In a recent Substack column for Janek Gwizdala’s blog, Janek Gwizdala details his ongoing creative process, upcoming equipment tests, and plans for a new instructional book tied to Black Friday. Gwizdala argues that maintaining a connection to musical heroes and revisiting early influences remains essential for professional growth and artistic momentum.
Revisiting Early Transcriptions and Mentors
Gwizdala writes that playing with a harmonizer sound triggered memories of records he listened to thirty years ago, specifically naming Michael Brecker and John Patitucci. Rather than viewing this nostalgia as a phase to outgrow, he argues that returning to those early recordings provides necessary energy for contemporary playing. As part of this retrospective approach, Gwizdala continues to review old transcriptions that he still keeps on hand. He notes that material transcribed years ago often reveals entirely new harmonic possibilities now that he possesses more musical vocabulary and experience.
Adapting to In-Ear Monitoring and Pedalboard Adjustments
The column outlines technical adjustments Gwizdala made following a broken amplifier incident during the recording of Night Watch in Argentina. That equipment failure forced him to adopt a direct recording setup with in-ear monitors—a monitoring style he had previously avoided. Although the direct sound felt uncomfortably exposed at first, Gwizdala states that the experience ultimately improved how he hears his instrument and approaches stereo effects. He is currently applying similar technical evaluations to his pedalboard, testing harmonizer, reverb, and texture ideas ahead of upcoming dates in Minnesota.
Releasing a New Instructional Book for Black Friday
Gwizdala is compiling a new short book centered around exercises and techniques developed over the couple of years. The volume is designed to feature more than thirty previously unpublished exercises built around standard four-string tuning. According to the Substack post, the book is scheduled to be offered as a free bonus alongside a qualifying book purchase during Black Friday. The exact mechanics of the promotional offer are still being finalized.
Collaborating with Ian Martin Allison in Minnesota
Ahead of a scheduled video-recording session in Minnesota with Ian Martin Allison, Gwizdala has asked readers to submit questions and topic suggestions for the collaboration. He invited fans to leave comments on the post proposing discussion points, joint performance ideas, or dual perspectives on specific bass techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
What album forced Janek Gwizdala to change his recording setup?
The recording session was Night Watch in Argentina, where a broken amplifier forced a shift to direct recording with in-ear monitors.
What tuning forms the foundation of the upcoming instructional book?
The new book uses standard four-string tuning as the foundation for its thirty-plus unpublished exercises.
How can readers obtain the new book upon its release?
Gwizdala plans to offer the book as a complimentary bonus with a qualifying book purchase during the Black Friday shopping window.