Archive for August 2011

Jackson Guitars has released the JS-series of Concert basses, consisting of three models: the JS2, JS3, and JS3V. The entry-level basses each feature 35″ scales, Indian cedro bodies, maple necks and Indian rosewood fingerboards that have 12″- 16″ compound radiuses for smooth playability. The three basses are tiered in features – the JS2 is a 4-string passive bass, while the...

Q: I am a music student at a music conservatory, and I just had a year off for practice and teaching. Now I’m back to finish the last two years of my music education, and I’ve just received my lesson plan for the next 12 months. I have four lessons a day Monday and Wednesday. I know if you want...

Bassist, songwriter, vocalist, arranger and producer Willie Dixon shows his stuff in this live recording of “I Got My Mojo Working”. Not sure of the year, or where this took place. If you know, please share in the comments below! (Update: Thanks to Ben, for sharing the info in the comments). Facebook friend Gary Comley shared this with us: “This...

Stephen Bruner, aka Thundercat, has released his debut solo album, Golden Age of Apocalypse. The versatile bassist, who is a full-time member of Suicidal Tendencies, shows his jazz and neo-soul sides on the 13-track collection, which was produced by his cohort Flying Lotus. Including his cover of George Duke’s “For Love I Come,” the songs all include phenomenal bass playing...

Meet Jon Willis, a bassist from Savannah, Georgia who got his start studying with Beaver Felton, and has more than 20 years experience as a bassist. Jon is our player in the spotlight for August 30, 2011. Bio: Began playing bass in early 90’s. I bought a Hot Licks VHS featuring Beaver Felton and soon found out that he lived...

August marks the 35th anniversary of the debut of Jaco Pastorius‘ first album, the self-titled Jaco Pastorius. Do a quick search on Youtube, and you’ll find Jaco’s influence is as strong as ever. In celebration, we’ve taken a look back at all of the Jaco covers and playalongs we’ve posted here on No Treble. Here are the top 10, based...

What’s the next concert you’re attending? (band/date/location) Answer below in the comments, or on our Facebook page.

Violinist Chris Murphy enlisted the help of bassist Mike Watt and drummer Steven Hodges for this tune, “Blues for Bukowski” for his 2007 album, Luminous. Here’s the official video, complete with bass solo.

The wait is over. After a period of downtime and personnel change, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have released I’m With You, their first album in five years, and tenth overall. I’m With You is also the first to feature guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who replaces longtime guitarist John Frusciante. “It’s not like we just got another musician,” bassist Flea said....

Meshell Ndegeocello has announced that she will be dropping her ninth studio album on November 8th on Naïve Records. Weather will be the follow up to the bassist/songwriter’s 2009 album Devil’s Halo. A preview track called “Dirty World” is available for streaming and download. Recorded in Los Angeles, the album was produced by Joe Henry and features special guests Chris...

There are a plethora of ideas on how one should hold the double bass and new variants seem to surface every day. Some stance decisions will be made based on specific performance situations, but most will reflect someone’s pedagogical background (i.e. who their teachers were) and personal preference. For example, it is unlikely you will sit on a stool while...

Performing live at the Nescafe & Blues Festival in 1996, here’s Gov’t Mule with the late great Allen Woody tearing it up.