your question:

09/17/2022 Jordan

Hey, Trevor. Hope you've been well. I've brought some jazz-related questions for you today.
1) I've been wanting to learn how to improvise walking bass lines for a while now. What's your best advice on how to get the ball rolling on that? Is there any specific music theory that I should focus on when learning and/or playing them? Are there any books you would advise me getting?
2) Were there any particular jazz musicians that influenced the writing of "Platypus"?
3) Are there any modern jazz artists that you've listening to lately?
Thank you so much for being an inspiration for me and many others alike.

My answer:

1) Learn all your scales and arpeggios in all keys (start with major, dorian and mixolydian). I learned how to walk by reading chord charts in big band. Get a Real Book and start learning standards. Check out Jamey Abersold’s records, especially the one of the simple Charlie Parker tunes. Ron Carter is playing bass on those and you can get a book of his transcribed lines. That is an essential study. Take lessons with any professional jazz musician (bassist or otherwise) for more guidance.
2) Jaco, Kev Hopper (Stump), Percy Jones (Brand X), probably Weather Report & Return To Forever.
3) Chris Speed, Craig Taborn, Kris Davis, Anna Webber, Steve Lehman, Gerald Cleaver, Linda May Han Oh, Tim Berne.