Archive for August 2017 - Page 5

Chowny Bass has expanded their lineup with the SWB Pro, an upgraded version of the bass designed with bassist Scott Whitley. While the short-scale model retains many features, there are a handful of updates. The SWB Pro comes in two finishes – Matt Ash/Walnut or Gloss Ash with Quilt Maple – with other new features including a satin five-piece maple...

We’re huge fans of Evan Marien and have been for some time. Check out his latest single, entitled “Iceland,” and you’ll see why. The band includes Julian Pollack on synths, Isamu McGregor on piano, Devin Collins on drums, and of course, Evan on bass. I really dig the use of the Hot Hand. The track is now available on Bandcamp.

Fretless bassist Joe Lester has announced he will will be holding down the low end for Secret Chiefs 3 this summer. The Intronaut bassist made the announcement on his Facebook page. “Those who know me well could easily tell you that Secret Chiefs 3 are one of my all-time favorite bands,” he wrote. “Their utterly unique marriage of disparate musical...

Luthier Jean-Luc Moscato designed his Funk Bass model with the groove in mind. Built around a pair of his single-coil pickups, the instrument is described as the best choice for slap lovers. “[The] Funk Bass is a perfect combination of [a dual] single-coil pickups configuration and high range manufacturing‘s lovers,” his website states. “Find a typical sound of Funk Music...

In the last lesson, we covered adding “burps” into walking bass lines and how to practice them systematically. This time we’re spicing up your walking with triplets. We’ll go over several variations to get these triplets under your fingers and ready to go on all beats of the bar. To keep a focused practice session, we’re going to narrow it...

I’ve watched this video more times than I can count (and I’m still watching). The Berklee Indian Ensemble, with Guy Bernfeld on bass, performed “5 Peace Band,” and they absolutely nailed it. “The Berklee Indian Ensemble is delighted to present ‘5 Peace Band’ featuring renowned Indian composer and vocalist, Shankar Mahadevan,” the video description reads. “Composed by John McLaughlin, ‘5...

The killer jazz trio of saxophonist Lance Bryant, drummer Jason Marsalis, and bassist Christian Fabian have teamed up to release Do For You? The album, which also features guest artist Gates Thomas on keys, is rooted in the jazz tradition and tinged with the blues. It includes eight original tunes with four written or co-written by Fabian. His big, warm...

Kevin and I caught the Wheels of Soul Tour stop at Wolf Trap in Virginia last month, which featured Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Wood Brothers, and Hot Tuna. Needless to say, it was a night of incredible music and bass playing, thanks to Tim Lefebvre, Chris Wood, and Jack Casady. One of the highlights of the night was when the...

Cliff Burton’s playing has inspired generations of players, and now we know that his royalty checks have been helping, too. In a new interview with the Metallica podcast Alphabetallica, the bass legend’s 92-year-old father Ray revealed that he’s been donating the fallen bassist’s royalties to fund local music scholarships. “One of the things from the royalties that I get,” he...

Willcox Guitars has expanded their lineup with a USA Custom Shop series. The full-service shop allows players to pick out their own tonewoods, tops, finishes, and hardware. The first custom shop Willcox instrument is the USA Saber Bass, which is available for order now in four, five, and six-string versions. “Just like the production model Saber Basses, Willcox offers HexFX...

Stevie Wonder’s songs have a magic that carries across the musical spectrum. Chris DeAngelis proves this once again with a killer bass and percussion version of “Living For The City.” Originally released on Wonder’s Innervisions, the song has a killer bounce that the bassist captures on his four-string before taking a nasty solo over top.

If you’re curious about playing chords on the bass or you just want to hone your skills, you’re in luck. Janek Gwizdala has released Chordal Harmony: A Comprehensive Guide to Chords on Bass. The extensive eBook includes bass and treble clef notation as well as TAB for learning the exercises. Furthermore, accompanying HD video will help demonstrate and explain the...