Skip to main content

Archive for 2022 - Page 35

Keep It Groovy: All About That Bass
Keep It Groovy

Keep It Groovy: All About That Bass

We’re all about that bass, and Ryan Madora’s latest “Keep It Groovy” breaks down the song in this lesson. Not only is this a fun tune to play, but it outlines a classic chord progression, the “ii-V-I.”

Tim Starace: “La Villa Strangiato” Bass/Keys/Pedals Cover
Bass Videos

Tim Starace: “La Villa Strangiato” Bass/Keys/Pedals Cover

When I watched this video by Tim Starace, I thought to myself that he’s making his music room double as a home gym. Here he is playing bass, keyboards, and pedals on “La Villa Strangiato.”

Janek Gwizdala Publishes “Bass Player’s Guide to Altered Chords & Scales”
Sheet Music & Instruction

Janek Gwizdala Publishes “Bass Player’s Guide to Altered Chords & Scales”

Janek Gwizdala has released another instructional book for bassists, this time focusing on altered harmony. “Bass Player’s Guide to Altered Chords & Scales” is, in fact, more than a book. It includes 60 backing tracks and 100 videos.

Walrus Audio Introduces the Mira Optical Compressor Pedal
Pedals & Effects

Walrus Audio Introduces the Mira Optical Compressor Pedal

Walrus Audio has introduced the Mira Optical Compressor, which they say offers “plenty of sustain, attack, and release that can be blended in to taste.” On top of typical compressor controls, it has a push-button high pass filter in the side chain.

Herbie Hancock and an All-Star Band: Hang Up Your Hang Ups (Live)
Bass Videos

Herbie Hancock and an All-Star Band: Hang Up Your Hang Ups (Live)

The amount of talent on a single stage in this video is mind-blowing. This clip comes from the 2014 Global Concert in Osaka, Japan, with Herbie Hancock backed by a supergroup (including Marcus Miller) on a performance of “Hang Up Your Hang Ups.”

Jeff Beck Announces Tour with Rhonda Smith
Concerts & Tours

Jeff Beck Announces Tour with Rhonda Smith

Jeff Beck has unveiled a United States tour this fall in support of his new album, “18,” which is a collaboration with Johnny Depp. Along for the ride will be bassist Rhonda Smith, who has been in Beck’s group for over a decade.

Bass of the Week: Drake Custom Basses Battani Bass
Bass of the Week

Bass of the Week: Drake Custom Basses Battani Bass

Andrew Drake of Drake Custom Basses shared one of his latest builds, a stunning semi-hollow bass with lots of cool features.

Ellen Alaverdyan: Summer Jam
Bass Videos

Ellen Alaverdyan: Summer Jam

Ellen Alaverdyan has a new video out, and this one features an original tune by her dad, Hovak. They’re joined by Murzo on keyboards, 13-year-old Alisaxie Xiaotong on drums, and 17-year-old Noah-Benedikt Hahn on sax to perform “Summer Jam.”

Seymour Duncan Announces the Heavy Weather Pickup Set
Pickups

Seymour Duncan Announces the Heavy Weather Pickup Set

Seymour Duncan has unveiled a new set of bass pickups called the Heavy Weather set. The pair of single coils is described as a slightly brighter take on early ’60s jazz bass tone.

Nordstrand Audio Announces CatPups Pickups
Pickups

Nordstrand Audio Announces CatPups Pickups

After launching the Acinonyx (aka Cat Bass) in 2020, Nordstrand Audio is now offering the model’s pickups on their own. The CatPups are vintage-styled in their sound and style.

Paul Thompson: Climbing “Ain’t No Mountain” with James Jamerson
Bass Videos

Paul Thompson: Climbing “Ain’t No Mountain” with James Jamerson

I could watch videos by Paul Thompson (aka pdbass) all day. The way he breaks down music is remarkable. In this clip, Thompson breaks down versions of “Ain't No Mountain High Enough,” and the incredible work of James Jamerson.

Cort Unveils GB-Modern Series Basses
Basses

Cort Unveils GB-Modern Series Basses

Cort has once again expanded their bass lineup with a pair of new models called the GB-Modern 4 and GB-Modern 5. They call the four and five-string basses a blend of “timeless design and modernized features.”