Weekly Top 10: Funky Fretless Groove, Crackin’ the Slonimsky Code, New Bass Gear, Top Videos and More
We had a lot of fun putting together the stories and videos this week, and No Treble readers seemed to agree. Visits were way up, as were comments and shares. So thanks for that, and enjoy this week’s top 10 reader favorites.
1. Remco Hendrix: Funky Fretless Bass Grooves with Double Stops
Remco Hendrix has lots of raw talent with a style that blends influences like Les Claypool and Mick Karn. Here’s a great clip of a funky fretless groove he built with double stops, harmonics and a Boss OC-2 octave pedal…
2. Bootsy Collins, Maceo Parker and Fred Wesley: Let Him Out
We celebrated funk bass legend Bootsy Collins, who turned 64 years old this week. Here’s a great clip of Collins laying down the groove with fellow James Brown band alumni Maceo Parker and Fred Wesley on Letterman in 1990…
3. Bass Lesson: Crackin’ the Slonimsky Code
Using concepts derived from classical music, Joe delves into demystifying diminished patterns commonly used by jazz musicians, such as John Coltrane, Pat Martino, Jaco Pastorius and countless others. Follow along with this lesson’s notation and video…
4. Bass of the Week: Colin Edwin’s Wal Mk 1 Fretless
Prog bassist Colin Edwin has been sharing details of his bass arsenal on his blog, including his exquisite Wal Mk 1 Fretless. The Porcupine Tree member explains that the model is probably his most played bass as he used it exclusively for several years. Check out the Bass of the Week…
We love getting video submissions from No Treble readers. Bassist Kyle Nagel shared this one of his band, Young Pandas, performing “Suspended”. We think you’ll love this band, tune and fat bass tone…
6. G&L Guitars Introduces 35th Anniversary Model Basses
Thirty-five years ago, Leo Fender and George Fullerton teamed up to form G&L Guitars. Now the company is celebrating with a line of 35th Anniversary models including three guitars and two basses: the LB-100 and the M-2000. Each instrument is finished in Emerald Green Metallic, representing the traditional gemstone of the 35th Anniversary…
7. Fodera Introduces Emperor II Hybrid and Tony Grey Signature Monarch Basses
Fodera has announced two new basses with the Emperor II Hybrid and the Tony Grey Signature Monarch. Both instruments are handmade in their custom shop and are expansions on their flagship models…
8. Johann Berby: Gramoun Lontan
Born on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, Johann Berby’s music brings together elements of various African genres to create his own style. Check out this clip of “Gramoun Lontan”…
9. Reader Spotlight: Sean Bellamy
From where I sit, it sure looks like bassist Sean Bellamy is living the dream. For starters, he lives in Music City, has steady gigs, and interned with Victor Wooten and Chuck Rainey. Sean is the No Treble reader in the spotlight this week…
10. Hal Leonard Book Promises Easy Way to Learn Bass
Are you a bass enthusiast, but not a bass player? You might be able to change that. Hal Leonard Corp. has released the book Teach Yourself to Play Bass: A Quick and Easy Introduction for Beginners. As it notes on the cover, you don’t even need to read music to start…
