Archive for February 2011 - Page 7

Get ready for 5-plus minutes of John Entwistle greatness.

Jazz saxophonist Donny McCaslin has released his ninth solo album, Perpetual Motion, featuring the electric bass talents of Tim LeFebvre. The 10-track album is full of odd meter grooves and rich harmonies, creating a very hip and modern vibe. LeFebvre’s bass really shines on “Firefly,” a tune that begins with an eerie bass solo that builds into the sax’s theme,...

Ibanez expanded their 9 Series effects pedals this year with the introduction of the TS9B Bass Tube Screamer. Based on Ibanez’s already popular guitar version, the company says the Bass Tube Screamer retains the former’s mid-range character while keeping the low-end intact. The pedal is also built for simplicity, with controls including Level, Drive, Bass, Treble, and Mix. The mix...

In today’s fast paced world it’s not uncommon for us to overlook the legacies of those who paved the way for so many bassists who came later. Thankfully, a new website dedicated to the life and legacy of Willie Dixon will help ensure the legendary bluesman’s landmark contributions to bass playing, the blues, and helping his fellow musicians will get...

A bassist who goes by the screen name BassGirl5809 started playing bass after hearing Tal Wilkenfeld. The 13 year old has only played for about a year, and is already tackling some tough transcriptions. For this video, BassGirl5809 shares, “I transcribed Tal Wilkenfeld’s entire bass part on Jeff Beck’s ‘Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers’, from the album Performing This Week.....

Here are the most read, most popular stories and features on No Treble for the week of January 30 – February 5, 2011. 1. Win a TC Electronic BG500 Don’t Miss Out: TC Electronic and No Treble are teaming up for an ultimate gear contest! One lucky Grand Prize winner will receive a TC Electronic BG500… 2. Marcus Miller “A...

NAMM 2011 saw the release of the newest addition to MXR’s Bass Innovations pedal line, the M87 Bass Compressor. Featuring a an 10-LED meter to indicate Gain Reduction, the stompbox has all the standard compressor controls, including Attack, Release, Ratio, Input, and Output. The new pedal also utilizes the company’s Constant Headroom Technology, which is a circuit that provides extra...

Meshell Ndegeocello lays down a nice groove in this live performance of “Satisfy” in 2000. Ndegeocello starts off with her Warwick, offering a nice tone for the tune, before switching to her Fender Jazz and really getting down. She even quotes Hendrix’s “Power of Soul” near the end.

Mike Lull introduced a new Tom Petersson signature bass, the TPT4, at NAMM this year. The TPT4 is based on Lull’s T4, with some tweaking specified by the Cheap Trick bassist. One of the key differences is the pickup placement. The pickups, made by Lull, are both pushed up closer to the neck: a position that Petersson worked meticulously at...

Here’s a great fan shot video of Tal Wilkenfeld taking a solo during a Jeff Beck concert. Eventually, Beck joins in to help out with the low end… on the same bass. Pretty cool. This leads into a performance of Beck’s “Blue Wind”, from the Wired album.

Hal Leonard has released a KISS Bass Play-Along book, featuring bass lines played by Gene Simmons written out in TAB format. The accompanying CD has tracks with and without the bass line to help you hear what it should sound like, then play it on your own. The disc plays in any CD player, but it’s also enhanced to allow...

Bassist and Grammy nominee Esperanza Spalding will be co-hosting the Grammy Pre-Telecast Ceremony, as well as performing at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards. Spalding will be sharing hosting duties with singer Bobby McFerrin on the show, which will be streamed on the Grammy website and YouTube channel starting at 1 p.m. PT on February 13. The ceremony is set to...