Bassists - Page 68

Juan Formell, who played bass and led the popular Cuban band Los Van Van, has died of liver disease. He was 71. Formell was born in Havana in 1942 and started his professional music career at the age of 15. He worked in cabarets, radio and television and was bassist for the band Revolutionary Police by 1959. The bassist formed...

Meet Chris Kollias, a versatile, busy and humble bassist from Greece who has a great story to share. Chris is No Treble’s reader in the spotlight for the week of May 5, 2014. Bio: I was born on December 8, 1986, and I live in Athens, Greece. I took the first steps in music at the age of 9 by...

Few bassists have a style that is as instantly recognizable as Francis “Rocco” Prestia’s funky, bubbly ghost and 16th-note playing. His work with Tower of Power has shaped what is expected of a funk bassist in terms of playing in the pocket and has subsequently inspired countless bass players. Prestia himself is humble about his contributions, citing James Jamerson and...

Atlanta Rhythm Section bassist Paul Goddard has passed away, according to news reports and confirmed by the band on their Facebook page. He was 68. Goddard was among the founding members of the band in 1970 when the former members of the Candymen and the Classics IV became the session band for Studio One in Doraville, Georgia. Goddard retired from...

Meet Jason Raso, a bassist and instructor from Ontario who says he has “zero control over [his] face muscles when [he] plays.” In other words, he’s a bass player. He’s also the No Treble reader in the spotlight for the week of April 28, 2014. Bio: Jason Raso has a funk heart and a jazz head. They are hard wired...

Meet Harry Ostrem, a busy bassist, educator and (sometimes) Mick Jagger impersonator. He has a great story, as you’ll see. Harry is the No Treble reader in the spotlight for the week of April 21, 2014. Bio: I first picked up a bass guitar in 8th grade and continuously played in rock bands and jazz combos during my high school...

Meet Ryan Redemption, a bassist from Thunder Bay in Ontario who is living the low end life. When Ryan first picked up the bass in school, he said he thought it would be an easy credit. He got more than he bargained for, in what he describes as “a lifestyle instead”. Ryan is the No Treble reader in the spotlight...

Meet bassist Shane Andison, a busy musician who started fast in his music career, and never seemed to look back from there. Shane is the No Treble reader in the spotlight for the week of April 7, 2014. Bio I’ve been playing bass guitar professionally for over 10 years, starting off laying down the low end with Melbourne singer-songwriter Justin...

The art of solo bass has been steadily growing for the past couple of decades, but one bassist has always been a leading figure in the field. That bassist is Michael Manring. It’s not just his use of extended techniques, his unusual tunings, or his unique gear that sets him apart. Manring consistently presents a level of artistry that touches...

Meet Matt Sanchez, a bassist with an interesting combo of work and music. Like many people here, Matt didn’t start with the bass. But while most either started on drums or guitar before making the switch, Matt tried both – starting on drums, switching to guitar and then finally finding home on the bass. Matt is No Treble’s reader in...

Meet Polar Sky, a member of our illustrious bass club and also a member of the cool names club. Not only is her name unique, so is her playing style – as you’ll see in her story below. Polar is No Treble’s reader in the spotlight for the week of March 24, 2014. Bio I am an Australian bass player...

Meet Mark Petersen, a bassist who grew up in the 70’s, when bass was bass, and people knew it. He says he’s played bass long enough that he’s “[ripped off] Geezer Butler as much as I [has] Flea.” Mark is No Treble’s reader in the spotlight for the week of March 17, 2014. Here’s his story. Bio I am a...