Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 357

Robert Randolph & the Family Band are back with a new album called “Brighter Days.” Randolph’s band is aptly named: each member is a relative of his. That includes bassist Danyel Morgan, who helps to deepen the groove with blues, gospel, and R&B lines.

The Immediate Family is a band made up of L.A.’s most sought after session players, including Leland Sklar. The band has announced they’re going into the studio for the own album, and have some tour dates set as well.

Fender has introduced two new colors to their Player Series: Silver and Capri Orange. The new hues apply to the entire mid-priced, made-in-Mexico line including the Fender Player Precision, Player Jazz Bass, and the Player Jaguar Bass.

If you hear a rumbling in the Rockies, it can mean only one thing: The Rocky Mountain Bass Slam is back for its 11th year. The event will feature Chuck Rainey, Doug Johns, and many others.

TC Electronic has expanded its line of pedals with the Hall of Fame 2×4 Reverb. The pedal builds on their existing Hall of Fame pedal with four pressure-sensitive footswitches that let you quickly change presets.

Former Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh has been forced to cancel his upcoming festival appearances due to a medical issue.

The Dead Daisies have released “Locked and Loaded,” a covers album. The band, anchored by bass great Marco Mendoza, will also be hitting the road for a U.S. tour in support of his latest solo album, “Viva La Rock.”

D’Addario has introduced a new line of strings for nearly every instrument type called the XT Series. The string design incorporates a high carbon steel core with alloy wraps and an expanded lifespan treatment coating.

This week we’re taking a look at an otherworldly bass by Germany’s Claas Guitars. This Moby Dick bass from their custom shop has a headless design with a singlecut body.

Multi-instrumentalist Raphael Saadiq has returned with his first new album in eight years. “Jimmy Lee” is a darker turn for the neo-soul star and serves partly as a reflection of his brother, who died of a heroin overdose.

Mr. Bungle is reuniting to play live shows for the first time in nearly 20 years. The tour will include the band playing their 1986 demo tape “The Raging Wrath of the Easter Bunny” in full in three cities over 7 nights.

Bassist Charlie Wooton has released a new album with his solo project called “Blue Basso.” Named after his well-worn and well-loved bass, the record also helps to pay tribute to one of his idols: Jaco Pastorius.