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Archive for November 2012 - Page 4

Forked Fingering: A Guide to Comfortable Double Stops for Bassists
The Lowdown with Dr. D

Forked Fingering: A Guide to Comfortable Double Stops for Bassists

Playing fourths across strings on the upright bass can be fraught with problems, especially when we are playing double stops. Sometimes it is appropriate to “bar” the notes using the same finger like this: However, this can create a clamping of the hand and needless tension, which in turn limits our facility and ability to adjust quickly. Intonation can also...

Jeff Bradetich: Bach Cello Suite No. 1, I. Prelude
Bass Videos

Jeff Bradetich: Bach Cello Suite No. 1, I. Prelude

The Bach Cello Suite is one of the most beautiful pieces ever written, and thankfully it translates pretty well to bass. Here’s the first movement of the first suite performed by master bassist Jeff Bradetich. The clip is taken from his DVD of the entire first suite.

Doug Johns Releases “Blomp!”
New Albums

Doug Johns Releases “Blomp!”

Described as the “in-your-face bassist”, Doug Johns lives up to the name with his energetic and super funky approach to bass. Johns has just released his newest solo effort, Blomp!, complete with ten “greasy” tracks and Johns’ brand of funky music. Blomp! is his fourth solo effort and the follow up to the 2010 release, Stank. Johns reunited with Kenny...

Weekly Top Ten: The Best in Bass for the Week of November 11-17
Weekly Top 10

Weekly Top Ten: The Best in Bass for the Week of November 11-17

The latest and greatest roundup of the latest and greatest bass stories, lessons, videos and more, for the week of November 11-17, 2012. Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing! 1. Periphery: “Make Total Destroy” Bass Cam Video As our Facebook friend Skip Taylor noted, it’s been a while since we’ve posted a metal video. Get ready for a little mayhem....

Stanley Clarke: Acoustic Bass Solo
Bass Videos

Stanley Clarke: Acoustic Bass Solo

It never ceases to amaze me how musical Stanley Clarke is, and how easy he makes it look when he’s playing. Plus, he looks cool too. Enjoy.

Notion Music Introduces Progression 2.0 Composition Software
Apps

Notion Music Introduces Progression 2.0 Composition Software

Notion Music has released Progression 2.0, the latest version of their composition software for bass, guitar and drums. New features include a more intuitive interface, desktop/iPad compatibility, and real instrument sounds for playback including bass samples by Victor Wooten. Other real samples are provided by guitarist Neil Zaza and drummer Roy “Futureman” Wooten. Progression 2.0’s ability to work on multiple...

Adam Stevens: All Bass “Chameleon”
Bass Videos

Adam Stevens: All Bass “Chameleon”

Bassist Adam Stevens makes it so easy to want to feature him. Aside from his excellent playing, he produces a lot of videos too. Here’s Adam playing the classic Herbie Hancock tune “Chameleon” from the Head Hunters album. Adam puts it all together the way we like it: using multiple bass tracks and loops.

PocketLabworks Introduces NeoBuds Noise-Isolating Earbud Headphones
Accessories & Strings

PocketLabworks Introduces NeoBuds Noise-Isolating Earbud Headphones

PocketLabworks is now offering NeoBuds, a set of noise-isolating in-ear headphones aimed at musicians. The new earbuds feature nedodymium drivers, which the company says offers pro audio sound and super bass performance. NeoBuds offer a 4-foot cable ended with a standard 3.5mm stereo plug for connecting to smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, and more. The PocketLabworks NeoBuds Pro Musician Neodymium Noise-Isolating...

N-Audio Introduces Isolated Splitter / DI Box
Pedals & Effects

N-Audio Introduces Isolated Splitter / DI Box

Bulgarian boutique pedal company N-Audio has introduced the Isolated Guitar Splitter / DI Box. The unit – which accepts guitar, bass, and line level signals – combines a splitter y-box with dual isolated outputs and a DI box for recording. The company explains that the heart of the pedal is in its transformer. “Unlike typical transformer isolated guitar splitter this...

Geddy Lee: The Warner Music Interview
Interviews

Geddy Lee: The Warner Music Interview

Roman Rogowiecki of Warner Music in Poland sat down with Geddy Lee in a wide ranging interview, where the two discussed Rush, their newest album, Clockwork Angels and a broad range of interesting topics related to both. The 21-minute interview is full of great responses from the always thoughtful and always humble bassist. Rush is currently on tour in support...

Adam Ben Ezra: Openland
Bass Videos

Adam Ben Ezra: Openland

Whenever a new video by bassist Adam Ben Ezra arrives, I pretty much drop what I’m doing to watch it. Each time, I wonder how Adam will raise the bar on what he does, and pretty much every time, he does. In this performance of “Openland”, Adam plays multiple instruments. He said the tune provided him “with an excuse to...

Paul McCartney Releases “Live Kisses” DVD
New Albums

Paul McCartney Releases “Live Kisses” DVD

Earlier this year, former Beatle Paul McCartney stepped away from the bass for the album Kisses on the Bottom, an effort that instead featured a host of studio and jazz musicians accompanying him as he sang traditional pop tunes that shaped his early musical understanding. Now Sir Paul has followed up with a live DVD called Live Kisses. Recorded in...