Archive for September 2015 - Page 2
Weekly Top 10: Change Your Practice Routine, New Gear, Preferred Bass Scale Books, Top Bass Videos and More
Looking back at last week, there’s at least one theme that stands out: practice. Dr. D’s column on his preferred scale books, Damian’s column on changing up your practice routine, and even a new book of transcriptions make the list. Add to that a handful of great videos, some new gear and the bass of the week and you have...
Ampeg Introduces All-Tube Portaflex Bass Amps, 1×12 Cabinet
In 2011, Ampeg launched the Portaflex Amp Series featuring solid-state preamps inspired by their iconic B-15 amp. Now the company has expanded the line with the PF-20T and PF-50T, a pair of all-tube bass amps they describe as “modern interpretations of Ampeg’s legendary low-wattage, all-tube designs.” Rated at 20 and 50 watts respectively, the PF-20T and PF-50T both feature a...
Cody Wright: Bass Loop Jam
We’re all big fans of Cody Wright, thanks in part to his work with Jonathan Scales Fourchestra. So, Cody recently picked up a looper. In what he says was his “first time putting together a loop from scratch on video,” he created a funky groove with plenty of tasty soloing – all while clearly having a lot of fun. With...
Christian McBride Trio Releases Live Set from Legendary Club
Virtuoso bassist Christian McBride is well known for his residencies at New York City’s The Village Vanguard jazz club, where he has played as a bandleader since 1995. The club is a legendary one, and McBride acknowledges its history. “You feel Coltrane hovering in the vortex. You feel Monk hovering in the vortex. Miles Davis, Mingus… you feel all of...
Jeff Genzler Launches New Company, New Bass Cabinets
Jeff Genzler, founder and former head of Genz-Benz, has launched a new company called Genzler Amplification. The bass industry veteran first offerings from the venture include a trio of bass cabinets: The Bass Array 12-3, the Magellan 112T, and the Magellan 212T. “My wife Catherine and I, and our dedicated team, built [Genz-Benz] and delivered exceptional products and support, worked...
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals: Don’t Take That Attitude To Your Grave
Ben Harper has reunited with The Innocent Criminals. Yours truly was thrilled when that news broke, because I’m a huge fan of bassist Juan Nelson (and Harper too). Here’s the group performing “Don’t Take That Attitude To Your Grave”. The footage comes from four different shows. Juan always makes things groove.
Bassists Converge on Metal Allegiance Album
Metal Allegiance’s self-titled debut album, featuring some prominent metal bassists, has arrived. The core group includes Megadeth bassist David Ellefson and songwriter/bassist Mark Menghi, drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, The Winery Dogs) and guitarist Alex Skolnick (Testament). The metal supergroup pulled in some bass heavyweights for a little extra thunder. Rex Brown (Pantera/Kill Devil Hill) appears on the bass-heavy track...
Willcox Introduces Saber SL HexFX Edition Basses
Willcox is now shipping a new version of their Saber SL bass called the HexFX Edition. The new model has a 13-pin DIN connector that allows for individual string outputs in addition to the Lightwave Optical Pickup System. “The HexFX Editions bring the individual string outputs, along with a summed mono output, to a 13-pin DIN connector,” Willcox writes. “The...
Divinity Roxx and Steve Lawson: Masterclass Improv Jam
Here’s one to get you jamming. Divinity Roxx and Steve Lawson teamed up to teach a masterclass at Kidderminster College in the UK, resulting in some funky jams. The clip starts with Divinity beatboxing with a foundational bass groove and Lawson adding his signature thoughtful accompaniment and soloing. The duo connects on a deep level, allowing Roxx to freestyle rap...
Rush’s “Exit… Stage Left” Released in Vinyl Reissue Series
The year of Rush vinyl reissues from the trio’s Mercury Records era continues with the two-LP live album from 1981, Exit… Stage Left. The album, recorded during the Moving Pictures tour, is an impressive live package from bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee, drummer/lyricist Neil Peart, and guitarist Alex Lifeson, featuring “The Spirit of Radio,” “Closer to the Heart,” “The Trees,” “Freewill,” “Tom...
I Worship Chaos: An Interview with Henkka Blacksmith
This year has been one of change for Finnish death metal outfit Children of Bodom. The band announced the departure of longtime guitarist Roope Latvala in May, leaving the group as a four-piece configuration. Their new album (due October 2nd) will be their first record created as a quartet, but their sound is just as huge thanks in part to...
Stuart Clayton: Für Elise Solo Bass Performance
Stuart Clayton sent me another video of an all-bass arrangement. This time, Stuart takes on Beethoven’s “Für Elise,” which was originally written for piano. As was the case with his version of “Golliwog’s Cakewalk”, this arrangement is included Stuart’s book, Ultimate Tapping for Bass Guitar.