Rewind: Working without a Drummer, Victor Wooten Top 10, Top Bass Gear, Videos and Columns

Here are the most read, most popular stories and features on No Treble for the week of May 22-28, 2011.

Interview With Ryan Madora: Thoughts on Playing without a Drummer

1. Interview With Ryan Madora: Thoughts on Playing without a Drummer

Last week, while enjoying a video from a television show featuring the duo of Ryan Madora on bass and Don Evans on guitar (see below), it reminded me of other playing situations where drummers were not present. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to hear first hand from Ryan on how playing without a drummer…

Oteil Burbridge: Live Bass Solo

2. Oteil Burbridge: Live Bass Solo

Here’s Oteil Burbridge taking a solo live during an Allman Brothers Band concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York on March 18, 2011. This a fan shot video (iPhone), synced with the soundboard recording.

More Approaches to Jazz Tunes

3. More Approaches to Jazz Tunes

I’ve talked in the past about delving into a new tune using what I call “The Treatment.” It’s a flexible yet organized way to become more fluent on a tune, especially if it is new to you. Sometimes, however, we are looking to delve even more deeply into a tune, or perhaps we find ourselves…

Lava Cable Introduces Para-Strap VII

4. Lava Cable Introduces Para-Strap VII

Lava Cable is getting into the world of accessories, starting with their Para-Strap VII. Adjustable from 44 to 55 inches, the strap was designed by a paratrooper and is built for durability and comfort. The strap is made of two-inch Type 24 military parachute webbing with 22 inches of 1/4” thick padding covered by two-inch…

Top Ten: The Most Popular Victor Wooten Videos

5. Top Ten: The Most Popular Victor Wooten Videos

Victor Wooten has consistently been among the reader favorites on No Treble (not to mention NT staffers). Looking at our past coverage – especially videos – we decided to pull out the 10 most popular ones we’ve covered here, based on reader views. We’re sure we’ve missed some out there, but that’s good news for…

Strukture Introduces Pig Hog Cables

6. Strukture Introduces Pig Hog Cables

Strukture has introduced their new Pig Hog cables, which the company describes as “overbuilt” to withstand the most extreme touring conditions. The cables feature 8mm thick wire with quality connectors and tension-resistant stress relief. The Pig Hog cables come with a “no questions” lifetime guarantee. Available in instrument, speaker and microphone variations, the cables price…

Greg Bagley Solo Bass: Flight of Neptune

7. Greg Bagley Solo Bass: Flight of Neptune

Greg Bagley, a bassist from Seattle, wrote this original tune, entitled “Flight of Neptune”. Greg is playing his Ken Lawrence bass in this video, and included a slideshow at the end of this video with the original recording of the tune playing over it.

Grace Under Pressure

8. Grace Under Pressure

This week’s column is inspired by a conversation I had with someone on a recent tour. Everyone in this story will remain nameless, so as not to get anyone into trouble. The “someone” is one of the best guitarists I’ve known, and he’s a stand up guy. He’s played with just about everyone who you…

M Basses Unveils Mbp Series Basses

9. M Basses Unveils Mbp Series Basses

M Basses has announced their Mbp-4 an Mbp-5 models, a new set of hand made basses inspired by vintage designs. Standard features for the line include a swamp ash or alder body, a 34” scale maple neck, and an Indian rosewood fingerboard with 20 or 21 frets for the 4- and 5-string versions, respectively. In…

Stu Hamm with Greg Howe and Dennis Chambers: Kick It All Over

10. Stu Hamm with Greg Howe and Dennis Chambers: Kick It All Over

Stu Hamm just wrapped up a short Russian tour with guitarist Greg Howe and drummer Dennis Chambers and shared this video of Howe’s tune, “Kick It All Over.” The clip shows the amazing prowess of each musician, with Hamm taking a tasty solo starting around the 2:16 mark.

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