Weekly Top 10: Rush Returns, Joe Lally Talks New Music, and Sadowsky Goes Six-String
At long last, Rush is back. Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee surprised fans with the first performance of the band’s new lineup (including drummer Anika Nilles) at the Juno Awards. Together, they threw it back all the way to the first song from their first album, “Finding My Way.”
“Geddy Lee holds it down with his Fender Jazz and his voice sounds as good as ever,” Jody shared in our post. “Nilles has the difficult task of honoring Neil’s parts while still finding space to bring her own voice into the groove. She meets that challenge head on, keeping things grounded while adding her own sense of flow.”
The Messthetics have returned with a new album, Deface the Currency, marking their second with saxophonist James Brandon Lewis. We got the chance to chat with bassist Joe Lally to talk about the new record, his musical roots, and the recently released Fugazi sessions recorded with Steve Albini. We also got the inside scoop on his gear, including a custom bass loaded with a pair of guitar humbuckers.
Our most-read gear story was on Sadowsky’s new six-string basses in their MetroExpress line. The series includes a Modern version fitted with humbuckers and a Vintage version with a traditional J-style pickup layout. Both models have an okoume body, roasted maple neck, and the option of a roasted maple or morado fingerboard.
Other highlights this week include our Bass of the Week, a lesson on playing faster octaves, and grooves by Donny Benét, Joe Dart, and Marcus Miller. Scroll on to get caught up on the best in bass.
1. A New Chapter for Rush Begins With a Old Song: “Finding My Way” Live
2. Joe Lally on “Deface the Currency”, Fugazi, and His Philosophy on Bass
3. Sadowsky Debuts MetroExpress 6-String Bass Line with Modern and Vintage J/J Models
4. Genzler’s New Magellan 800+ Bass Head Packs Major Upgrades Into 6.25 Pounds
5. Bass of the Week: Devon Bass J6 Modern Stuns with Dye-Stabilized Boxwood Burl
6. Donny Benét Channels Pure Groove on “Horses” with a Vintage Fretless Music Man
7. Watch: Joe Dart Keeps It Tight and Funky with the Fearless Flyers
8. Marcus Miller Delivers a Masterclass at DC JazzFest 2025 — Full Set Streaming Now
9. At Red Rocks Vulfpeck Brings the Party While Joe Dart Brings the Pocket
10. A Faster Way to Play Octaves: The Thumb and Index String Crossing Technique
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
