Paolo Coccina, bassist and journalist at the service of groove
Written on 19 November 2025 - 164 views
A discreet but essential figure of the French scene, Paolo embodies the rare alliance between bass mastery and the art of musical storytelling. A seasoned musician and respected journalist, he brings groove to life both on stage and in specialized press. Through his precise playing and his dedication to transmission, he helps shed light on the bass universe in all its forms.
Paolo, groove at the service of words and bass
The French scene is full of artists who, far from the media spotlight, move forward with consistency and passion, guided solely by their love of music. Paolo belongs to this family: a seasoned bassist, a lover of rock, and a transmitter of knowledge through music journalism. At once musician and journalist, he embodies a generation of craftsmen who have made the bass a universe of its own.
Beginnings rooted in rock
From his very first steps, Paolo plunged into the world of rock’n’roll. The bass quickly became his preferred means of expression. Over the years, he explored many styles without ever denying that rock backbone that shapes his playing.
When asked about his journey, he said: “Fifty years of music on guitar and bass, in many different styles and genres, with rock still in the background.” Everything is said: the musician’s curiosity and his loyalty to his roots.
On stage, he has been heard among others with:
- Alain Manaranche
- Texan guitarist Van WILKS (2001 tour)
- Legendary drummer Bobbie Clarke
- Chris Evans
- Nancy Holloway
- Danny Boy
- Candye Kane
- Popa Chubby
- Randy Rare
- Linda Keel
- Mauro Serri and J. Claude Rapin within the Serri-Rapin Band (album Blues Oriented)
- Iranian star Dariush, with whom he toured worldwide.
An intense collaboration with guitarist Daniel Rallo resulted in various musical projects and the release of the album Chords 2 Chords in 2001, as well as several concerts with Francis Lalanne in an unplugged acoustic trio format.
In 2001, with singer Daniel Delannoy, Paolo Coccina founded the group Les Socquettes Blanches, considered the best tribute band to the Chaussettes Noires. The group toured extensively, performed at the Olympia in 2004 LES PIONNIERS DU ROCK – À L’OLYMPIA 2004, and recorded six albums.
With an original composition, he participated—within a selection of the best bassists in France—in the album BASS INFLUENCES, released in 1997 by XIII bis Records.
In all these settings, Paolo stands out through a precise and elegant playing style, both discreet and effective, prioritizing accuracy and groove over flashy virtuosity.
A bridge between the stage and the editorial desk
But Paolo is not only a musician: he is also a man of words. This parallel passion materialized with the creation of Bass Magazine in 1995, then with Alain Versini of Bassiste Magazine in 2002, leading reference publications for groove and fine bass lovers, allowing him to build ties with the global elite of bassists: Marcus Miller, Tony Levin, Stanley Clarke, Mark King, Alain Caron.
Since its creation, Bassiste Magazine has established itself as a true platform for bassists, whether professional or passionate. Paolo has written articles, reviews, and actively contributed to building its editorial identity.
The vision of a musician-journalist
What makes Paolo unique is this double identity. As a musician, he speaks the language of those he meets. As a journalist, he knows how to translate it. This rare combination makes his texts vivid, precise and sensitive, filled with an accuracy only a practitioner can offer.
Paolo dislikes superlatives, but his career speaks for itself. On stage or behind an article, he cultivates the same discipline and humility. He reminds us that a good musician is not only a technician, but a storyteller of emotions. His approach illustrates what is most noble in groove: discipline, sharing and sincerity.
Looking toward the future
Today, Paolo continues this dual adventure. The stage remains a place of expression, but transmission and pedagogy occupy an increasingly important place in his work. In a musical world upended by digital technology, his vision — rooted in experience, open to the future — has become rare. It is the guiding line of his YouTube channel LA BASSE PAR L’EXEMPLE.
By analyzing timeless global hits, he shows how one can create simple, effective and unstoppable bass lines across all musical styles. On this same channel, he shares the wonderful experiences lived alongside numerous illustrious bassists he has had the privilege to meet.
Between the strings of his bass and the lines of an article, Paolo makes the same heart beat: that of rhythm, groove, and an unalterable passion for living music.
See you soon, here or elsewhere !
Chrys
