Bassists - Page 66

American jazz bassist Charlie Haden, who made waves with artists like free jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman and pianist Keith Jarrett, has passed away after a prolonged illness, according to a statement from ECM Records. He was 76. Born in Shenandoah, Iowa in 1937, Haden was raised on a farm and started on bass at an early age. His family had...

Okay, so this week’s spotlight is on a bassist who seems quite cool, starting with his name: Charles William Power Jones. “Cool” is also the word Charles used to describe both the bass and the bassist he saw playing it when he was in the 8th grade. A short time later, he began his musical journey and hasn’t looked back...

David Pastorius has been smashing expectations for as long as he’s been playing bass. The last time we talked with him, Pastorius told us about the impact of being the nephew of legendary electric bassist Jaco Pastorius, notably that his influences and style come from another place with an edgier rock sound. Now he is wowing everyone with a set...

Meet Merl Middletown, a bassist whose motto is “from pocket to rocket.” Merl can be found rocking the bass in Florida and elsewhere, clearly loves the music, and doesn’t care about the crazy gear list either (and we mean that in a good way). Merl is No Treble’s reader in the spotlight for the week of June 30, 2014. Bio:...

Think of your favorite reggae song and chances are what comes to you is actually the bass line. That’s because the bass line is often the actual musical hook of the song, which leaves people humming for days. No reggae music has reached as many people as the songs of Bob Marley, and no reggae bass lines have been as...

Meet Steve Earnhart, a bassist otherwise known as “Bald Steve”. Steve started out on bass on a whim, but when he heard Jaco Pastorius and Marcus Miller, he had that aha moment and knew what he wanted to do in life. And he’s been doing it ever since. Steve is No Treble’s reader in the spotlight for the week of...

Meet Spencer E. Zubrow, a bassist who currently attends Berklee and got his musical start by stealing a guitar from his brother before coming to his senses and picking up the bass. Spencer is No Treble’s reader in the spotlight for the week of June 16, 2014. Be sure to check out his “Bernadette” play-along below! Bio: I grew up...

Meet Zakk Zodiac, a bassist from Australia who is about as diverse as they come (and more proof you can’t judge a book by its cover). Not only that, he has an incredibly entertaining story to share. Zakk is No Treble’s reader in the spotlight for the week of June 9, 2014. Enjoy. Bio: A punk rock bassist who at...

Meet Wayne Whittaker, a bassist who has studied with some impressive teachers and keeps busy as a session musician. We found ourselves smiling at many of the things he said, and many readers will appreciate his approach to the bass. Wayne is No Treble’s reader in the spotlight for the week of June 2, 2014. Bio: Wayne graduated from Berklee...

Meet Sam Lord a musician from the UK who has had a bass in his hands pretty much since the day he was born. So it is no surprise he’s been one of the youngest bassists around his local scene. Sam is No Treble’s reader in the spotlight for the week of May 26th, 2014. Bio: I grew up in...

Rock bassist Randy Coven, who toured and recorded with artists including Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai, passed away on May 20th of undisclosed causes. He was 54. Born in Great Neck, New York, Coven was introduced to music at a young age. His parents fostered his love of music by taking him to the Beatles concert at Shea Stadium when...

Meet Jay Dwyer, a bassist from the Chicago area who has a very cool gig: paying tribute to John Entwistle and playing his amazing bass lines in a Who tribute band. Jay is No Treble’s reader in the spotlight for the week of May 19, 2014. Bio: I am 55 and I started playing at age 7. I’ve actively gigged...