee story that showcases Pete’s humility and sense of humor.
I’m proud to call Peter a friend, honored to have called him a colleague and collaborator for many years, and I’m excited to be able to share this Sunday morning chat with you.
Janek.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
I Don't Just Play Jazz | Sharing My Studio Career
2023-03-13 15:00:00
Whether as a bass player, keyboard player, guitarist or producer, my time in the studio making records during my career has been some of the most fun I’ve had with music.
Despite the absolute craziness of home-life right now, and the deadlines rapidly approaching on the new book and Steve Smith’s Vital Information tour about to start, I managed to get this episode done late last night, and I hope you dig the trip down memory lane looking at a few of the records I’ve played on.
A good chunk of the songs and albums can be found in this playlist on spotify. I’ll keep adding to the list as I find more.
Cheers,
Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Why You Must Play In All-12-Keys
2023-03-06 16:05:00
This is something I’m very grateful to my early mentors in music for stressing the importance of to me. My biggest early bass influences Laurence Cottle, Phil Mulford and Geoff Gascoyne all had this skill together in a multitude of styles, and that rubbed off on me from day one.
This episode takes a look at using the cycle of fourths, the circle of fifths, half steps, whole steps, and even Giant Steps to cover the full range of your instrument and build confidence in any key, anywhere on the neck.
Don’t forget that the pre-sale for my new album, and possibly one of the most ambitious recording projects I’ve ever embarked on, is now live at my website.
Thank you in advance for all your support, and I can’t wait to bring you more frequent updates on the progress of the project as the recording dates in Argentina approach this August.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Markus Reuter Interview
2023-02-27 16:05:00
It is impossible to cover what makes Markus who he is in a few short sentences. I’ll let you check out his Wikipedia page for the interesting read that is his life story.
This interview could have easily gone three more hours, and I’m glad to have made what I think will be the first installment of many chats on the couch with this incredibly interesting, educated, and thoughtful musician.
As always there is a video version of the interview on YouTube, and if you dare to enter the rabbit hole that is Markus’ discography, make sure you have some serious time to set aside. It is vast, thought provoking, emotional, and innovative, and it really doesn’t matter what you start.
Cheers,
Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Should You Write Out Your Transcriptions?
2023-02-19 18:00:00
Thank you for all the feedback on YouTube, and most importantly for all your questions. They vary from the always-asked, to the never-even-thought-about-that, and they all get me thinking!
From three finger technique on your picking hand, to the dos and don’ts of transcription and learning musical vocabulary of any style, your questions are much appreciated and fun to answer, so please keep them coming in the YouTube comments below each episode’s video version.
And don’t forget, I’m really putting my foot to the floor on this mission to get to 100k subscribers on my main YouTube channel by the end of February, so if you have a second to SUBSCRIBE, it’s free and would be much appreciated.
The wheels are turning behind the scenes here with concerts planned all over the world, and I can’t wait to present new projects to you in person.
Cheers,
Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Giant Steps For Bass
2023-02-12 18:00:00
Taking Giant Steps as an exercise and stripping away the stigma and general pissing contest that comes with playing it, can really help turn it into one of the most useful vocabulary-expanders no matter what level of musician you are.
It has ii-V-I’s, key centers based off an augmented triad, and a whole lot more when you take a deeper look into it. As I put the finishing touches on a new book base around these chord changes, I get into how I use it as a practice tool in this episode.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
My Favorite 4-String Bass...?
2023-02-05 18:00:00
The Henrik Linder 4-string Mattisson is one of the gems of my collection, and something I’m playing more and more these days when I need some discipline in the fundamentals for my practice routine.
This episode includes a little playing with Henrik’s spectacular prototype studio bass, a look at the ins and outs of making money in the music business, and how we shouldn’t been ashamed of success.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe