Yellowjackets Release “Raising Our Voice”
Legendary fusion band Yellowjackets have released a new album called Raising Our Voice, which pushes into new territory by featuring vocalist Luciana Souza on seven of its thirteen tracks. The usually instrumental band used the opportunity to continue their sonic explorations. “The band keeps moving forward,” says longtime saxophonist Bob Mintzer. “It’s one of the few partnership bands in the...
KISS Announce Farewell Tour
Love them or hate them, KISS has been rocking and inspiring people for over four decades. Now it looks as though they’ll be throwing in the towel after announcing a farewell tour called “One Last Kiss: End Of The Road World Tour.” The band made the announcement on the finale of America’s Got Talent after performing their iconic hit “Detroit...
Yes Featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman Release “Live At The Apollo”
In 2016, former Yes members Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman formed their own version of the band. They’ve taken the act on the road for the past two years and have documented their live show with a new album and film called Live at the Apollo. Yes Featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman is rounded out by...
Carvin Audio Returns with New Leadership
Back in October, we shared the sad news that Carvin Audio was closing its doors after over seven decades of business. Now we’ve got good news to share: the Carvin Corporation is back with new executive leadership. The company shared the news in a statement explaining that Joel Kiesel and Kristen Kiesel Lieurance will serve as President and Vice President....
Art Hirahara Taps Linda May Han Oh for “Sunward Bound”
Pianist Art Hirahara has released his fourth solo album, called Sunward Bound. This time he called upon a killer group to fill out his quartet with saxophonist Donny McCaslin, drummer Rudy Royston, and bassist Linda May Han Oh. The lineup helped to fulfill the bandleader’s artistic vision over the 11-track collection. “I actually wrote this record with all these musicians...
Boom Bass Cabinets Introduces the BBC Matrix
Boom Bass Cabinets has expanded their lineup with the BBC Matrix, which is fitted with two 10-inch woofers, a 15-inch woofer, and a tweeter. Together the unit can handle up to 2,200 watts. “The BBC Matrix will give you all the full range sound you would expect from a large stack rig and maintain the clarity you would expect from...
Beauty and Desolation: An Interview with Steve Lawson
Steve Lawson’s new album, Beauty and Desolation, could not have a better title. The completely improvised album teeters between delicate melodies and ominous soundscapes that seem to be a perfect picture of our times. He takes us on this sonic journey with just his bass – and a boatload of gear. Improvisation and being in the moment are key to...
John Patitucci, Renaud Garcia-Fons Featured on Paul Simon’s “In The Blue Light”
Paul Simon is currently on his farewell concert tour, which may be part of the reasoning for his new semi-retrospective album, In The Blue Light. The 10-song album features fresh perspectives on some of his lesser-known songs from his catalog with tracks taken from seven records. “This album consists of songs that I thought were almost right, or were odd...
Electro-Harmonix Issues the Triangle Big Muff Pi Pedal
Electro-Harmonix’s flagship Big Muff pedal line is getting a new addition – or rather an old one. The original Version 1 Big Muff, aka the Triangle Big Muff, has been reissued in a new and more pedalboard-friendly version. The stompbox’s circuit board is faithful to the original 1969 effect. “The Big Muff Pi is the pedal we are best known...
Katie Thiroux Sets Out On Extensive Tour
Jazz bassist Katie Thiroux is taking her trio on the road for an international tour this fall. The journey kicks off with a leg on the West Coast before heading to Europe for the majority of October. Thiroux is a bassist in the stylistic vein of the great Ray Brown. Her latest album, Off Beat, featured and was produced by...
Fender Play App Adds Bass Content
After launching the platform earlier this year, the Fender Play educational app has been expanded to include bass lessons. The app is available for iOS devices, Android devices, and desktops. “Similar to other offerings on Fender Play, players progress through the learning process with simple bite-sized lessons, keeping their journey on track. With Fender Play Bass, players can learn essential...
Metal Allegiance Releases “Volume II: Power Drunk Majesty”
The all-star project Metal Allegiance has just released their second album entitled Volume II: Power Drunk Majesty. The group is comprised of guitarist Alex Skolnick, drummer Mike Portnoy, and two bassists: Mark Menghi and David Ellefson. Even though each member is busy with their own bands, they come together as a unit to write and record with tons of special...