Weekly Top 10: Beautiful Practice, Solving Finger Pain, Rhonda Smith Podcast, New Bass Gear, Videos and More
Time for another round of the weekly top 10, where we celebrate the most reader favorite stories, how-to’s, videos and more.
Thanks as always for reading, watching, commenting and sharing.
1. Talking Technique: Beautiful Practice
This lesson is called “Beautiful Practice” for a reason. Our exercise this week creates a lush harmony and texture all while working out our theory and technique at the same time…
2. Jeff Beck with Tal Wilkenfeld: Women of Ireland
Here’s a great clip of a Jeff Beck Band performance at Madison Square Garden in 2013. The tune, “Women of Ireland”, is a subdued one, featuring some sweet lines by bassist Tal Wilkenfeld…
3. Solving Finger Pain To Continue Practicing
This week, a reader asks Damian Erskine for advice on solving finger pain so he can continue practicing. Check out what Damian has to say…
4. Reader Spotlight: Beth McPherson
Meet Beth McPherson, a bassist from Dallas who impressed us with her drive in pursuing music – both as a craft and as an eventual career. We’re betting she’s going to succeed in both. Beth is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight. Here’s her story…
5. Elrick Introduces Satin Matte Black for Expat e-volution Basses
Elrick Bass Guitars has expanded their Expat Series with satin black matte finishes. The sleek, blacked-out aesthetic will be available on their e-volution four and five-string basses. Made in the Czech Republic, the handmade basses are inspected and setup by Elrick…
6. Jesús Rico Pérez: Looking Back
It’s always exciting to see a new Jesús Rico Pérez video hit the feed. Here’s Jesús’ latest – a tune he calls “Looking Back”, which showcases his great composition skills and remarkable tone once again…
7. Up&Down: Twisted / The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines
No Treble reader Michelangelo Brandimarte shared this video with us of his bass and vocals duo, Up&Down. Joined by vocalist Claudia Pantalone, they cover “Twisted” and “The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines”. This one swings!
8. Groove – Episode #19: Rhonda Smith
In this episode of Groove, we talk with Rhonda Smith, who is currently working with Jeff Beck (and her own solo music), and who has worked with Prince, Beyonce, Chaka Khan, Lee Ritenour, Little Richard, George Clinton and many more. Enjoy the conversation…
9. Charles Berthoud: Reflections
Charles Berthoud is getting a lot of attention on his new video. After watching it, we can see why. Here’s “Reflections” – a composition Charles wrote for solo piccolo bass…
10. Bass of the Week: Warwick Custom Shop Streamer Stage II
Warwick’s Custom Shop has been putting out some beautiful instruments. Our bass of the week is one of their latest creations: a Streamer Stage II sporting a 1-inch Macassar Ebony top. The masterbuilt bass features neck-through construction centered around a 7-piece wenge and purpleheart neck…