Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 379

The all bass ensemble known as The BassMonsters have returned with a new album called “UNIO.” Led by Claus Freudenstein, the effort includes double bass arrangements of rock and pop songs.

Prog rock fans take note: Yes has announced “The Royal Affair Tour” and it’s going to be a packed outing. Bassist Billy Sherwood will be performing double duty, as he plays in both Yes and Asia,

After releasing a signature model in 2016, Schecter and Michael Anthony teamed up again to release a new version of the bass. The 2019 USA Signature edition of the instrument features a koa top with a natural finish to show off the grain.

Devin Townsend has returned with his eighteenth studio album, entitled “Empath,” which marks his first solo album since 2014’s “Dark Matters.” The work is a snapshot of all of the multi-instrumentalist’s interests. Townsend split the bass duties with Nathan Navarro.

ZVEX Effects has unleashed a new vertical version of their Instant Lo-Fi Junky pedal. The pedal revolves around a Comp/Lo-Fi knob that gives a warbly, vibrato effect.

David Pastorius has released “Radio Gold,” an album that blends various genres all tied together by the bassist’s incredible playing. Whether it’s hip hop, rock, or jazz, it’s all just natural to him.

Positive Grid has just released BIAS FX 2, which is the evolution of their BIAS FX amp and effects software. It’s been “completely re-engineered, with a higher-resolution DSP engine and hundreds of improvements.”

Duff McKagan has announced a set of tour dates to coincide with the release of his upcoming solo album, “Tenderness,” which drops on May 31st.

Just in time for the blooming trees, Fodera has revealed the latest in their Masterbuilt series with an instrument called the Cherry Blossom. The one-of-a-kind bass is built using their Monarch design with a multi-piece fanned Flame Maple top with gorgeous inlay work.

MonoNeon has released a new single called “Can We Start Over? Unblock My Number.” It’s solidly in MonoNeon’s style, but this is the kind of track fans of Prince and Parliament Funkadelic will be able to sink their teeth into.

This week we’re taking a look at the Thirty, a short scale bass from Marceau Guitars. Sporting a 30-inch scale and flexible options, the bass offers plenty of versatility.

As I’ve mentioned several times, I’m a huge Ray Brown fan. He set the standard for jazz bass, and while he could get funky from time to time, he never strayed too far from the straight-ahead. That’s why I was blown away to find this recently unearthed video of him performing “Teen Town.”