Paul McCartney, Rush, Kikuchi Guitars, and More: This Week’s Top 10

This week’s most-read stories on No Treble was topped by Paul McCartney’s appearance on the series finale of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The show took place in the Ed Sullivan Theater, where Macca made history with The Beatles back in 1964. After Colbert sang “Jump Up” with Elvis Costello, Jon Batiste, and Louis Cato, McCartney led the band in “Hello, Goodbye.”

Next up, we shared a full Rush concert from 1984. Geddy Lee handled bass, synths, and vocals while armed with his headless Steinberger. The whole show is worth watching, but if you’re in a rush, Jody says you can’t miss with “New World Man.”

Next up was a piece of gear news. The Japanese boutique bass company Kikuchi Guitars is now avaialble in Europe and the U.S. The brand, led by Yoshiyuki “Yoshi” Kikuchi, centers around the Hermes bass lineup.

Other standout bass moments include a dazzling fretless performance by Spencer Zahn with Lola Young, Hadrien Feraud’s new masterclass, isolated bass and drums from Megadeth, and more.

1. Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, and Jon Batiste Turn The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Finale Into an All-Star Jam

The final Late Show episode became an unexpected all-star jam featuring Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Jon Batiste, and Louis Cato.

2. Watch Geddy Lee Handle Bass, Synths, and Vocals in This Full 1984 Rush Concert

Rush’s full 1984 Grace Under Pressure concert captures Geddy Lee balancing bass, synths, and vocals at an astonishing level.

3. Kikuchi Guitars Brings Its Boutique Japanese Bass Craftsmanship to Europe and USA

Japanese boutique bass brand Kikuchi Guitars, led by master luthier Yoshi Kikuchi, is now available in the U.S. and Europe with its Hermes bass lineup.

4. Lola Young’s Apple Music Session Features a Fretless Bass Performance You Need to Hear

Lola Young sounds incredible here, but the fretless bass player deserves attention too. Outstanding feel, tone, and playing.

5. Hadrien Feraud’s Playing on “Demure” Is a Lesson in Fretless Control

Hadrien Feraud joins Ruslan Sirota for “Demure,” delivering stunning fretless work on his 5 string Jabba Mayones signature bass.

6. Hear Megadeth’s “Rust in Peace” Like Never Before with Isolated Bass and Drums

David Ellefson shared isolated bass and drum tracks from Megadeth’s Rust in Peace, revealing his gear setup and studio memories.

7. Hadrien Feraud Goes Beyond Technique In New Bass Masterclass

Hadrien Feraud has announced a new four-hour bass masterclass built around musical philosophy, transcription, modes, fretless bass, band playing, and more.

8. Vincen García Makes Ridiculous Bass Playing Look Easy in “Melatonina”

Vincen García brings “Melatonina” to the stage in Buenos Aires with huge tone, deep groove, and the fluid bass work that defines his sound.

9. Maghini Guitars Celebrates 25 Years With the EVO 521 Bass

Maghini Guitars has introduced the EVO 521 Standard Bass, a five-string model inspired by Jon Maghini’s earlier M Basses designs and built with Trickfish electronics.

10. Marcus Miller, Richard Bona, and Isaiah Sharkey Deliver a Killer Take on “This Masquerade”

Marcus Miller and Richard Bona lock in with Isaiah Sharkey for an unforgettable SFJAZZ performance honoring George Benson.