Special report by Deb Rao:

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and CYCLE OF PAIN bassist John "JD" Deservio performed at a special bass clinic at Daddy's Junky Music in Portsmouth, NH on Tuesday September 16. JD spoke and performed to aspiring musicians demonstrating his innovative techniques on Hartke Hydrive bass cabinets and Hartke LH bass amplifiers. He also talked about how he got started in the music business, his recent gig in Japan for 15 days teaching at various music colleges, Black Label Society, Cycle of Pain and his beloved Red Sox.

There was a special Q&A; segment in which musicians had the opportunity to ask JD questions about the music business. The renowned bassist also offered important insight to the people getting started in the music business, as his die-hard fans listened very intently not wanting to miss a thing. JD commented: "I urge everyone to take every kind of music class in school including bass, piano and guitar. The different classes I took in school opened up my eyes so much to so many different styles."

When asked JD about his recent tour of Japan teaching classes at various Colleges in Japan this is what he had to say: "The technology is so different in Japan. In The States, where you think music is, 'in your face', over in Japan when you are performing they ask you, 'do you have this all the way turned up?' (Laughter) I went over to Japan with Ray Luzier of KORN. Do you know that song, 'Don’t know what you got until it is gone?' It is so true. I got tired of watching grown men in diapers on the screen and sushi. (Laugher)"

JD commented on touring and being on the road: "I am looking forward touring Europe with BLS in November and December. I live and breathe music 24/7. When I am on the road, I also like to play a lot of video games, and I have just taken up hockey. You have to have an outlet or you can go crazy. It looks like plans are underway for a tour beginning in March 2009 with BLS, which will include The States and Canada.

JD commented on pursuing a career in music: "I come from a large Italian family of older brothers. In the third grade I grew up listening to Jim Morrison and JETHRO TULL. My brother first introduced me to the music of KISS and Gene Simmons. After I heard them, I wanted to be Gene Simmons. Ozzy and Randy and Blizzard Of Ozz help make the Bible. I was also influenced by Billy Sheehan, who had the whole tapping thing going, Iron Maiden, and old school music with bassist James Jamerson and MARVIN GAYE, 'What's Goin On'. Blues music inspires us all. Everyone is influenced by it, whether you realize it or not. I think music today lacks soul, if you combine the two: blues and music theory that can be lethal."

Remaining clinic dates:

18 - Sam Ash

95 Amity Road

New Haven, CT 06515

(203) 389-0500

7-9pm

24 - Sam Ash

139 East DeKalb Pike

King Of Prussia, PA 19406

(610) 265-6444

7-9pm

25 - Sam Ash

385 Old Country Rd

Carle Place, NY 11514

(516) 333-8700

7-9PM

26 - Sam Ash

1831 Route 27

Edison, NJ 08817

(732) 572-5595

7-9pm