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Archive for April 2018

Deep Space Devices Introduces The Red Ghost Distortion
Pedals & Effects

Deep Space Devices Introduces The Red Ghost Distortion

Deep Space Devices has launched their first product with the Red Ghost Distortion, a pedal aimed at heavier types of music. The unit offers simple controls with a single knob and two switches. “Designed to appeal to stoner rock and shoegaze enthusiasts, the Red Ghost offers menacing options to your tone,” Deep Space Devices writes. “With the single knob, “Horde”,...

Bass of the Week: Marleaux Bass Guitars Contra
Bass of the Week

Bass of the Week: Marleaux Bass Guitars Contra

Gerald Marleaux is hands down one of my favorite bass builders. His artistic touch and attention to detail make all of his instruments play and sound just as good as they look. This week we’re checking out his Contra model, which takes its semi-acoustic design in part from the violin family. “The Contra is made with the same materials as...

Alex Bershadsky: Donna Lee
Bass Videos

Alex Bershadsky: Donna Lee

Plenty of bassists have taken on “Donna Lee,” but Alex Bershadsky did it in his own way. Joined by drummer Sharon Petrover, here’s Alex’s unique take on the bebop jazz standard.

Stryper Releases “God Damn Evil”
New Albums

Stryper Releases “God Damn Evil”

Christian Metal band Stryper has returned with their 12th studio album, God Damn Evil. The follow-up to 2015’s Fallen, the album is the first to feature new bassist Perry Richardson, who came into the fold after longtime member Timothy Gaines left last year. “We jammed and heard him play, and he’s a really killer player,” Sweet said of Richardson. “He...

MC5’s Michael Davis Memoir Published
News

MC5’s Michael Davis Memoir Published

Legendary rock band MC5 is celebrating 50 years since the release of the seminal album, Kick Out The Jams. (Check out the upcoming tour with Dug Pinnick on bass.) Part of the year’s festivities include the release of a new memoir by the late Michael Davis. is a 350-page book that details the bassist’s time in the band with tales...

Höfner Unveils the H500/5 “Reeperbahn” Bass
Basses

Höfner Unveils the H500/5 “Reeperbahn” Bass

Höfner has reissued another part of their history with the H500/5 “Reeperbahn” bass. Based on the 500/5 that was produced between the ’50s and ’70s, the instrument features a large hollow body and short scale neck. It was famously used by a Beatle, though not the one you’re thinking of. “Although used by many players none is quite so famous...

Khruangbin: WeTransfer x Gilles Peterson Session
Bass Videos

Khruangbin: WeTransfer x Gilles Peterson Session

Khruangbin is a band I just discovered on Youtube, and I’m digging their sound. From this video’s description: “Every month Gilles Peterson introduces a band you’re gonna want to know. In this episode, he has a live basement session with Texan trio Khruangbin.” The band includes Laura Lee on bass, Mark Speer on guitar, and Donald “DJ” Johnson on drums....

The Who Release “Live at the Fillmore East 1968”
New Albums

The Who Release “Live at the Fillmore East 1968”

A unique performance from The Who is now available in a three-LP or 2-CD set. Live at the Fillmore East 1968 captures the band in New York City nearing the end of a long tour, but more importantly, the shows took place one day after the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King. “America was already a country...

Fodera Unveils the Madrone Burl Monarch 5 Standard Special Bass
Basses

Fodera Unveils the Madrone Burl Monarch 5 Standard Special Bass

Fodera has expanded their Standard Specials line of instruments with the Madrone Burl Monarch 5 Standard Special. Built around the Monarch model, the bass has a new combination of woods with a mahogany body, Madrone Burl top, a three-piece maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard. Fodera says the real difference is in the pickups as it is the first Standard...

Theo Katzman with Joe Dart: Crappy Love Song
Bass Videos

Theo Katzman with Joe Dart: Crappy Love Song

A little over a year ago, I caught Theo Katzman’s concert at Jammin Java in Vienna, VA. What I didn’t know (until the band walked on stage), was that his Vulfpeck bandmate Joe Dart was joining him on the tour. Last month, the band recorded this concert for Audiotree Live in Chicago, IL. Here’s a clip of them performing “Crappy...

Sting and Shaggy Release “44/876”
New Albums

Sting and Shaggy Release “44/876”

In a somewhat unlikely pairing, Sting and Shaggy have teamed up to release 44/876. The album’s title is taken from the area codes for the U.K. and Jamacia, respectively, to represent each musician’s background. “I think on paper it’s pretty unlikely. We have very different vocal styles,” the former Police bassist admits. “Yet when we actually do sing together, it’s...

Bass Transcription: Mikey Craig’s Bass Line on “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” by Culture Club
Transcriptions

Bass Transcription: Mikey Craig’s Bass Line on “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” by Culture Club

Culture Club is a very successful British band that had immense popularity around the world, selling over fifty million records. They were formed in 1981 and were led by vocalist Boy George (George O’Dowd) whose flamboyant androgynous style and sharp tongue attracted huge media interest. The band was considered to be part of the British “New Romantic” movement of the...