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Archive for January 2012 - Page 2

The Aristocrats: Erotic Cakes (Plus Smartphone Jam) – Live
Bass Videos

The Aristocrats: Erotic Cakes (Plus Smartphone Jam) – Live

Recorded live at Musicians Institute just five days ago, here’s The Aristocrats tearing it up during a private concert for students. Bryan Beller lays down the low end for the group, with Guthrie Govan on guitar and Marco Minnemann on drums. Now that’s a power trio! Be sure to stick around for the 2:13 mark, where the band incorporates smart...

New Jeff Berlin Album Coming In February
Player News

New Jeff Berlin Album Coming In February

Jeff Berlin will be following up his 2010 release, High Standards with the ironically titled album, Low Standards. Besides the pun, the moniker comes as the group will feature Richard Drexler on upright bass as well as piano. Rounding out the trio is drummer Mike Clark, who spent time playing for Herbie Hancock in the Headhunters. “I prepared for it...

Ampeg Announces 2012 Run of Limited Edition Heritage B-15 Amps
Amps

Ampeg Announces 2012 Run of Limited Edition Heritage B-15 Amps

Last year, Ampeg paid their respects to their legendary B-15 flip-top combo with a special run of 50 hand-built and hand-wired units. This year, they’ve announced a second run of 100 units. The new Heritage B-15 features the circuit paths of both the 1964 and 1966 models, including the classic Baxandall EQ controls. That, matched with premium 6SL7 octal preamp...

Source Audio Unveils Soundblox 2 Series at NAMM
Pedals & Effects

Source Audio Unveils Soundblox 2 Series at NAMM

Source Audio debuted their new Soundblox 2 line of pedals at NAMM last week, including the Multiwave Bass Distortion and the brand new Dimension Reverb, designed by Bob “The Chid” Chidlaw. Described as “boldly anti-retro,” the new pedals are housed in compact cast-aluminum housings and have multi-function inputs to support MIDI, an expression pedal, or the company’s Hot Hand control....

Anthony Crawford: Solo from Bass Bash 2012
Bass Videos

Anthony Crawford: Solo from Bass Bash 2012

The Bass Bash is an annual concert coinciding with NAMM, and it’s a great hang to meet bassists and listen to some killing music. Here’s a great clip from the first night of the event of Anthony Crawford’s solo while his band played “Whatever It Is” by Soulive. His band is rounded out by Ron Allen on drums, Kamasi Washington...

In Memoriam: Dick Kniss
In Memoriam

In Memoriam: Dick Kniss

Longtime Peter, Paul and Mary bassist Richard “Dick” Kniss has passed away from pulmonary disease at the age of 74. The bassist was referred to as the fourth member of the trio and performed with the folk outfit for nearly 50 years. He also made waves as John Denver’s bassist and co-writer of the hit “Sunshine on My Shoulders.” Born...

Tech 21 Unveils Bass Boost Fuzz Pedal
Pedals & Effects

Tech 21 Unveils Bass Boost Fuzz Pedal

Tech 21 has expanded their Boost Series effects pedals with the Bass Boost Fuzz. The stompbox features a boost section, offering up to 21dB of clean boost, and a fuzz section with Level, Tone, and Drive controls to dial in the amount of grit you want. Each effect has a dedicated footswitch and can be used simultaneously or independently. A...

New School: Nathan Navarro
New School

New School: Nathan Navarro

Nathan Navarro has been experimenting with the bass’s role in different genres for some time now, but his recent exploration into electronica and dubstep bass have captured the attention of the bass community. His band’s live cover of Skrillex’s “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” has reached over 2.5 million hits on YouTube. We caught up with Nathan to find out...

Donation Fund Set Up for Chuck Rainey’s Recovery
Player News

Donation Fund Set Up for Chuck Rainey’s Recovery

A Medical and Well Health Fund has been set up for bass legend Chuck Rainey, who suffered a major stroke last year. Though his family is hopeful for a full recovery, Rainey has not been able to work during his treatment. As his medical bills increase, his income has decreased, according to the message on the donation site. Rainey’s impressive...

Armin Metz: “Sanskar Valley” Solo Bass Performance
Bass Videos

Armin Metz: “Sanskar Valley” Solo Bass Performance

Facebook friend Luke Morris shared this video of bassist Armin Metz performing the tune “Sanskar Valley” on his Neuser bass. Armin is the bassist for Imogen Heap. Armin said “There is rarely footage with Imogen where?you see me playing, but you can hear me in most of the ones [from] 2010.” Have a video you’d like to share? Send it...

In Memoriam: John Levy
In Memoriam

In Memoriam: John Levy

Bassist and talent manager John Levy has passed away at the age of 99. In addition to Levy’s own career of playing with artists like Stuff Smith, Billie Holiday, Don Byas, Lennie Tristano and George Shearing, Levy managed a host of jazz legends including Nancy Wilson, Cannonball Adderley, and Wes Montgomery. He’s often credited as the first African-American personal manager...

Bass of the Week: CB Basses D-Bass 4-String
Bass of the Week

Bass of the Week: CB Basses D-Bass 4-String

This week we take a look at the D-bass by CB Basses, a custom shop run by luthier Cliff Bordwell. Featuring a Jazz style neck and pickups, the bass is an exquisite example of craftsmanship with its diverse mix of exotic woods. The body is built around a Spanish Cedar core with an Amboyna burl top and Birdseye maple back,...