Player News - Page 20

In addition to announcing the album debut of Floored by Four, Mike Watt has revealed that he is finishing up work on a punk rock opera, entitled “Hyphenated-Man.” You read that right, a punk rock opera. This will in fact be his third punk rock opera, following Contemplating the Engine Room and The Secondman’s Middle Stand. Watt explains that this...

Bassist Michael Manring has announced that Valley Entertainment is re-releasing his entire solo recordings catalog from his days on Windham Hill, High Street, Sony and BMG. After many years of being out of print, Unusual Weather, Toward The Center Of The Night, Drastic Measures, and Thonk will be once again available. No word yet on release dates. In other news,...

According to a report on Gibson.com, the legendary hair-metal group Whitesnake is currently seeking a new bassist after parting ways with their rhythm section. A press release by David Coverdale indicated that both bassist Uriah Duffy and drummer Chris Frazier will no longer be with the band. “Whitesnake wish Uriah and Chris every success in pursuing their individual musical careers...

Eagles of Death Metal bassist Brian O’Connor is reportedly scheduled to undergo surgery in Los Angeles for his recently diagnosed cancer. O’Connor is encouraged about his prognosis and released the following statement to his fans: “With the remarkable support and love from my amazing friends and family, I am receiving the best medical and moral attention one could ask for....

In a recent article by the LA Times bassist Esperanza Spalding revealed how she is teaching young children about jazz in new and engaging ways with band mate Leo Genovese. She has introduced free jazz improvisation to young children with a Cops & Robbers spin: Leo musician plays a lead, and Spalding tries to catch him – if she succeeds...

After announcing her work on several upcoming albums, Tal Wilkenfeld revealed that she will be joining Herbie Hancock on the road as he tours in support of his newest effort, The Imagine Project. Wilkenfeld broke the news on her Facebook page, adding that to do so, she will be taking a break from making her new album. The tour will...

U2’s Adam Clayton is beginning another legal battle, only months after accusing his assistant of stealing millions of dollars. Now the bassist is suing his band’s “financial controller,” Gaby Smyth, for alleged negligence. Clayton lodged papers against Smyth on June 4th, and though not all of the details are clear, the claim is in reference to investments made on the...

Puddle of Mudd have announced that bassist Doug Ardito, who has been with the group for nine years, has left the band. The rockers have asked their friend Damien Starkey to fill in until a permanent bass player is found. “It’s been a great 9 years of rocking the music of Puddle of Mudd with Doug,” said singer Wes Scantlin....

Bassist extraordinaire Christian McBride will be traveling all over the world in his upcoming tour with the new Chick Corea Freedom Band. The quartet also features saxophonist Kenny Garrett and drummer Roy Haynes. The group as a whole first played together for Corea’s Remembering Bud Powell, but each member has worked with one another in various projects through the years,...

Meshell Ndegeocello is the latest Guest Professor addition to Bootsy Collins’ Funk U, joining Les Claypool, Victor Wooten,Divinity Roxx, John B. Williams, Frankie “Kash” Waddy, Bakithi Kumalo, Billy Bass, Dennis Chambers and T.M. Stevens. FunkU opens its doors on July 1st, and enrollment has already begun. For more, visit thefunkuniversity.com.

After being in a coma since November, 2008, Deftones bassist Chi Cheng is showing signs of improvement, according to his band mates. “He’s been out of his coma for a while now, which is great” singer Chino Moreno told The Quietus. “He’s still in a minimally conscious state, which means he sleeps a lot, wakes up, opens his eyes and...

Larry Hartke announced on his Facebook page that bassist John Conte has “joined the Hartke family of players.” Conte will be using Hartke LH-series amplifiers as well as Hartke speakers. John Conte has worked with an astounding amount of musicians, ranging from Levon Helm to David Bowie and Mary J. Blige. Most recently, he recorded with Southside Johnny and the...