New Documentary Focuses on the Legends of Double Bass in Jazz
Nick Wells is following up his documentary “Beneath the Bassline” with a new film focusing on jazz. “Walking the Changes: Legends of Double Bass in Jazz” explores the evolution of the double bass in jazz including its beginnings and pivotal moments.
Ray Ross Introduces 5-String Saddle-Less Bass Bridge
AP International is now shipping a five-string version of the Ray Ross Bass Bridge. Designed by inventor and luthier Aaron Ross, the bridge utilizes a saddle-less design that instead employs a tone pin that keeps the string straight from bridge to nut.
SonoTone Introduces Vintage Series Bass Strings
SonoTone has unveiled a new line of strings called the Vintage Series. Each set is created to “replicate the strings of yesteryear.”
Tech 21 Unveils the Steve Harris SH1 Signature SansAmp
Tech 21 has added a new pedal to its signature product line with the Steve Harris SH1 Signature SansAmp. The Iron Maiden bassist worked with the company to come up with a solution for touring with his side project, British Lion.
The Darkness Returns with “Easter is Cancelled”
The Darkness has returned with “Easter Is Cancelled.” The record “examines the role of the musician in the barbarous culture of the world today...” That’s summed up in the opening track, which features Frankie Poullain riding the low notes on his Thunderbird.
Chris Lightcap Releases “SuperBigmouth”
After releasing music with his bands Bigmouth and Superette, bassist Chris Lightcap has combined the efforts into a group called SuperBigmouth. As such the group includes two tenor saxophones, keyboard, two guitars, bass, and two drumkits.
Xotic Effects Introduces New Volume Pedals
Xotic Effects has unveiled a new line of volume pedals with two options. The XVP-250K comes in gold metallic and has a 250K pot for passive instruments while the XVP-25K comes in Hammertone red and has a 25K pot for active instruments.
Chick Corea, Brian Blade, and Christian McBride Release “Trilogy 2”
The stellar trio of Chick Corea, Brian Blade, and Christian McBride have teamed up once again to release an album. “Trilogy 2” is the followup to their 2014 release and includes twelve songs ranging from Corea’s originals to jazz standards.
Red Witch Introduces the Synthotron II Synth Pedal
Red Witch Pedals has unveiled the Synthotron II, a pedal featuring dual analog synth oscillators. Each of the oscillators has independent level, decay, and octave switching.
Opeth Releases “In Cauda Venenum”
The mighty Opeth has returned with their thirteenth studio album, entitled “In Cauda Venenum.” It continues their more experimental trajectory with heavy notes of prog rock rather than their death metal origins. It is, however, still distinctly Opeth.
Hot Tuna Continues 50th Anniversary Tour Dates
The dynamic duo of Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady formed Hot Tuna in 1969 as an offshoot of Jefferson Airplane. Fifty years and fourteen albums later, they’re still going strong and have announced a new set of tour dates.
Bass of the Week: Paul Belgrado String Instruments NaNo Bass
The Guitar Summit in Mannheim took place last month and showcased loads of new instruments from luthiers around the world. Paul Belgrado was on hand with a trio of basses including his new model called the NaNo, which fuses several classic styles.