Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 281

Spector has reintroduced its Performer Series of basses with the Performer4. The budget-minded bass features a nato body inspired by their flagship body shape.

After announcing they’d be celebrating their 40th anniversary with a tour and album, the Stray Cats have unveiled their 2019 tour itinerary. The original trio of Brian Setzer, Slim Jim Phantom, and Lee Rocker will be playing around the world this summer.

Bassist and educator Janek Gwizdala has just published the followup to his in-depth educational book, “Chordal Harmony.” Volume 2 dives even deeper with a focus on voicings, chord melody, and reharmonization.

Shortly after unveiling the Fullerton Deluxe line of basses, G&L has announced the accompanying Fullerton Standard Range, which also includes versions of their JB and LB-100 models. The new basses are also built in the company’s Fullerton, California shop but offer more standard finishes.

The Dave Matthews Band has announced a new set of tour dates for this summer that will span North America. The band is anchored by bassist Stefan Lessard, who has been laying down the low end for them for 28 years.

Pigtronix has introduced the Resotron, which is an analog filter based on 70’s keyboard synthesizers. Effective for guitar, bass, and more, the pedal is based around the SSM2040 chip found in the Prophet 5 and Octave CAT synthesizers.

Bassist Sean Hurley shared this video, saying it’s one of his favorite tunes by guitarist Andrew Synowiec. It’s easy to see why. “Already Taken” is a syrupy ballad with gorgeous melodies and solos. Hurley supports the song with a buttery tone and the perfect feel.

Weezer has released their long-awaited thirteenth studio album, simply called “The Black Album.” Three years in the making, the record is a departure from the band’s typical sound.

GR Bass has expanded their line of bass amps with the Dual800 and the Dual1400. The new lightweight amps, which are rated at 800 watts and 1,400 watts respectively, are based around a two-channel system.

Béla Fleck & The Flecktones are celebrating 30 years of music this year with an extensive summer tour. The band will be touring North America with their original lineup of Béla Fleck, Howard Levy, Roy “Future Man” Wooten, and Victor Wooten.

Hartke was at the 2019 Winter NAMM Show to unveil the XL Series V2 bass cabinets, which commemorate 35 years of the business and the original aluminum-cone cabinet that was hand-built by Larry Hartke. The new version of the XL Series will include two new models and a revamped design.

Oz Noy has a new album coming out called “Booga Looga Loo” on March 15th. Check out this clip of “Chocolate Souffle” with John Patitucci holding down a solid shuffle with drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. Patitucci also throws down on an epic solo at the 3:48 mark.