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Archive for March 2016 - Page 4

Advanced Bass: Anatomy of a Groove
Advanced Bass

Advanced Bass: Anatomy of a Groove

What exactly is a groove? Aside from attempting to teach feel, which is predicated on stylistic interpretation and flight time on the bandstand, a groove is a repetitive idea – often organized into two, four or eight bar phrases that is based on the harmonic rhythmic and melodic content of a song. Often when coming up with an idea, bass...

Brian Wroten: David Bowie’s “Lazarus” Bass Play-Along and Transcription
Bass Videos

Brian Wroten: David Bowie’s “Lazarus” Bass Play-Along and Transcription

When I first heard David Bowie’s Blackstar, I ended up repeating the third track (“Lazarus”) more than a couple of times. I was so drawn to Tim Lefebvre’s terrific bass line on the tune. If you agree, then Brian Wroten did us all a favor by transcribing it for us. Follow along with the video below and Brian’s transcription. Brian...

Marcos Varela’s Latest Generates Praise
New Albums

Marcos Varela’s Latest Generates Praise

Bassist and composer Marcos Varela’s new album, San Ygnacio, has already garnered a four-star review from All About Jazz. Varela, who was born in Texas, but has been a New York jazz fixture for more than a decade, explores his heritage on San Ygnacio. “San Ygnacio is a rare mixed bag disc that works exceedingly well,” the All About Jazz...

Bass of the Week: Skjold Design Drakkar
Bass of the Week

Bass of the Week: Skjold Design Drakkar

Pete Skjold has been wowing bassists with his incredible instruments for nearly two decades. Last year he introduced a trio of new models based on his most popular body shapes, and this week we’re checking out the singlecut Drakkar bass. “The Drakkar is the modern version of the classic Whaleback,” Skjold explains on his website. “A focus on ergonomics took...

Learning the Double Bass Fingerboard
The Lowdown with Dr. D

Learning the Double Bass Fingerboard

I received this question recently via Facebook: “How can someone become more familiar with the fingerboard? I can find the positions on my bass pretty easily, but sometimes I have trouble knowing exactly what notes are in that position across the strings. Thank you!” I’m so glad you are looking to solidify your knowledge of the fingerboard! There is certainly...

YYNOT: Red Barchetta Virtual Cover
Bass Videos

YYNOT: Red Barchetta Virtual Cover

The virtual trio of bassist Tim Starace, guitarist/vocalist Billy Alexander and drummer Rod Concha Tm knocked us out a while back when they shared their Rush-inspired tune “YYNOT“. They shared another on our forum, this time doing a virtual cover of “Red Barchetta”. Dig that Ric tone!

Circus Maximus Releases “Havoc”
New Albums

Circus Maximus Releases “Havoc”

Norwegian progressive metal outfit Circus Maximus has released its fourth studio effort, Havoc. “Metaphorically, it’s about succumbing to fire and striving to cope with the aftermath of decisions when overshadowed by the love we have for others and ourselves,” according to guitarist and producer Mats Haugen. Havoc is the first release since 2012’s Nine for the band, which features founding...

Weekly Top 10: Talking Technique, Approaching Composing, New Bass Gear, Top Videos, Bowie for Solo Bass Transcription and More
Weekly Top 10

Weekly Top 10: Talking Technique, Approaching Composing, New Bass Gear, Top Videos, Bowie for Solo Bass Transcription and More

Happy Sunday! Here’s the latest and greatest from the world of bass – aka the top 10 reader favorites for the week. Thanks for reading, watching, commenting and sharing. 1. Talking Technique: Pedalling There are only so many hours in the day, so it’s always great to figure out ways to make the best use of your practice time. One...

Larry Kimpel Teams with Combe-Luthier for Signature Bass
Basses

Larry Kimpel Teams with Combe-Luthier for Signature Bass

Bassist Larry Kimpel has teamed up with French luthier Mathieu Combe to create LK5 Signature Bass. Kimpel, a seasoned session and touring bassist, worked closely on the bass’s design. The LK5 is built with a French ash body, three-piece hard maple neck, and compound-radius maple fingerboard. The light maple and ash motif is accented by a walnut pickguard as well...

Brad Russell and Aquiles Priester: Metal Improved
Bass Videos

Brad Russell and Aquiles Priester: Metal Improved

Brad Russell sent in this killer duo with Brazilian drummer Aquiles Priester for the bassist’s song “Metal Improved,” and it’s a bombshell. Russell has an absolutely gnarly tone to complement his face-melting licks, while Priester adds his own flair to the metal groove. If you’re a fan of heavy grooves and bass fireworks, you’re sure to dig this one.

Omer Avital Releases “Abutbul Music”
New Albums

Omer Avital Releases “Abutbul Music”

Virtuoso jazz bassist Omer Avital has released his 10th solo album, Abutbul Music. The Israel-born bassist, who has called New York home since 1992, is known for combining Middle Eastern sounds with western jazz. The Paris-recorded Abutbul Music continues in this vein with the musician — often acknowledged as one of the most unique of his generation — pairing joyful...

Rock N’ Roll Relics Announces Thunders Bass
Basses

Rock N’ Roll Relics Announces Thunders Bass

Rock N’ Roll Relics has unveiled the Thunders Bass, a short-scale bass oozing with old school flavor. The instrument is their first set-neck bass model and comes in a variety of colors and aging. Made in the USA, the Thunders is created with a two-piece, lightweight African mahogany body, an African mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard fitted with Jescar...