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Archive for November 2016 - Page 5

ESO Releases Bass Strap
Accessories & Strings

ESO Releases Bass Strap

The ESO Strap line has been expanded to include a bass-specific strap. Available in seven colors, the straps are manufactured in Seattle, Washington. The ESO Bass Strap features a contoured “S” shape to avoid pressure points and digging into your neck. It’s built with a high-density foam core with interior heavyweight backing and reinforced stitching at critical points. The strap...

Developing a Solid Groove
Ask Damian Erskine

Developing a Solid Groove

Q: So right now I’m trying to hack out my sense of groove and time, really trying to come down on that. I’ve noticed I can’t stay on a groove too long and start to play a lot of lines or rhythmic fills, not really being able to lay down a solid foundation and can’t stay tight? How do I...

Ismael Alcina: Solo
Bass Videos

Ismael Alcina: Solo

Spanish bassist and composer Ismael Alcina recently released an album called Bass Life, featuring some really fantastic playing. Here’s a great video of the aptly entitled track “Solo”. Alcina creates a mysterious atmosphere before launching into a palm muted groove and building on it with a looper pedal.

Mark Dresser Seven Releases “Sedimental You”
New Albums

Mark Dresser Seven Releases “Sedimental You”

Bassist/composer Mark Dresser has released Sedimental You, an exploratory album that teeters between free jazz and chamber music for a refreshing musical ride. The seven-song collection features his septet including flutist Nicole Mitchell, clarinetist Marty Ehrlich, trombonist Michael Dessen, pianist Joshua White, drummer Jim Black, and violinist David Morales Boroff. Each member of the group brings a special element to...

Reader Spotlight: Bill Clements
Reader Spotlight

Reader Spotlight: Bill Clements

To say Bill Clements is an inspiration would be an understatement. A bassist for over 30 years, Bill lost part of his arm in an industrial accident in 1989. But that didn’t stop him. He’s continued to play and inspire people ever since. Bill is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight. Here’s his story… Bio: I was born...

Bass Transcription: Dominique di Piazza’s Bass Solo on John McLaughlin’s “Belo Horizonte”
Transcriptions

Bass Transcription: Dominique di Piazza’s Bass Solo on John McLaughlin’s “Belo Horizonte”

This month, the transcription is dedicated to French bass virtuoso Dominique di Piazza. I think Dominique deserves more recognition in the bass world. Ask any bassist today – Hadrien Feraud, Matthew Garrison, Adam Nitti, and many more – and they will swear that di Piazza has had a profound influence on their bass playing. His solo piece “Marie,” has opened...

PHOS and Fortheloveofbass: Retrograde
Bass Videos

PHOS and Fortheloveofbass: Retrograde

Ivo Schot has released the fifth video in his Fortheloveofbass series, and it may be my favorite. This time the bassist teamed up with Dutch singer-songwriter PHOS (AKA Eveline Vroonland) to cover the James Blake song “Retrograde”. Schot covers the harmonic elements with his bass and a full pedalboard while PHOS pours her syrupy vocals overtop.

Bass of the Week: D’ARCO Shakti 5-String Bass
Bass of the Week

Bass of the Week: D’ARCO Shakti 5-String Bass

This week we’re checking out the D’ARCO Shakti 5-string bass by French Luthier Clément D’Arco. The striking bass has a host of beautiful, exotic woods to create a rich visual appeal. Its body is crafted from lacewood, purpleheart, wenge, and flamed maple while the 13-piece neck is made of flamed maple, wenge and a bubinga/wenge veneer. The neck is reinforced...

Dealing with a Removable Neck
The Lowdown with Dr. D

Dealing with a Removable Neck

Q: I have read your latest column on the set-up of your bass and that you had a removable neck installed. I never had one and one of the reasons why I’m holding off on this is the fact that a removable neck also means a removable bridge. I mean: the bridge is not fixed on the bass, which is...

The Derek Trucks Band: I’d Rather Be Blind, Crippled And Crazy
Bass Videos

The Derek Trucks Band: I’d Rather Be Blind, Crippled And Crazy

I often listen to The Derek Trucks Band’s , which offers up one killer performance by an equally killer band. Here they are performing “I’d Rather Be Blind, Crippled And Crazy”, anchored by the sweet bass lines of Todd Smallie.

Weekly Top 10: Remembering Victor Bailey, Talking Technique, New Bass Gear, Videos and More
Weekly Top 10

Weekly Top 10: Remembering Victor Bailey, Talking Technique, New Bass Gear, Videos and More

This was a tough week in the world of music and bass. Bass legend Victor Bailey passed away on Friday, and the outpouring of love for him propelled our tribute to the #1 slot on the most read list. RIP, Mr. Bailey. This week’s top 10 also includes a discussion with Damian Erskine on the pros and cons of a...

Bill Laurance: Never-Ending City
Bass Videos

Bill Laurance: Never-Ending City

Snarky Puppy keyboardist Bill Laurance recently released , which was recorded in May 2015 at Union Chapel in London. Joined by Snarky Puppy bassist Michael League, who plays bass and Moog Little Phatty on the album, here’s the track “Never-Ending City”.