Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 215

Boris Kozlov has released a new solo album that is his first for the Posi-Tone label. “First Things First” features an incredible cast of musicians including Art Hirahara, Donny McCaslin, Behn Gillece, and Rudy Royston.

Although they’ve been musical compatriots since the late ’70s, John Zorn and Bill Laswell have teamed up for their first recorded duo project. The Cleansing features the artists on just also saxophone and bass.

Fodera is kicking off 2022 with the mantra “new year, new model.” They’ve just unveiled a new edition of the Emperor 4 Standard that features a 34-inch scale and 24 frets.

Former Sonic Youth bassist Kim Gordon has unveiled an international solo tour in support of her 2020 album, “No Home Record”. She initially announced a tour for the record in March of that year, which was canceled due to the pandemic.

I love seeing collaboration between bassists, especially with players of this caliber. Manou Gallo, aka the Queen of Afro Groove, recruited jazz icon Christian McBride to lay some foundation for her latest song, “Emotion.”

Drummer Jimmy Branly has returned with a new album called “The Meeting”, which features his trio with guitarist Will Brahm and bassist Sezin Ahmet Türkmenoglu.

Death By Audio has announced a new pedal to their lineup called the Germanium Filter. The stompbox is inspired by old school sounds of a console-style boost, fuzz, distortion, and overdrive pedal.

Sandberg Guitars has announced the Greenline Series, an eco-conscious initiative that utilizes “woods of character.” They’re also collaborating with United Kids Foundations Forest to plant a tree for every Greenline bass built.

Positive Grid has introduced the RIFF, a portable audio interface designed for electric, acoustic, and bass guitars. The USB device plugs into your computer or mobile device to turn them into a complete recording rig.

Most music trade shows got canceled in 2020, but that didn’t stop the flow of great ideas and instruments. It was that year at the virtual Holy Grail Guitar Show that Manne Guitars unveiled their new Multi Bass, which was created with the ideas and input of Daniele Camarda.

After releasing their new album “Hybrid Vol. 1: Such As A Mule” last month, Consider the Source has unveiled a new 10-date tour of seated, intimate shows to showcase the music.

Le Coq Records launched last January with “The Jazz All Stars, Vol. 1”. Now the fresh jazz label is showing off its impressive roster again with Volume 2 with John Patitucci, Chris Colangelo, and Ben Williams on bass.