News - Page 253

Toto XIV marks the return of bassist David Hungate, but it is also being released on the heels of a tragedy: Mike Porcaro, who remained the group’s official bassist as he struggled with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), succumbed to his illness earlier this month at the age of 59. Hungate came back to the band in...

Although Chic bassist Bernard Edwards died in 1996, new music featuring his bass prowess is available again on the Chic song, “I’ll Be There.” The 12-inch vinyl single from Chic, featuring Nile Rodgers (Edwards’ Chic bandmate) and The Martinez Brothers is based on an old “lost” analog practice take of for a Chic song called “Love Somebody Today,” according to...

If you’re a fan of Stuart Clayton’s work on No Treble, his book, Advanced Studies for Bass Guitar from Clayton’s Bassline Publishing, should pique your interest. The book, featuring 10 study pieces, teaches players how to master techniques like slapping, fingerstyle and plectrum playing and the use of harmonics. It’s the fourth title in Bassline’s Bass Techniques series, and each...

Jazz/hip-hop band BadBadNotGood, featuring Chester Hansen on bass, has teamed up with rapper Ghostface Killah (Wu-Tang Clan) to produce the album Sour Soul. The combination of the Canadian jazz trio with a legendary rapper is one that has prompted positive reviews since the CD’s February release. Now, the album, pairs live instrumentation and highly cinematic sound with Ghostface Killah’s raw,...

Keyboardist Marc Cary has released a followup to his 1999 album, Rhodes Ahead Vo. 1, featuring the same personnel as the late 1990s record, including bassist Tarus Mateen. Rhodes Ahead Vol. 2 showcases Cary’s electro-acoustic jazz sound and Fender Rhodes’ keyboard work. It also incorporates drum n’ bass, electronic dance music (EDM), funk and rock influences. Here’s what it all...

The year’s vinyl releases of remastered Rush albums continues with the double live album All the World’s a Stage and the legendary 2112, both from 1976. Both albums from the prog-rock trio of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart were remastered at Abbey Road Studios using the Direct to Metal Mastering process and pressed on 200-gram vinyl. As a...

The album often cited as legendary jazz bassist/composer Charles Mingus’ best, The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, has been released in a limited, remastered vinyl edition after being long out of print on vinyl. Composed in part as a ballet, the work recorded by an 11-piece band features a spectacular rhythm section, Spanish influences, and extraordinary improvisation. It also...

Cherry Red Records’ John Wetton The Studio Recordings Anthology is a prog-rock fan’s dream. Wetton is most well known as the singer, primary songwriter and bassist for Asia. However, he was also a member of King Crimson from 1972 to 1974 and played with the band UK. He has released solo work and performed as a session musician, as well....

Fusion bassist Bunny Brunel, known for his work the band CAB and with the likes of Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea, has released Invent Your Future. The album includes Brunel’s take on the Jaco Pastorius classic, “Continuum” and contributions from keyboardists like Patrice Rushen and Patrick Moraz. It also features compositions of his own, and some by Corea. Invent Your...

Bassist Richie Goods and Nuclear Fusion aren’t sticking with any one style on his latest album, Three Rivers. “It’s finally me-not confined to any particular genre or style, but just free to express and play what I hear in my heart and spirit,” said Goods, the youngest person ever inducted into the Pittsburgh Jazz Hall of Fame. Goods has recorded...

Jazz bassist Mark Egan has released his latest album, Direction Home. It’s the eighth album for the onetime student of the late Jaco Pastorius, known for his past work with the Pat Metheny Group and the band Elements. Direction Home is a follow up to last year’s About Now, which offered up more groove with longtime colleagues drummer Danny Gottlieb...

Marcus Miller’s latest album, Afrodeezia, is influenced by the wide variety musical styles that can trace their roots to Africa. The bassist is a UNESCO Artist For Peace and spokesperson for the organization’s Slave Route Project, and his role with the group affected Afrodeezia. ”The power of music has no limits,” states Miller. “Through spirituals, jazz and soul we were...