Fender Previews the Rarities Flame Ash Top Jazz Bass
Among the new releases Fender previewed at the 2019 Winter NAMM Show was the Rarities Series, which they called “an upscale, boutique series of 9 models crafted in Corona, California.” One of those nine instruments is the Rarities Flame Ash Top Jazz Bass.
John Entwistle with Rick Wakeman And His Band: Twist and Shout
Late last year we shared a video of John Entwistle on Rick Wakeman’s show GasTank performing the song, “Go America.” This time we’re featuring The Ox playing and singing the classic “Twist and Shout.”
Eric Gales Releases “The Bookends,” Featuring MonoNeon and Orlando Thompson
Eric Gales has proven himself to be a wizard on the guitar, but on his new album “The Bookends” he chose to push himself as a vocalist. Plus, it’s anchored with bass work by Gales himself as well as heavyweights MonoNeon and Orlando Thompson.
Hartke Announces the HD508 Bass Combo Amp
Hartke has introduced the HD508, a bass combo amp that dishes out 500 watts via four of the company’s 8-inch HyDrive speakers. The design also utilizes a Class D power section to keep the weight down to just 49 pounds.
Skjold Design Guitars Introduces the Greyling Bass
Skjold Design Guitars has introduced a new bass model called the Greyling. Shown at the Bass Bash during the 2019 Winter NAMM Show, the bass is described as an old school four-string.
In Memoriam: Peter Tork
Sad news to report: Peter Tork of the ’60s band The Monkees has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 77 years old. The news was shared by his family on his official website.
Brubaker Guitars Introduces JXB-Standard Bass with Interchangeable Preamp System
Brubaker Guitars has unveiled the JXB-Standard, which is a production model of their custom JXB. The bass comes in two combinations: ash body with a maple fingerboard or alder body with a pau ferro fingerboard.
Chaka Khan Releases “Hello Happiness” with Sam Wilkes on Bass
Twelve years after her last studio album, R&B superstar Chaka Khan has returned with “Hello Happiness,” which is described as “an empowering collection of songs with cutting-edge production.” Sam Wilkes also brings a breath of fresh air with his bass on several songs.
Fender Expands Rumble Series Bass Amps for 2019
Fender expanded their Rumble series of bass amplifiers this year with a new combo called the Rumble LT25 as well as the Rumble 800 Head. Each unit was debuted at the 2019 Winter NAMM Show and will be hitting the market in March.
The Crane & Fabian Project Returns with “Run For Cover”
Drummer Lance Crane and bassist Christian Fabian have teamed up once again to release a new album with The Crane & Fabian Project. “Run For Cover” is the third CD from the group and features a mix of covers and originals by Fabian.
Warwick Adds Sklar Signature Bass to Teambuilt, Rockbass Lines
Warwick has added the Sklar Bass I Signature to their Teambuilt Artist Series as well as their Rockbass line. Developed with session legend Leland Sklar, the semi-hollow bass is a modified version of their Star Bass.
Mats Eilertsen Trio Releases “And Then Comes The Night”
Norwegian jazz bassist and composer Mats Eilertsen has released a new trio album, entitled “And Then Comes The Night.” The record, which is titled after a novel by Icelandic writer Jón Kalman Stefánsson, has a subtle and beautiful sound. That comes in part thanks to the studio they used.