Weekly Top Ten: New Basses, New Bass How To’s, Plus the Top Bass Videos and Nathan East’s Stories Behind the Songs
All the best of the best in bass (which is already great to begin with)… Here are the top 10 stories, lessons and videos for No Treble for the week of September 9-15, 2012.
1. Esperanza Spalding with The Roots: Live Performance of Weather Report’s “Predator”
My friend Marsha was telling me about Esperanza Spalding performing a Weather Report tune, where she lays down the bass line while singing the melody. I couldn’t believe I missed it. So after searching for a while, I found this (not perfect, but plenty good enough) fan-shot video of Esperanza with The Roots. Wow!
2. Gibson Announces Grabber 3: ’70s Tribute Bass
Gibson first introduced the Grabber bass in the 1970?s, with the company completely redesigning their version of the electric bass following their successful run with the EB series. Gibson is going back to the Grabber with the introduction of the Grabber 3, a ’70s tribute bass…
3. Ibanez Introduces ATK Premium Basses
Ibanez has given its Premium treatment to their ATK model, resulting in the ATK800E and the ATK805E. Beyond being built at their Premium Factory to premium quality standards, the company’s bass designers spent a lot of time researching and developing the pickup configuration, which includes a CAP double humbucker in the bridge position…
4. Rhythm Bass? What To Do When the Rhythm Guitar is Missing
Damian’s question of the week: I play bass in a rock/metal band with only one guitarist, who does plenty of guitar solos. I was wondering if you had suggestions on how to fill up the space, so to speak, to overcome the lack of rhythm guitar. Any insight you might have would be greatly appreciated!
5. Trill Exercises for Bassists
For better or worse, trills grab the listeners attention. If a trill is quick, clear and under the performer’s control it can generate excitement in the listener. If it is slow, clumsy and uncontrolled, however, it can have a most deleterious effect…
6. Top 10: The Most Watched Bass Videos (August 2012)
Of all the awesome bass videos we shared in August (all 31 of them), 10 of them ruled supreme, based on No Treble reader views. August included our popular “isolated bass week”, and many of those made the list. Enjoy!
7. Stories Behind the Songs: Nathan East
Nathan East’s prolific playing has graced so many albums, it would probably be easier to list who he hasn’t work with rather than who he has. The Philadelphia-born, San Diego-raised bassist picked up his first 4-string at 14 after studying cello in school and went on to be one of the world’s most in-demand session bassists…
8. Bass of the Week: Citron AE4 and AE5 Swallow Acoustic/Electric Bass
This week we take a look at the Citron AE4 and AE5 Swallow Basses built by luthier Harvey Citron in collaboration with jazz legend Steve Swallow. Citron first presented Swallow with one of his acoustic/electric basses, and their work went from there…
9. Serino Gianni: Fuga Occulta
Here’s another mind-blowing video by Italian bassist Serino Gianni, who takes a stab at Bach’s world of counterpoint with a composition for two basses. Gianni plays each part on separate sides of the screen with incredible precision and musicality. This one takes a few views…
10. The Funky Knuckles: Barbosa
Steven Smith sent in this video of The Funky Knuckles playing their tune “Barbosa” while opening for Snarky Puppy at Matt Garrison’s Shapeshifter Lab in New York City. Starting with a bass solo from Wes Stephenson, the group launches into an awesome funk-fusion jam that’ll leave you bobbing your head…
