Archive for September 2015
David Hungate Leaves Toto, Leland Sklar Steps In
David Hungate’s time in Toto has once again come to an end. The co-founding bassist returned to the fold in 2014 to help record and tour behind Toto XIV after 30 years away from the band, but a new statement explains road life took its toll. “There’s no place like home, particularly after four months on the road,” Hungate wrote....
Finding Your Voice vs. Conventional Bass Playing
Q: I have really been obsessed with wanting my own unique voice and approach on the bass. Do you think that I’d be doing myself any harm in the long run if I avoid conventional approaches to learning (like scales, changes, learning blues lines, etc…) in an attempt to develop something new? A: That’s an interesting question, (and one that...
Black Dub: Nomad
Some time after Black Dub released their self titled album, we featured their video for the tune, “I Believe In You”. I just scored this record on vinyl, prompting me to revisit some of their other videos, with all the bass goodness from Daryl Johnson. Here they are performing “Nomad,” which also appears on the record.
Jimmy Haslip and Jeff Lorber Reveal Great Musical Fusion on “Step It Up”
Former Yellowjackets bassist Jimmy Haslip holds down the low end on Jeff Lorber Fusion’s latest album, Step It Up. It’s the fourth Jeff Lorber Fusion album since the group’s 2010 reboot to feature Haslip. Haslip co-produced the album with keyboardist Lorber, a longtime collaborator, and co-wrote some songs on the album as well. “We were motivated to find a new...
Reader Spotlight: Erik Davenport
Meet Erik Davenport, a bassist who started on guitar at first, but says bass is his “voice”. He recalls the very moment that happened, as you’ll see in his story below. Erik is No Treble’s reader in the spotlight for the week of September 28, 2015. Bio: I was born and raised in L.A. (strange, I know), and I grew...
Jaco Documentary and Soundtrack Get November Release Date
Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo’s documentary about legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius, “JACO,” has a release date — Nov. 27. The film will be available as video on demand, streaming, as a digital download, and on DVD/Blu-ray. The film’s soundtrack, Jaco: Original Soundtrack will be released on the same day, which is Record Store Day and Black Friday. Trujillo, a longtime Pastorius...
Project RnL: All Stuck-Ups
I woke up this morning and discovered a Facebook message from Or Lubianiker about Project RnL’s newest video. “Fresh off the RnL oven! And with 2 bass solo’s to boot,” he said. So you can probably guess what I listened to first today. Something else about this video worth noting – it was shot by fans at the band’s recent...
Nathan East Helps Define “The New Cool”
Fourplay bandmates, keyboardist Bob James and bassist Nathan East, have released an album as a duo: The New Cool. The Nashville-recorded album featuring original tunes and some standards (even a take on “Crazy” featuring Vince Gill) is a whirlwind of delights from the bandmates of more than 20 years. East and James are particularly fond of the album closer, “Turbulence,”...
Bass of the Week: Godin A4
This week we’re checking out the Godin A4. Available in fretted and fretless versions, the semi-acoustic bass is fitted with a low profile Lace Sensor with side-mounted controls as well as custom Godin Saddle transducers with their own custom preamp. The extensive tonal options can be output via 1/4″ and 13-pin connectors, allowing for computer and synth access. The A4...
In Memoriam: Wilton Felder
His main instrument may have been saxophone, but Wilton Felder’s early work as a bass guitarist launched him into the history books of the low end. The musician, who played the bass line for the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back”, passed away on September 27th at the age of 75. Longtime collaborator Ray Parker, Jr. broke the news on...
Christine Smit and Eli Mboho: Down
Vocalist Christine Smit and bassist Eli Mboho got together at Berklee’s Red Room @ Cafe 939 and performed this live cover of Emily King’s “Down”. We’ve not seen Eli before, but we’re going to keep our eye out for more from him now.
New Set Compiles Yearly Grateful Dead Live Performances
Even though bandleader Jerry Garcia passed away 20 years ago, The Grateful Dead, in the midst of celebrating its 50th anniversary, still has something special to give — part of its past. The four CD set, 30 Trips Around the Sun: The Definitive Live Story, serves as an introduction to the legendary live performances from the band, featuring stalwart founding...