In Memoriam: Remembering the Bassists We Lost in 2023
It was another great year for music but also a year of loss for the bass community. Bassists and builders from all walks of life left us, from session legends to rock legends to jazz icons. Take a moment with us as we remember the bassists we lost in 2023.
Chuck Israels Publishes “Bass Notes: Jazz In American Culture”
Chuck Israels has seen a lot during his lifetime and he’s sharing his insights in a new book called “Bass Notes: Jazz in American Culture: A Personal View.” More than a retelling of his career, the 240-page book is also described as a “meditation on the history of jazz music and its prospects for the future.”
Dirty Loops Announces First North American Tour In 10 Years
A decade after their last North American trek, Swedish pop/fusion power trio Dirty Loops has announced an extensive tour of the United States and Canada.
Jeff Babko, Tim Lefebvre & Mark Guiliana Release “Clam City”
Improv masters Jeff Babko, Tim Lefebvre, and Mark Guiliana teamed up for an album called “Clam City,” which captures the excitement and energy of their in-the-moment musicality from a live performance at the Los Angeles venue Sam First.
Allison, Cardenas, and Nash Announce New Album, “Tell The Birds I Said Hello”
With three albums under the belts already, the trio of Ben Allison, Steve Cardenas, and Ted Nash have teamed up once again. They’ve just announced their next project, “Tell The Birds I Said Hello: The Music of Herbie Nichols.”
Ben Bennett: Bass Playthrough of Xoth’s “Battlesphere”
This may be some of the most aggressive thumping and plucking you’ve ever seen. Death metal band Xoth just released this video of bassist Ben Bennett playing through their song “Battlesphere,” and he absolutely beats the music out of his bass.
Xvive Introduces the G1 Butterfly Guitar Stand
Xvive has announced the G1 Butterfly Guitar Stand, a compact stand that accommodates bass guitar, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and more. Designed in Germany, the stand cradles your instrument in an upright position.
In Memoriam: Laura Lynch
Sad news to report today as Laura Lynch, bassist and founder of The Chicks (formerly the The Dixie Chicks), died in a car crash in Texas. She was 65 years old.
Geddy Lee’s Toronto Stop on Book Tour Filmed for CBC Special
For all of us that didn’t get to attend Geddy Lee’s “My Effin’ Life” book tour, it looks like we’re in luck: Lee’s stop at Toronto’s Massey Hall was reportedly filmed for a special episode of CBC Music’s “Live at Massey Hall.”
Mark Egan Announces New Trio Album, “Cross Currents”
Bass legend Mark Egan has formed Potent Trio with drummer Shawn Pelton and guitarist Shane Theriot. Moreover, the group has announced an album for this coming spring.
Summer School Electronics Introduces the Half Day Compressor Pedal
Summer School Electronics has added a new pedal to their lineup with the Half Day Compressor, which the company describes as a Ross-style compressor with modern amenities.
The Blue Note Quintet, Featuring Matt Brewer, Announce Tour Dates
Blue Note Records will be celebrating their 85th anniversary in 2024. To do so, they’ve assembled the Blue Note Quintet, an all-star collective of Blue Note recording artists that will tour the U.S. from January through March.