Archive for October 2014 - Page 4

Things have really shaken up for technical death metal outfit The Faceless with the departure of bassist Evan Brewer and drummer Alex Rudinger. After nearly four years with the band, Brewer took to social media to announce that he was leaving. “After almost four years of good times with The Faceless I’ve decided to leave the band,” Brewer wrote on...

Bassist Matt Keppler shared this video with us – and this one grooves. “Recently, I wrote and recorded an arrangement of Kimbra’s new single, ‘Miracle,’” he shared. “The track came out super funky, and I’m really proud of it. I wanted to reach out and share the video with you guys, as I feel that your regular readers will dig...

For some reason, it just doesn’t feel surprising that Primus leader/bassist Les Claypool loves the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory so much that he, the rest of the original Primus lineup (that hasn’t played together since 1995) and the 2-member Fungi Ensemble, would create a take on iconic film’s music. is as unique as you’d expect, while...

This week we check out the Sciatt bass by the new Italian company Assi Guitars. Bringing together modern and retro vibes, the bass is built with an Akatio body finished in a catching green that’s accented with a black pickguard. Its Balkan Maple neck is topped with an Indian Rosewood fingerboard. Assi fitted the bass with Gotoh hardware and Magnetics...

Performing on the road as an upright bassist can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. Here are a few tips I’ve learned on, and picked up from colleagues, to help things go smoothly. Be Physically Fit We don’t need have the physique of an Olympic athlete, but having a certain level of fitness will go a long way in...

Yesterday we featured a bass and vocal duo by DaBeat & Miki Santamaria. Here’s another, sent to us by bassist Cahit Kutrafali. The bassist is accompanying vocalist Bur-I Hoshsoz on their original tune, “Speak To Me”.

Seeking out some new jazz propelled by a bass player’s sensibilities? Check out Théo Zipper Quartet’s album, . Led by French bassist and composer, Théo Zipper, the quartet also includes tenor/soprano sax player Max Fortin, Yannick Jacquet on piano, Fender Rhodes, and cello, and Lucas Vanderputten on drums. Zipper says his, and the quartet’s, goal, is to create osmosis between...

I love it when a top 10 list makes a top 10 list… more to check out! This one has that and a whole lot more reader favorites, from the week of October 11-17, 2014. Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing. 1. Mike Wheeler Band: That’s What Love Will Make You Do Here’s a video that will get you moving...

Federico Malaman has been impressing us with his playing for years. Now he’s teamed up with Laurus to create the new Federico Malaman Signature Quasar Bass. Based on the company’s Quasar, the instrument is a 5-string fretless with its tuning machines at the bridge. One of the most striking features of the model is its chambered body, which has three...

We’ve seen some great grooves and solo bass from Miki Santamaria before. In this video, his incredible playing is in support of vocalist DaBeat, in this duo’s take of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”. Enjoy.

The Melvins have not one, but two members of the Butthole Surfers appearing on the group’s latest album . The Surfers’ Jeff Pinkus, who has also toured with The Melvins, is sitting in for regular bassist Jared Warren, who is on paternity leave from the band. The Sufers’ guitarist Paul Leary is also on the record. The Melvins’ Buzz Osborne...

Vox has upgraded their amPlug line of headphone amplifiers including a bass-specific version. The amPlug G2 Bass plugs into your bass’s output jack and allows you to plug in headphones for silent practicing. Among the new features, the amPlug G2 Bass has had its analog circuit improved with the company’s Bassilator circuit, which Vox says reproduces the low punch distinctive...