Weekly Top 10: Bass Roundup for November 12-18, 2022
This week’s top 10 reader favorites list is a special one. This week, we checked in with Brady Watt, Paul Thompson breaks down Jaco Pastorius’ “solo” on “Midwestern Nights Dream,” John Ferrara released part 2 of his “Tapping Technique and Composition” series, and Leland Sklar locked it in with Scary Pockets.
Add to it some bass gear, news, and albums, and you have your top 10 list for November 12-18, 2022.
Thanks for reading!
1. Peter Gabriel Announces New Tour with Tony Levin
Peter Gabriel has revealed he has a new album in the works, plus he announced his first set of tour dates in seven years. Gabriel will be kicking things off in Europe with his regular bandmates, including Manu Katché, David Rhodes, and Tony Levin.
2. Bass of the Week: Emiliano Bernal Fretless Seven-String Bass
This week we’re checking out an absolutely stunning fretless seven-string bass by luthier Emiliano Bernal. The elegant instrument’s body was crafted with a spruce top with Amazonian rosewood for the back and sides.
3. Scary Pockets: Attention
Scary Pockets just dropped another funky cover with their guests. Joined by vocalist Sophia James and bassist Leland Sklar, here’s their cover of Charlie Puth’s “Attention.” Lee is so locked in!
4. From the Bottom: Jaco Pastorius “Solo” on “Midwestern Nights Dream”
In this episode of “From the Bottom,” Paul Thompson digs into one of his favorite and lesser-known Jaco Pastorius solos. This one focuses on “Midwestern Nights Dream” from Pat Metheny’s 1975 album, “Bright Size Life.”
5. Tapping Technique and Composition: “Perhaps Everything, Perhaps Nothing” – Part 2
In this new “Tapping Technique and Composition” lesson, John Ferrara covers two main topics: Tapping in odd time signatures and a more in-depth explanation of extracting as much as you can out of a musical idea before moving on to something new.
6. Drybell Releases Module 4 Compressor Pedal
Drybell has added a new compressor pedal to their lineup with the Module 4. The unit is a modern take on the vintage Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer of the ’70s but also has a “full frequency” mode by pressing an orange button.
7. Bass & Bars: An Interview with Brady Watt
Brady Watt has been blowing up the hip hop world by breaking it down. His popular “Bass & Bars” series features him laying down iconic bass lines with the artists that made them popular. We caught up with him to get the scoop.
8. Form Factor Audio Unveils New Guitar Stands
Form Factor Audio is expanding its product lineup from bass amps to include instrument stands. Made in California, the stands are built for both bass and guitar use.
9. Circles Around the Sun Announce New Album, Song, and Tour
Circles Around the Sun have revealed their next studio album, “Language,” will be coming this spring. Their fourth full-length record will dive deeper into extraterrestrial dance grooves that they started exploring on their 2020 self-titled release.
10. Arild Andersen Group Improvises on “Affirmation”
Arild Andersen has documented his new quartet with a new album. “Affirmation” was recorded for ECM without Manfred Eicher due to the pandemic. Andersen planned on capturing new compositions, but the second day yielded some magical improvisations.
