Hi Matt,

After a 20+ year hiatus from the music world, I would like to start playing again. I have a cheapy Rogue fretless that I’ve kicked around for a couple of years, but I’m looking for something more serious, along the lines of an upright bass/electric upright. Any recommendations on either, considering I am basically a novice, though I did play a fretted Rick 4001 in the HS Jazz band and in my short-lived rock band career.

Also, do you have any pro teacher recommendations in the Bay Area? Mostly jazz focused, theory based (chart playing), though I’m open to whomever you could recommend.

I also wanted to stop by your forum and let you know that I have admired you and your musical abilities since HS. I was the one who followed in your footsteps in the HS jazz band after you ‘retired’. Anyway, you may also remember Ken and Dave Greenhouse (the twin rockers). I played bass with them for several years. Not sure what they are up to, but they were both very talented musicians as well. My other ‘claim to fame’ is that I bought Russell Boltwood’s J-Bass copy (custom painted by Kevin Boyle in Van Halen stripes). I really should have kept the Rick…

You were definitely an inspiration to me, and getting into music and performing was one of the highlights of my HS career. (Plus I got to skip Honors History and Physics to be in Jazz Band.)

Congrats on your successful career. I’m currently enjoying your latest work on “The Goddess Within” and wish you continued success in life.

I’ve been working in Computer Networking for the last couple of decades, only ever dreaming of playing again. So no more excuses… Hey – if you ever need help/advice with networking/computers just send me an email.

Cheers,

John Stott

John! I totally know who you are dude!! Did you ever play in “Symmetria” as well?? Wow – the Greenhouses…now they go WAY back. Didn’t they move back to New York back in the day? They got me into “The Jam”. I remember that they had great taste in music as well as songwriting – back when I was just into big sounds… For an electric upright, I couldn’t be happier with my Ampeg “Baby Bass” reissue. It’s a ‘97 model. Contact Ted Kornblum at Ampeg – tell him I sent you. He’s totally cool and will hook you up with one if they’re still making them. If not, look for a used one – they’re awesome instruments but make sure it’s healthy, (straight neck, no huge gashes, etc). The one I have is a tobacco burst and it’s beautiful. I was impressed though, when we were touring around Europe with Santana in ‘02 or ‘03 and his bass player had a red one – I wouldn’t have thought it would be cool but on the stage, under the lights, it looked AWESOME. If I ever get another Baby Bass, it’ll be a red one. The 2nd choice would be the Steinberger upright – they’re more high-tech…less vintage but they’re well made and sound great. Thanks for listening to my solo record!! I can’t seem to stop playing music, so I guess it’s a good sign that I’m starting to work on my own records… I have a Chris Squire 4001 and I love it. Ricks are like Musicman basses; they have one sound, but it’s a good one. Sadly I don’t know of any teachers in the Bay Area John – sorry about that. I’ve been away too long! Since the mid ‘90’s I’ve been in the Los Angeles area. It’s a love/hate relationship…and I’m still in search of the cool LA that everyone’s talking about, but I am growing to like it down here. Russell Boltwood!!! I remember wanting to give up music when I saw “Sweetleaf” perform “Stairway to Heaven” at our Highschool talent show! The scarves tied around things, the vibe…they had it all down!! So nice to hear from you John – write any time!! Matt

Hey Matt – guess who? Well, in a moment of cyber-narcissism, I decided to put my name into Google (“Russell Boltwood”), and I pop up here! To John, I am not quite sure if you ever really paid me for the bass – we’ll have to work that out :-)...hey Matt, I’ve never had the chance to say it, but congrats on basically everything you’ve done musically…my band might have had the scarves, but you guys (you and Detwiler) had the talent…i totally remember when you and Mike came to my house (Roger and I were there), and we thought WE were great; except then you guys played “I Want You/She’s So Heavy” by the Beatles, and you guys had it down EXACTLY…that was probably the first moment I realized that a different plan was in store at my end…but these are all great memories, and the fact that you hit it – because you stuck with it – is totally great! I got in touch with Detwiler a while ago – he said he head heard some rumor that I was like a paraplegic or something – but he actually had me confused with ANOTHER bass player in the Bay Area who did unfortunately have an auto accident that caused him to be disabled – so I did want you to know that I am well, married, 2 boys, living not far from Lake Merritt. All is good…and I do still do some stuff with Rog around beats and ambient music, so I am staying active that way as well…I am not sure how to get in touch with you directly outsied of the board here, but it would be grea to hook up some time if you’re up in the Bay Area – peace – Russ

Russell Boltwood!! GENIUS!!! Now this site has finally paid for itself. So great hearing from you – and to hear that you’re doing great. Detwiler told me about talking with you recently. That’s amazing that you came here and I’m talking about you scaring me out of playing music! Watching you guys in highschool was like watching “The Song Remains the Same”. I even remember being at Lucchesis’ house to watch a rehearsal and you guys really blew me away. A friend of mine once said that the spirit of rock and roll is rebellion…and you guys really had rebellion written all over yourselves. The scarves were much more than just scarves! A great rock band has to have a “feeling”. Thanks for your kind words too Russell. I’m a lucky fool and I know it…I guess it’s all relative…no matter now good you might think you are, there’s always somebody else who will make your jaw drop. Write me at info@mattmalley.com for email. Congrats on your family…Jacob Dylan told me once, “You’re not a man until you’re a father” and how true that is…just don’t tell your bachelor friends…it’ll bum them out! Matt

Matt – thanks for this – I will write you separately, and not to turn this into a “love fest,” but you earned everything that’s worked out for you – and I will say that of all the people we all knew in the East Bay music scene, everyone was always happy that it all worked out the way it did for you – you’ve always been a good guy, and everyone is happy to see a good person do well. Peace – Russ

Agreed. With all the superegos in the music scene it was good to see one of our own especially a humble dude like Matt go on to do great things. It’s great hearing the about the memories of the high school daze, I didn’t think anyone remembered us. Man we had the scarves! I thought they were bandanas!

BTW I’m feeling that track “Feel” on “The Goddess Within”, are you playing everything on that track?

Hi Raj and thanks for liking “Feel”! Yes I played everything on my record – it’s my “letter to the world” and hopefully the beginning of many more! Matt