Archive for September 2014 - Page 8

Here’s something different: Ibanez has teamed up with Korg to introduce the SRKP4 Bass. The 4-string model takes the company’s flagship SR model and equips it with a Korg Mini Kaoss Pad 2S, which has 100 effect programs that can be controlled real time with a touchpad interface.

Tony Grey has the magic touch… so musical, and with a great bass tone. Here’s Tony performing his cover of Coldplay’s “The Scientist” with his bass, a Keith McMillen 12 Step foot controller, plus some electronic beats and vocals added in. Perfect for a lazy Sunday, or any day.

Andy McKee, a jazz bassist nominated for two Grammys for his work with the Mingus Big Band, has authored a book to help others improve their playing. is designed for bassists of all skill levels, offering insight on a wide swath of topics, from improvising, soloing and practicing to instrument care, performance, and right-and-left-hand technique. McKee is also the author...

Line 6 has introduced the Sonic Port VX mobile audio interface. Designed for portability, it’s equipped with a three built-in condenser microphones with preamps, a stereo line input, and a guitar/bass input with 120dB of dynamic range. The microphone setup includes a stereo matched pair and a front-facing mono mic for versatility. Aside from its inputs, the Sonic Port VX...

Gallien Krueger has released the latest in their artist series of videos, and this one is a doozie. Aristocrats bassist and all around bass monster Bryan Beller plays through the song “Living the Dream” from the trio’s latest album, Culture Clash. Sometimes blissful and sometimes frantic, the song pays homage to the ups and downs of a touring musician. Beller...

Let a bassist break down why Big Star was so important. The bassist, by the way, is R.E.M.’s Mike Mills, who penned liner notes for the reissues of two of the power pop trailblazers/originators’ albums — its 1972 debut, and its 1974 followup . Big Star was a band “who made records that sounded like rock and roll bands should...

Each time I embark on a new column, I find myself humbled and overwhelmed by the talent and contributions of the chosen “Bass Player to Know.” There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll discover new music, recognize the birth of different styles, and become more in tune with the virtuosity of the player. As I wade into the pool...

From Racer X to Mars Volta to Deltron 3030, Juan Alderete has been killing it for years. Today, we’re celebrating his birthday with a clip of his project Vato Negro throwing down at Fuji Rock 2010. The song (which starts at the 1:10 mark) brings out an eclectic side of the group with a nice mix of groove and heaviness....

The author of Billboard Books’ best-selling The Musician’s Handbook has some more advice to offer. This time, Bobby Borg, who has a long career as a musician, educator and author, is turning his eye and pen to going DIY with . Published as part of Hal Leonard Corp.’s Music Pro Series of guides and CDs, the book shares how innovative...

It’s been 17 years since Faith No More released an album, but that streak will be broken in April 2015 according to Bill Gould. The bassist, who will also be producing the group’s untitled seventh album, broke the news to Rolling Stone. The release will be on their own imprint, Reclamation Records. “The name has to do with the fact...

Packing up everything you own and moving over 5,000 miles to make a new home is a life-changing event. It forces you to learn a new culture, a new language, meet new people, and generally get you completely out of your comfort zone. That’s precisely what happened to bassist and vocalist Kristin Korb after she left sunny Southern California for...

Named after a quote from Jurassic Park, You Bred Raptors? is a trio that does things differently. Musically it features cello, drums and a knockout 8-string bass played by Peat Rains. The band stands out even further by performing with an array of bizarres masks on. The group was recently featured on BreakThru Radio for a performance and interview on...