Archive for March 2014 - Page 2

We’ve posted plenty of bassists performing Bach, but this one takes the cake. Edmond Gilmore displays unbelievably fluid technique as he plays along violinist Arthur Grumiaux on the “Double Presto” movement from Bach’s Partita No. 1 in B minor.

The Bad Plus has redefined Stravinsky’s classical piece for ballet, , as a work for an acoustic jazz trio of piano, bass and drums. The group’s version of Stravinsky’s composition debuted in 2011 and the trio has performed it live in the years since. Now the interpretation from the group — known for its inventiveness and predilection for the avant...

Last year, we reported that Tower of Power bassist Rocco Prestia was once again battling serious health issues. The bassist has now issued an update about his condition on the band’s website. “First off I’d like to thank everyone who has either donated to my medical fund or given their time and energy,” he stated. “It is greatly appreciated to...

Q: For the last couple months, I have been doing weekend warrior gigs with a pop artist who tours all over the country. The venues we play have been everything from large hotel ballrooms to amphitheaters to large concert halls, and we mainly rely on backline gear. Here’s my issue: we fly a lot, and we are very limited in...

Back in October, we shared an incredible video with Richard Bona and Raul Midón performing “Don’t Take It That Way“. Here they are again, performing “Good Times”. Good times indeed.

presents the fully unedited version of the live experience of Davis and his band at a turning point in the legendary trumpeter’s career. This music comes from the Bitches Brew era, in which Davis worked with a band that included bassist Dave Holland, regarded as a jazz great in his own right. The 4-CD box set features 100 minutes of...

Meet Polar Sky, a member of our illustrious bass club and also a member of the cool names club. Not only is her name unique, so is her playing style – as you’ll see in her story below. Polar is No Treble’s reader in the spotlight for the week of March 24, 2014. Bio I am an Australian bass player...

Here’s a lesson I’d classify as beginner/intermediate level, but the truth is, it is something I think can benefit all of us. The goal of this lesson is to become comfortable with the entire fretboard, through learning the notes on every fret. Using a simple Rolling Stones-style rock groove backing track, this lesson focuses in on working our way through...

I’ve not yet had the pleasure of meeting Simon Fitzpatrick in person yet. Until I do, I’m not going to be sure he’s actually human. Once again, Simon turns in an impressive solo bass arrangement, this time taking on the tune “One Summer’s Day”, from the movie Spirited Away.

Nathan East. You know him. You most likely love him. He’s the bass sideman to the stars — over his 40-year career, he played with everyone Barry White to Eric Clapton to Phil Collins to George Harrison to Michael Jackson. He’s also a member of Fourplay and bassist Daft Punk (that’s his line you hear on “Get Lucky”). Now he...

Peavey announced a pair of new compact bass heads at NAMM this year with the MiniMax and the MiniMega. The amps are rated at 400 and 1000 watts, respectively, and weigh in at five and eight pounds. The 400-watt MiniMax’s preamp is loaded with a 3-band EQ accented by Punch, Mid-shift, and Bright controls for further tonal shaping as well...

At some point most bassists want be able to play “fast.” The question that usually arises is obvious: “How?” The most common barriers to being able play quickly on upright bass are: Poor bass setup Inefficient technique. (Too much tension, etc.) Lack of stamina Lack of familiarity with the passage, tune, line, etc. (Trying to play a passage too fast...