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Archive for May 2019

Bass Gear Roundup: The Top Gear Stories in May 2019
Gear Roundup

Bass Gear Roundup: The Top Gear Stories in May 2019

Time for your monthly dose of GAS, or as we like to call it, the top 10 reader favorite bass gear stories.

The Lightbulb Moment: Take It Slow
The Lightbulb Moment

The Lightbulb Moment: Take It Slow

Ryan's long-running “Lightbulb Moment” column series is back with a new entry. This time around, Ryan focuses on the art of “taking it slow,” with an emphasis on all aspects of music - and life.

Larry Grenadier: Oceanic
Bass Videos

Larry Grenadier: Oceanic

Ever since the release “The Gleaners,” I’ve seen Larry Grenadier’s playing in a new light. The jazz bassist spent a year exploring the instrument and its possibilities before recording. I keep coming back to the opening track, “Oceanic,” which creates an indescribable atmosphere.

The Claypool Lennon Delirium Adds August Tour Dates
Concerts & Tours

The Claypool Lennon Delirium Adds August Tour Dates

The Claypool Lennon Delirium have added a new set of dates to their summer tour with a string of August performances. The band, helmed by Les Claypool and Sean Lennon, will bring their live act to U.S. cities between August 9th and the 17th.

Reggie Workman Named as 2020 NEA Jazz Master
News

Reggie Workman Named as 2020 NEA Jazz Master

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has announced the 2020 class of NEA Jazz Masters, which is described as the “highest honor that our nation bestows on jazz artists.” The 2020 recipients include bassist Reggie Workman.

Tritonlab Introduces the Equinox Bass Preamp/Overdrive Pedal
Pedals & Effects

Tritonlab Introduces the Equinox Bass Preamp/Overdrive Pedal

Tritonlab has expanded their line of effects pedals with the Equinox, a bass preamp/overdrive that emulates a tube preamp with JFET technology. The circuity achieves a “warm tube sound with soft clipping and low noise level,” they write.

Larnell Lewis and Ghost-Note: Change Your Mind
Bass Videos

Larnell Lewis and Ghost-Note: Change Your Mind

MonoNeon shared this epic clip on Facebook, with a performance he did with drummer Larnell Lewis and Ghost-Note for Zildjian LIVE! “Change Your Mind” is a funky tune, and MonoNeon causes the sax player to have bass face in this one!

Mavis Staples Collaborates with Ben Harper for “We Get By”
New Albums

Mavis Staples Collaborates with Ben Harper for “We Get By”

Mavis Staples is back with a new album with a little help from a friend. “We Get By” is co-produced and written by Ben Harper, who also appears on the title track. Longtime Staples bassist Jeff Turmes delivers that old school soul groove to tie the album together.

Reader Spotlight: Brian Haringa
Reader Spotlight

Reader Spotlight: Brian Haringa

READER SPOTLIGHT: Meet Brian Haringa, a bassist from California who got his start on bass thanks to demand, and now relies on his 1969 Fender Jazz (for 20 years and counting). Here’s his story...

Should I Play Keyboard For Ear Training?
Ask Damian Erskine

Should I Play Keyboard For Ear Training?

Stéphane Tuni sent Damian a question about using a keyboard (as a bassist) for ear training. Damian offers up his take - and some tips - in this new “Ask” column.

St. Paul Peterson: Mutiny (Live)
Bass Videos

St. Paul Peterson: Mutiny (Live)

My friend Ted Gould shared this video with this comment: “I don’t give a FUNK what you say about playing with a pick. Paul Peterson is a baaaaad bad man. FEEL. POCKET. GROOVE.” Check out St. Paul Peterson’s live performance of “Mutiny”

Steven McDonald Pulls Double Duty on Upcoming Melvins/Red Kross Tour
Concerts & Tours

Steven McDonald Pulls Double Duty on Upcoming Melvins/Red Kross Tour

The Melvins have announced a massive 10-week tour across the U.S. for the fall. Joining them on the trip will be Red Kross and Sweden’s ShitKid. The Melvins and Red Kross share a bassist in Steven McDonald, who will be pulling double duty on the tour.