Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 374

The world lost a musical icon with the passing of Dr. John. However, a new Rolling Stone article explains that the New Orleans pianist recorded one final album before his death. We also now know that Will Lee provided the low end.

The jazz trio of Paul Bley, Paul Motian, and Gary Peacock released a reunion album in 1998 called “Not Two, Not One.” They spent the next year touring together, which Peacock says was over 35 years in the making. Now part of that magical tour has become its own album.

Sandberg Guitars has announced a new limited edition model to their California Grand Dark series, which was introduced three years ago. The new bass is limited to 40 pieces and comes in a high-gloss orange finish.

A little over a year after Caleb Scofield tragically passed away, Cave In has released their sixth studio album, entitled “Final Transmission.” The album stands as the final recordings of the bassist, who died in a car accident in New Hampshire.

I love checking out all the basses people post on Instagram, but this one made me stop scrolling. This Alchemist 4/32 by Owl Bass Guitars first caught my eye with its killer claro walnut top.

This clip of Majestica’s music video for the song “Above the Sky” immediately caught my attention, and once you press play you’ll know why. Bassist Chris David kicks off the blazing power metal song with a blistering riff before twin guitars kick in. Get ready to headbang!

Bob Dylan’s 1975-76 “Rolling Thunder Revue” tour was an enormous undertaking featuring him alongside Joan Baez, Roger McGuinn, Joni Mitchell, Ronee Blakely, and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. The tour is the subject of a new documentary and a 14-disc collection.

Olivier Babaz has released a new course on jazz bowing. While there are plenty of resources on arco playing, there aren’t many that focus on its use in jazz. Olivier created 61 video lessons on play bass lines, solos, and melodies with the bow.

Guitar legend Carlos Santana pays tribute to the music of Africa on his twenty-fifth studio album, entitled “Africa Speaks.” The 11-song album is once again anchored by longtime collaborator Benny Rietveld, who has been in the band steadily since 1997.

Palmer has announced the Acoustic Pocket Amp, a compact preamp for used with acoustic instruments. It has three instrument modes – Acoustic Guitar, Acoustic Bass, and Magnetic Pickups – with three basic sound settings.

Can you ever get enough Pino Palladino? My vote is no. Case in point: check out Pino in concert with D’Angelo from the 2015 North Sea Jazz Festival.

Stanley Clarke is embarking on a worldwide summer tour with his band that will take him to the U.S., Europe, and Africa.