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Archive for December 2009 - Page 4

In Memoriam

RIP Chris Feinstein

Chris Feinstein, who found success as the bassist for Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, has passed away at the age of 42. The cause of death is still unknown, but it was reported that he was found in his Manhattan apartment on Monday morning. His label, Lost Highway Records, issued this statement: “It is with great sadness to report that...

An Interview with Stanley Clarke
Interviews

An Interview with Stanley Clarke

When bassists list people who constitute legends, there is one name that is continually mentioned: Stanley Clarke. There are very few bassists who have been as innovative, who have crossed styles and musical barriers, and who have changed the way we approach the bass in the way that Stanley has over his still-flourishing career. Was this an intentional guided evolution?...

Bass Videos

Miroslav Vitous: My Foolish Heart

Here’s a nice video of Miroslav Vitous performing a solo piece, “My Foolish Heart”, in Vienna in 2005.

Player News

Bachman-Turner 2.0

Fred Turner, a former member of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, has come out of retirement to reunite with guitarist Randy Bachman for an album and 2010 tour. In their former band, they sold millions of albums in the 1970’s, with hits such as “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” and “Takin’ Care of Business.” Turner has found a breath of fresh air in...

Ask Damian Erskine

Ask Damian Erskine: Reading Rhythms

Q: My question is pretty simple but complex at the same. What is the best or most efficient way to practice reading rhythms? A: Great question! As with many aspects of the learning process, there is no one way (or quick way) but having the proper perspective can make a world of difference. As when you read words in your...

Bass Videos

Gustaf Fjelstrom: Vaporous Restraint

Bassist Gustaf Fjelstrom sent in this video of him performing “Vaporous Restraint”, from his album, METAMESMERIC (previously covered here). This video was recorded live at the Y2K9 International Looping Festival on October 18, 2009. For more on Gustaf and his work, visit botched.com.

Reader Spotlight: Cricket Cohen
Reader Spotlight

Reader Spotlight: Cricket Cohen

Meet Cricket Cohen, our player in the spotlight for December 15, 2009. Bio: I’ve been so lucky to play bass (and sing) for a living for over 30 years. Doing the math I know I’ve played at least 10,000 gigs! The venues range from lounge cover work to playing with the Drifters as well of too many exciting stories to...

The Lowdown with Dr. D

The Lowdown with Dr. D.: Three Requirements of Attainment (Part 1 of 3: Method)

Presumably we are all searching for mastery on our instrument, and yet some people spend years playing and studying the Upright Bass and achieve very little, whereas others spend a quarter of the time and achieve a great deal. In keeping with my “getting started” theme of late, and to ensure that we fall into the latter group, it would...

Bass Videos

Vollink, Outram & Cornelissen: Dirty Gilly

Today’s video comes by way of Philip Wain, and features bassist Frans Vollink, drummer Sebastiaan Cornelissen and guitarist Mike Outram. Great stuff.

Concerts & Tours

Sonic Youth 2010 tour dates

Sonic Youth, featuring Kim Gordon, will be keeping busy in 2010 with plans for a new album, a DVD release, and creating the soundtrack to a new film by Michel Gondry. But first, they will be touring the southwest U.S. in support of their latest effort, The Eternal Here are the upcoming dates: January 4 Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theater...

Player News

Richard Bona to hold benefit concert in Cameroon

Bassist Richard Bona will give a series of concerts to help raise funds for a pediatric ward in his home country of Cameroon. According to a published report, the fundraising event should allow for the building to begin immediately, with the ward supported by missionaries of the Protestant Church and the Lions Club. Bona’s participation follows a visit by former...

Bass Lessons

Lesson: Fundamental technical approaches to bass

We’re starting a new video lesson series by Jon Burr today. This week’s lesson focuses on fundamental technical approaches: balance, approaching the whole fingerboard, staying clear of the body of the bass, playing by sound and feel rather than visual cues; energy vectors in the hand. Be sure to check out Jon’s book, The Untold Secret to Melodic Bass, available...