Weekly Top 10: March 4-10, 2023
This week on No Treble, we had a great look at Ray Brown’s 7/8 Size Double Bass, featured some new gear, some exciting tours in the works, and did a deep dive on Meshell Ndegeocello’s “Perfect Groove.”
Here are the top 10 reader favorites for the week.
1. Bass of the Week: Ray Brown’s 7/8 Size Double Bass
The Smithsonian is home to many priceless pieces of history. Its vast collection includes numerous musical instruments and this week, we’re featuring a bass I was lucky enough to visit recently: Ray Brown’s 7/8 Size Double Bass.
2. Fender Announces the Adam Clayton ACB 50 Bass Amplifier
Fender has unveiled their first signature all-tube bass combo for over 40 years with the Adam Clayton ACB 50 Bass Amp. The U2 bassist’s new rig is rated at 50 watts and features three 12AX7 tubes plus a 12AT7 tube in the preamp and two 6L6 tubes in the power section.
3. Tedeschi Trucks Band Announces 2023 Summer Tour
Things are looking good for a groovy summer as Tedeschi Trucks Band has announced a string of tour dates through June and July. The band, which is anchored by bassist Brandon Boone, has shifted the format of their shows from previous summer tours.
4. Fender Adds New Options to Player and Player Plus Series Basses
Fender’s Player Series and Player Plus Series have been updated for 2023 with new colors and left-handed models.
5. Stuart Clayton Publishes “The John Entwistle Bass Book”
Stuart Clayton and Bassline Publishing have expanded their transcription book offering with a new deep dive on a bass icon. “The John Entwistle Bass Book” features full transcriptions from The Ox’s career.
6. Scary Pockets: The Chain
Scary Pockets is back with another cover, and this one grooves, thanks in part to Joe Ayoub. Guest vocalist Sophia James fronts the band on this take of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.”
7. Billy Sheehan and Mr. Big Announce “The Big Finish” World Tour
Five years after the loss of drummer and co-founder Pat Torpey, Mr. Big has announced a new world tour called “The Big Finish.” Their extended goodbye run will feature the band performing the album “Lean Into It.”
8. EBG Instruments Introduces EBG-5 Jigsaw Fretless Bass
EBG Instruments has introduced a new bass called the EBG-5 Jigsaw Fretless. Following the company’s previous styles, it is built around an aluminum center block with four sculpted iroko body pieces and a flamed maple top.
9. From the Bottom: Meshell Ndegeocello’s Perfect Groove
In this episode of From the Bottom, Paul Thompson breaks down his favorite track from Meshell Ndegeocello’s 1993 debut album, “Plantation Lullabies,” and the three ways she makes a perfect groove on three different instruments in one song.
10. Gorillaz Release Star-Studded “Cracker Island”
Everyone’s favorite virtual band has returned. “Cracker Island” marks the eighth studio album from Gorillaz, and it sees character bassist Murdoc Niccals and his bandmates joined by tons of talented guests.
