Archive for March 2022

The story of Muscle Shoals as a recording mecca is simply incredible. We’re thrilled to share the return of our “Stories Behind the Songs” series, with the great David Hood sharing 15 of his memorable tracks.

Karl Clews has been busy, so we haven’t heard from him for a while. Now we know why: he’s been thinking about publishing a collection of jazz and Latin-jazz standards arranged for solo bass. Here’s his version of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Desafinado”.

François Rabbath’s contributions to the bass world have helped reshape how many people approach the instrument. His unique style and technique freed up the bass’s expressiveness and melodicism. Now fellow bassist Hans Sturm has published a biography.

In this episode of “Keep It Groovy,” Ryan Madora features a funky bass line over a 12-bar blues progression. She uses the blues box pattern but adds a few grace notes for maximum funk.

It has been quite a while since we’ve seen a new video from Simon Fitzpatrick, but that changes today. Here’s Simon’s version of Albert Lee’s “Country Boy”.

Ryan Madora started contributing to No Treble with a series on Blues Bass. Now the Nashville-based session bassist has teamed up with her longtime musical partner Derrek Phillips to release the 12 Bar Blues Survival Pack (for Bass and Drums).

Ernie Ball Music Man’s seasonal Ball Family Reserve instruments have been unveiled for spring 2022 including a limited-edition bass. The BFR Short Scale StingRay 4 Bombshell is limited to 105 pieces worldwide.

Our good friend Marc Stranger-Najjar shared this video the other day, and it knocked me out. His band, Huntsmen, took Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young’s “Carry On” and made it their own. “The theme of surviving, navigating, and attempting to transmute world-destroying change has been a constant in our lyrical content. And, we’ve been transparent about our love of Crosby,...

After releasing the “Texas Moon” EP with Leon Bridges, Khruangbin has announced that they’re expanding their upcoming tour, stretching it into August and October.

This week we’re checking out a stunning build by Stankevicius Guitars out of Lithuania. The five-string “Vitoldas” was designed with bassist Lukas Damulis and features an amazing quilted AAAA maple top over a roasted alder body.

Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey are on the Bass Extremes tour, and in this video, we catch a glimpse of them in Hollywood, with Marcus Miller joining the party. Three Lords of The Low End on the same stage!

Weezer has returned by dropping the first of a four-EP cycle based on the seasons. “SZNZ: Spring” is a seven-song collection that captures the sweetness of the season with decidedly upbeat love songs.