In Memoriam: Caleb Scofield
Bassist and vocalist Caleb Scofield has passed away after a car accident in New Hampshire. He was 39 years old. Scofield played bass and sang for the metal bands Cave In, Old Man Gloom, and Zozobra. Scofield joined Cave in 20 years ago in 1998 – just three years after the band had formed – and was featured on all...
A Life In Bass: An Interview With Tony Senatore
We’ve showcased Tony Senatore’s incredible 12-string playing before, but that’s not all there is to the bassist. He’s spent the better part of 38 years working in the New York scene including sessions in the city’s top studios. Working as a session player requires a high degree of versatility, but that’s no problem considering his background. Senatore was first taught...
Sleep Adds More North American Tour Dates
After announcing a run of U.S. tour dates for the Spring, Sleep has extended their outing to include 13 more North American shows to take place after a European jaunt. Anchored by bass heavyweight Al Cisneros, the stoner rock legends will spend the summer on the West and East coasts with a few shows between. The latest leg is scheduled...
Roks Instruments Unveils the Nardis Bass
Luthier Axel Roks of Roks Instruments is known for his unique, minimalist designs. (Check out his Microtonal Futura model.) But now he’s added his flair to a more traditional design to create the Nardis, a hand-built bass that mixes vintage and modern. “Nardis is a bass inspired by tradition, but is infused with the Roks flair and engineering,” the bass...
Led Zeppelin’s How The West Was Won Remastered for 2018
Led Zeppelin’s iconic How The West Was Won live album was released in 2003 and is now getting a remastered version for its 15th anniversary. The album documents Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones at the height of their powers from two concerts at the Los Angeles Forum and Long Beach Arena in 1972. This reissued...
Nektar Technology Introduces the Pacer MIDI Footswitch Controller
Nektar Technology has introduced the Pacer, a MIDI footswitch controller that comes preconfigured for the most popular DAWs and MIDI guitar products. It also offers standard amp switching. “The sturdy metal case features 10 programmable footswitch controls with RGB LEDs and an additional Preset footswitch for recalling presets and navigation,” Nektar writes. “Additionally, Pacer allows the connection of 2 expression...
Yes Announces 50th Anniversary Tour
Yes will be back on the road in 2018 to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The legendary prog-rock outfit, which was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year, will feature the lineup of Steve Howe, Alan White, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison, and bassist Billy Sherwood. Sherwood, of course, was personally chosen by founding bassist and bandleader Chris...
Anthony Wellington Announces Bassology At Sea
Renowned bass educator Anthony Wellington has announced Bassology At Sea, a six-day cruise that will be both a vacation and an education. The cruise will depart from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on November 10th and return November 15th. “This camp will be open to all electric bassists. It’ll also be open to other musicians who want to learn more about music...
Warwick Introduces RockBass Alien Deluxe Thinline Hybrid Acoustic Bass Guitar
Warwick has expanded their Alien Bass series of acoustic bass guitars with a new thinner model aimed at the touring musician. The Warwick RockBass Alien Deluxe Thinline Hybrid will be available as a 4-string or 5-string in both fretted and fretless versions. “[The bass was] designed to be thinner for more ergonomic comfort,” Warwick’s Marcus Spangler writes. “When listening to...
John Ferrara: Opening
When I was in college, one of my best friends turned me onto the composer Philip Glass and I was hooked. His minimalist style entranced me with its use of repeated themes and overlapping rhythms. It seemed mind-bending to be performed on the piano, which is why my jaw hit the floor when John Ferrara sent me this video. The...
Spirit Fingers, featuring Hadrien Feraud, Releases Debut Album
The amazing bass playing of Hadrien Feraud is featured on the debut album from Spirit Fingers, a jazz supergroup led by pianist Greg Spero and filled out by drummer Mike Mitchell and guitarist Dario Chiazzolino. The band’s unique and intense sound is forged by Feraud’s bass. “Hadrien’s technical and harmonic capabilities are beyond any other living bass player that I...
Dwarfcraft Devices Announces Ghost Fax Phase Computer
Dwarfcraft Devices has expanded their line of modulation pedals with the Ghost Fax Phase Computer. They call it “a digital powerhouse that adds exciting new abilities along with the tried and true phaser effects.” The Ghost Fax has four modes – Standard, Manual, Envelope Up and Envelope Down – with three knobs to control the phase sounds: Action, Feedback, and...