Archive for July 2023

This week, we’re checking out Bass #001 by Ristic Guitars. Handmade by luthier Sasa Ristic, the beautiful bass features neck-through construction with a five-piece maple neck, mahogany body wings, and a curly maple top.

Snarky Puppy performed at Jazz in Marciac, and they released this live video from the show. Here’s Michael League and the band performing “Pineapple” from “Empire Central.”

“The Wrecking Crew” is one of the most interesting and inspiring documentaries on session musicians ever made. Filmmaker Denny Tedesco has been working on a follow-up called “Immediate Family,” and now it’s getting even closer to release.

Time for the weekly “best of bass” roundup. This week’s top 10 reader favorites list includes new gear, a new tune by Charles Berthoud, our interview with Kevin Scott, and more.

Drummer Anika Nilles and her band, Nevell, visited Little Big Beat Studios last year to record a live session. The small audience witnessed some stunning musicianship as the band recorded six tunes.

Former Shins bassist Neal Langford has died at the age of 50. The cause of death is unclear, but foul play is not suspected. Shins frontman James Mercer shared the news on Instagram.

Thin Lizzy bassist and frontman Phil Lynott is the subject of a new photo book. Rufus Publications has announced “Portraits of Phil Lynott” will be released this November to celebrate the late rocker.

Nate Smith performed at the Montreal International Jazz Festival on July 2nd. In this clip, Smith is joined by Lionel Loueke and Michael League on “Skip Step.” What a lineup, and what a jam!

The Eagles have announced that founding bassist Randy Meisner has died from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 77 years old.

When Gov’t Mule announced they had a new bass player, I don’t think there could have been a better fit than Kevin Scott. We caught up with Kevin to talk about Gov’t Mule, his new label, Colonel Bruce Hampton, and more.

I’ve been revisiting Mahavishnu Orchestra’s music lately, which got me digging. Here’s a great clip of their stellar lineup performing “You Know, You Know” in 1972. Still unbelievably great!

Brian Bromberg has returned with a new solo album called “The Magic of Moonlight.” His previous release, “A Little Driving Music,” offered music with a breezy feeling, but “Moonlight” has more of a mystical quality.