Archive for January 2015 - Page 5

IK Multimedia has revamped their popular mobile instrument interface with the iRig 2. The new version adds several new features including a versatile gain control, a 1/4-inch amplifier output, and Android compatibility. The iRig 2 has a 1/4-inch input that can handle guitar, bass or other line level instruments. Its variable gain thumbwheel lets you adjust your input level to...

Electro-Harmonix has announced a bass-specific version of their Soul Food natural overdrive and clean boost pedal. The company describes the pedal as designed to enhance the original sound of your instrument while retaining its essential character. The Bass Soul Food is set apart with a gain stage, treble control and signal path optimized for bass guitar with more low-end definition....

During the 1993 MTV Music Awards in September 1993, John Paul Jones joined Lenny Kravitz on stage to perform Kravitz’s hit song, “Are You Gonna Go My Way.”

Norwegian jazz bassist Terje Gewelt has released his latest album, Steppingstone. Gewelt, who took private lessons with the late bass legend Jaco Pastorius and is known for his upright acoustic and electric playing, is the leader of a trio on Steppingstone, his eighth album as a bandleader on his own label, Resonant Music. The album, recorded in February 2013 during...

ISP Technologies will be unveiling a new pedal version of their popular bass preamp at the Winter NAMM Show this month. The Beta Bass Preamp Pedal is powered by an external 9-volt AC adaptor that is then internally multiplied to provide plus or minus 15-volt power supply for a “full 30 volt signal swing.” Its EQ section includes a bass...

Nathan Navarro has been a favorite on No Treble for several years, and it’s obvious why. His innovative videos and incredible use of effects have captured the attention of millions of viewers with popular covers and originals. The bassist’s sound has evolved over several years, and that sound can be heard on his new EP, . Born and raised in...

I don’t always listen to the heavier hitting rock genres, but when I do, I want it to be like the Damian Murdoch Trio. Damian Murdoch – the guitarist and leader of the band – sent us this video, which features some gnarly lines by bassist Harry Stöckl. The tune is from their 2013 debut album, Electric Tentacles.

Bass whiz Bobby Vega will be touring the Northeast with guitarist Steve Kimock as part of a tribute to Jerry Garcia in March. The tour kicks off on March 10th at New York City’s Highline Ballroom before heading down to Gypsy Sally’s in Washington, D.C. to snake up and down the East Coast. The trek wraps up at the Ardmore...

Another fantastic session bassist has left us. Tim Drummond, who worked with artists ranging from James Brown to Bob Dylan to Neil Young, has passed away at the age of 74. A cause of death has not been announced. Drummond was born in Canton, Illinois in 1940. He honed his craft in the clubs around Cincinnati, Ohio where he would...

Q: I was wondering if you had any new ways of practicing playing through changes? I have been working on my arpeggios and modes but feel like I’m just hitting a wall. A: I don’t know if this counts as a new way of playing through changes, but there are an endless number of options available to you. So many...

JJ Grey & Mofro’s “Your Lady, She’s Shady” – from the album This River – is one gritty, funky tune. Things get even funkier in this live version, with bassist Todd Smallie making it happen. This is from “Live at The Iridium – Front and Center” on PBS.

Toto’s first studio album in around a decade also marks the return on record of founding bassist David Hungate. Toto XIV, slated for a March 24 North American release, is band’s first record of new music since 2006’s Falling In Between. Hungate is the guy so many people have learned from and copied over the years, guitarist Steve Lukather said,...