Archive for 2018 - Page 81
Evan Marien: Havona (2018)
Back in 2012, we featured what went on to be a very popular video by Evan Marien covering the Jaco Pastorius tune, “Havona.” (We later published the transcription for Evan’s arrangement.) Now Evan is back with a new version for 2018. This time around, he’s playing a Supro Huntington short scale bass.
Casey Abrams Releases “Put A Spell On You”
Casey Abrams has returned with Put A Spell On You, a 13-song album that ranges from originals to covers and jazz standards. The singer/bassist, who famously competed on American Idol, lays it down on the double bass while belting out lyrics. The album was recorded as part of Chesky Records’ Binaural+ series and as such was recorded with a Theoretica...
BackBeat Wearable Subwoofer Available for Preorder
Bassist Yerko Sepulveda has introduced a new device for bassists called the BackBeat. The wearable, portable unit straps to the back of your strap and acts as rumble pack to let you feel the your notes as vibrations. This is especially helpful for modern bassists who use in-ear monitors and players who have to keep a low stage volume. “Designed...
Bass Players To Know: Jim Hughart
A seasoned sideman with a soulful and sophisticated approach, Jim Hughart has not only backed up some of the greatest jazz artists, but has stood out as a first call session musician on the Los Angeles recording scene. Frequently accompanying Joe Pass and Tom Waits, his premier upright playing can be heard on records of all genres. With a career...
The Melvins: The Bit
If you love huge, nasty bass sounds then you’re going to like this. The Melvins stopped by Australian radio station 3RRR for a live-to-air set including this performance of “The Bit.” Steven Shane McDonald conjures up a bass tone that sounds like it could be used to smash boulders. He anchors the song with sludgy riffs punctuated with gnarly fills,...
Thundercat’s “Drunk” Remixed to Create “Drank”
Thundercat’s 2017 release, Drunk, was a groundbreaking, genre-bending album that featured tons of guest artists from Kendrick Lamar to Michael McDonald. Now the bassist has released Drank, a “chopped ‘n’ screwed” remix by DJ Candlestick and OG Ron C. The remix style, which originates from Houston, slows the tempo and skips beats for a syrupy, dreamlike atmosphere. “It messes with...
Songbird FX Releases USB to 9V Pedal Power Cable
Songbird FX has released the Birdcord, a USB to 9-volt adapter cable that allows you to power your pedals with a USB socket. Simply plug the USB end into your computer or a USB power bank and the 2.1mm DC plug into your effect. The cord can also be used to power mini amps. The company writes that it converts...
Ortus: An Interview with Jon von Boehm
Bassist Jon von Boehm has returned with his sophomore solo album, entitled . As opposed to his self-titled debut that featured a large cast of musicians, the new release focuses on the bassist’s unique compositions in a trio format with Michael Green on drums and John Gallo on guitar with guest spots by vocalist Jesse Rose Brassfield and bass guru...
Pat Torpey and Billy Sheehan: Big Drums Jam
Last month we lost the great Mr. Big drummer, Pat Torpey, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. His music, of course, will live on forever. Here’s an incredible jam taken from the drummer’s instructional video, Big Drums, featuring bandmate Billy Sheehan tearing it up. It’s no wonder the duo’s musical connection helped propel Mr. Big into stardom. Their groove locks...
In Memoriam: Peter “Mars” Cowling
More sad news to report today: Peter “Mars” Cowling has passed away. He was 72 years old. Fellow bassist Rodney O’Quinn helped break the news on his Facebook page. “On behalf of The Cowling/Clark Family, with a heavy heart, the music world, and especially the bass community has lost another great one,” he wrote. “Peter “Mars” Cowling, best known as...
MOD Kits DIY Unveils the Rock Bottom Bass Fuzz Pedal Kit
Bassists interested in building their own effects have a new option with the MOD Kits DIY Rock Bottom Bass Fuzz pedal kit. Designed for novice and experienced musicians, the kit comes with easy-to-follow instructions as well as all the necessary parts. “The Rock Bottom is a bass fuzz kit that delivers all the sizzle you’d expect from a vintage fuzz...
Incorporating What We Practice
Q: In your opinion, how does what we work on when practicing make it’s way into our playing? I’ve been thinking about the best ways to incorporate what I shed into my “vocabulary.” A: There are as many ways to incorporate what we practice into our actual musical vocabulary as there are ways to absorb abstract life concepts into our...