Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 185

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have landed their second album for 2022 with “Return of the Dream Canteen,” making a one-two punch from April’s release of “Unlimited Love.” Flea cited his favorite new tracks too.

Fender has once again revived more of its original designs with the new American Vintage II series. The lineup recreates models from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s by building them to their original specs.

Steve Lawson’s music has always carried a certain amount of emotional weight, but his latest release may be the deepest. The solo bass master was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, and “TLC” was recorded amidst his chemotherapy treatments.

More bass history is up for grabs as part of a new sale via Julien’s Auctions. While a full list of the items has not been released, the highlights from John McVie’s collection are eyebrow-raising, to say the least.

Dead & Company have just announced their final tour, but Bob Weir is still going strong with Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros. The band, anchored by Don Was on bass, has just released the second half of their “Live in Colorado” albums.

Bassist Audun Ramo and his band An.Kara are gearing up to release a new album on November 26th, and they’ve dropped a few performance videos to prep fans. Ramo’s slap technique and melodic sensibilities help drive the music.

Today, we’re launching a new series. “Five Bass Lines You Should Know” will feature bassists from all genres giving their opinion on the most essential tracks, plus one of their own. We’re kicking this off with Erick "Jesus" Coomes.

For the first time in nearly a decade, the original lineup of Blink-182 is back together. Bassist Mark Hoppus, drummer Travis Barker, and guitarist Tom DeLonge will be embarking on a massive world tour. They’ll also be releasing a new album next year.

Stuart Clayton of Bassline Publishing has just released a new transcription book featuring 14 lines from the Brothers Johnson. The track list includes the band’s biggest hits like “Stomp,” “Strawberry Letter 23,” “Ain’t We Funkin’ Now,” and more.

Solar Guitars has added to its artist line by announcing the Johan Niemann signature bass. The Evergrey bassist’s new axe is a take on their Type AB model and is called the AB1.4JN.

I recently had a gig in Pennsylvania at the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival. Between sets, I was pleasantly surprised to find Shaffer Guitars displaying an acoustic/electric bass guitar among the vendors.

After The Grateful Dead’s 50th anniversary “Fare Thee Well” concerts, most of the alumni (minus Phil Lesh) decided to continue on as Dead & Company. It’s been seven years since the offshoot group’s inception. Now they’ve announced their final tour.