Weekly Top 10: Wonder Women Interview with Kirby Barber, New Music from Bakithi Kumalo, Remembering Bill Conklin and Tommy DeBarge, New Gear, and More
Here’s the roundup of the top 10 most-read stories on No Treble for the week of October 23-29, 2021.
1. Cory Wong: Assassin
Cory Wong has a new album coming out on October 29th. Here’s the band performing “Assassin”, from “The Paisley Park Sessions”. Sonny T is featured big on the tune, and he lays down a monster groove behind a band that is just on fire.
2. Bass of the Week: Steve McDonald Basses Reeder
This week we’re checking out an awesome bass by Steve McDonald Basses called the Reeder. Taking its cues from the classic SG shape, the body has an elongated top horn and forearm for more of an offset look.
3. The Future of No Treble
No Treble is at a crossroads. For 12+ years, we’ve been an online bass magazine focused on our readers. As we enter our 13th year, we’re setting a new goal and can use your support.
4. Leones Custom Bass and Kenney James Introduces KJ5 Signature Bass
Leones Custom Bass and bassist Kenney James have teamed up to introduce the KJ5 Signature Bass. Handmade in Indonesia, the five-string bass offers several classic sounds in one package thanks to its three-pickup configuration.
5. Wonder Women: Kirby Barber
In this month’s installment of “Wonder Women; Stories from the Women Who Play Bass”, we’re checking in with Kirby Barber. I first met Kirby at the Solo Bass Competition at NAMM, where she competed against an impressive lineup and came in second-place.
6. In Memoriam: Tommy DeBarge
Tommy DeBarge of the classic R&B band Switch has passed away after battling kidney and liver disease. He was 64 years old.
7. Keep It Groovy: How To Play Eighth Notes On The Bass: Pulse vs. Pedal Feel
In this new “Keep It Groovy” bass lesson, Ryan Madora is here to help you with varying eighth-note feels, to help you contribute to the overall feel of a song.
8. In Memoriam: Bill Conklin
It’s another sad day in the bass community as we mourn the loss of Bill Conklin of Conklin Guitars. The renowned luthier was an innovator and pioneer in the world of extended range instruments.
9. John Coltrane’s Rare “A Love Supreme” Live Performance Features Dual Bassists
John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” was a game changer. He only performed it twice in public and now one of those performances is available, with Jimmy Garrison and Donald Rafael Garrett on bass.
10. Bakithi Kumalo Releases New Solo Album, “What You Hear Is What You See”
Bass legend Bakithi Kumalo has released a new solo album called “What You Hear Is What You See”. The ten-song collection is inspired by his journey from South Africa to the U.S. some 35 years ago as well as characters he’s met during his travels.
