Elrick Guitars Announces the Daric Bennett Signature Bass
Elrick Guitars has teamed up with bassist Daric Bennett to introduce the Platinum Series e-volution DBS (Daric Bennett Signature). The new model, which is part of their U.S. hand-carved basses, is designed to fit the bassist’s wide style. “A respected player and educator, Daric is well known for his unique percussive style, and for combining funk, blues, gospel, and jazz...
Victor Wooten Releases “Trypnotyx”
The wait is over: Victor Wooten’s new album Trypnotyx is now available! Featuring the core trio of Wooten, drummer Dennis Chambers, and saxophonist Bob Franceschini, the record is packed tight with sick grooves and overflowing musicality. From the blazing unison riffs of “Dc10” to the floating melody of “Cruising Altitude” to the gritty title track, the group is firing on...
Scott and Evan Varney: Subterranean Homesick Alien
Everyone loves a good Radiohead tune. Here’s a cool version of “Subterranean Homesick Alien” performed by bassist Scott Varney with his son Evan on tenor saxophone. Scott sings and fills out the song with the bass line and harmony while Evan adds melodies from the song. “This version is inspired by David Ryan Harris and Bob Reynolds version,” Scott writes....
Wolfgang Van Halen Gives Sneak Peak of New Solo Album
Wolfgang Van Halen has released a new preview of his upcoming solo album. While the record doesn’t have a projected release date, we do know that he is performing all of the instruments and singing all the vocals. Get a taste of what he’s working on here: The bassist, who also plays for the band Van Halen, is the son...
Vox Amps Announces the VX50 BA Tube Bass Combo Amp
Vox Amps has unveiled the VX50 series of amps including the VX50 BA, a compact vacuum tube bass amp. The 50-watt amp is fitted with a new tube called the NuTube. “By using Nutube, the new vacuum tube, this amp achieves 50W of high output power while being more compact, lightweight, and power-efficient,” Vox writes. “You’ll enjoy the rich overtones...
In Memoriam: Holger Czukay
Holger Czukay, who co-founded and played bass in the experimental rock band Can, has died from unknown causes. He was 79 years old. Czukay was born in what is now Gda?sk, Poland in 1938. He worked at a radio repair shop where he became interested in electrical engineering and the sound of radio broadcasts. This led to an interest in...
Truetone Announces the 1 Spot Pro CS6 Power Supply
Truetone has expanded their 1 Spot line of power supplies with the 1 Spot Pro CS6. The new unit is billed as the “first low-profile power brick to be able to put out up to 1600mA of pure, silent power.” Its thin profile allows it to be mounted under flat pedalboards like the Pedaltrain Nano or Metro series. It has...
Olivier Babaz: On The Sunny Side of the Street
Get ready to chill out. Olivier Babaz offers up a nice relaxing arco version of the jazz standard “On The Sunny Sunny Side Of The Street” in this new video. Besides some nice phrasing, Babaz gets a big, warm tone that matches the song’s chill vibe.
Mogwai Releases “Every Country’s Sun”
Mogwai has released their ninth studio album, entitled Every Country’s Sun. The Scottish band’s new record is part instrumental, part vocal with a post-rock sound that blends ambient sounds with electronica. Dominic Aitchison pins the album together with melodic bass lines and big tone. Check out the song, “Party in the Dark” in the video below. Every Country’s Sun is...
Epiphone Adds Vintage Styled Basses to Pro Series
Epiphone has unveiled two new Pro design basses: the Embassy Pro Bass and the Thunderbird Vintage Pro Bass. The new instruments are inspired by models from the 1960s with modern updates. The Embassy Pro commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Epiphone joining Gibson. It’s built with a mahogany neck and body that’s been rebalanced for comfort. It also has improved...
Rediscovered Bill Evans Recording Features Eddie Gomez with Jack DeJohnette
Bill Evans was one of the most influential jazz pianists ever, and he always played with top tier musicians. Now Resonance Records has released another example of that with Another Time: The Hilversum Concert. The album is a rare recording featuring his trio with Eddie Gomez and Jack DeJohnette. While Gomez had played with Evans for two years at the...
In Memoriam: Todd Honeycutt
Sad news to report today: Enfold Darkness bassist Todd Honeycutt has died by suicide. He was 30 years old. The band made the announcement on their Facebook page. “Our brother Todd, who performed on our latest album, has taken his own life,” the statement read. “I wish that we could give you a better sounding statement – we are all...