Archive for February 2015 - Page 3

Alessandro Corsi has taken things to a new level with his latest solo bass arrangement. The bassist covers Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” with an infectious amount of charisma.

Double bassist Ben Wolfe has worked alongside some of the jazz world’s biggest names, including Wynton Marsalis and Diana Krall. And as he’s done so, he has also forged his own impressive path as a player, composer and bandleader. His latest recorded effort sees him heading up a quartet on The Whisperer. The record features him, Orrin Evans on piano,...

Here we are, smack dab in the middle of the college admission process — the worst part about being in high school. Clearly, a full day of classes followed by extra-curricular activities and homework isn’t enough to deal with; there are standardized tests to study for, essays to write, schools to visit, interviews to prepare for, and meetings with your...

Simon Fitzpatrick is back with a new solo bass arrangement. This is Toto’s “Rosanna”, which once again showcases both his incredible musicianship and technique. I forgot how many things go on in this tune, and Simon nails them all. In case you’re wondering, Simon is playing a Sei Bass Flamboyant 6.

Foo Fighters’ bassist Nate Mendel is hitting the road alone this spring. He’s touring to promote the release of If We Kill This Thing We’re All Going to Eat for a Week by his solo side project, Lieutenant. The album comes out on March 10 and Mendel’s first Lieutenant date is March 18 at SXSW in Austin. Mendel is the...

Warwick introduced a new signature bass for Stuart Hamm during the NAMM Show this year. The new model is based on the company’s Streamer with extended contouring and a deeper cutaway for improved access to the higher register. The Stu Hamm Signature bass is built with an alder body and five-piece birdseye maple and rosewood neck. Its neck has illuminated...

A couple of weeks ago, Damian Erskine sent me an email filled with excitement. Here’s an excerpt: You know about my trip to pick up my dad’s bass in St Louis, right? Well, Jim Widner (who cared for it for the past 25 years) pointed out a name carved in the front. Faint but clear: “Shaw”. Apparently this was Arvell...

Hadrien Feraud is one of my favorite players, and it’s always fascinating to watch him play. Our friend Charles Robitaille sent in this video of Feraud playing “Paradise Variations” with drummer Virgil Donati, and my jaw hit the floor. The clip features several variations on Donati’s “Paradise Lost” from his album In This Life. Feraud’s bass playing is matched with...

Bassist Greg Christian, following his second departure from thrash metal band Testament, has formed the core of a new band. Christian, who was an original member of Testament and left the band in 1996 and returned in 2004 only to step away 10 years later, has joined forces with guitarist Artak Ozan of Kinnefret, and according to Blabbermouth, is looking...

Dunlop’s booth at this year’s NAMM Show was buzzing with the announcement Marcus Miller had joined forces with them to create a signature line of strings. “Starting with our new Super Bright formula, we worked closely with him to develop strings that perfectly complement his sound—crisp and cutting with a big fundamental and powerful low end,” the company shared. Miller...

Q: What I want to know is this: by not pursuing a higher education in music (music college), what am I missing out on and what is most important to take away from that experience? A: Professionally speaking, a degree in music won’t do anything for you unless you are are shooting for a career in education. If education is...

Stevie Wonder has had a legendary career, and for over 40 years he’s been backed by the one and only Nate Watts. Here’s a great video of two fantastic bass lines with “I Wish” and “Isn’t She Lovely.” The clip comes from a live 2009 performance in London. Even after playing these songs for four decades, you can tell Watts...