Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 443

Chowny Bass has expanded their offering of effects with the Bass-Mosphere, a pedal that combines chorus and reverb into a bass-centric unit. Its controls include chorus rate and depth knobs, a knob for setting the reverb volume, and a level control for blending in your wet signal. The pedal also features true bypass and comes in a small form factor....

The late, great Cliff Burton is the subject of a new documentary called The Salvation Kingdom. The 93-minute video is an intimate look at Burton as a person largely based on interviews with his sister, Connie. It covers the bassist’s childhood, his hobbies, his practicing, his beliefs, and more. “He would go into a state of mind and of spirit...

The Gorillaz are back on the road in preparation for their new album, The Now Now, which drops later this month. The animated band will have a new bassist, the band revealed, as Murdoc Niccals is in jail. In his place will be Ace from the cartoon The Powerpuff Girls. Providing the real bass on tour will, of course, be...

For some of us bassists, adding a fifth string is a stumbling block. That’s why it’s jaw-dropping to see and hear someone like Linus Klausenitzer, who tackles the insane music in Obscura with a six-string fretless. The German technical death metal band is not the kind of group that rests on their musical laurels, and the bassist wouldn’t have it...

Judith Owen has released RedisCOVERed, and album of reimagined pop and rock songs. While the singer-songwriter has included cover songs in her work before, this is the first time she has dedicated an entire album to it. Songs on RedisCOVERed run the gamut of musical styles with versions of Drake’s “Hotline Bling”, Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water”, Soundgarden’s “Black...

Breaking Benjamin has returned with their sixth studio album, Ember, and it’s their heaviest yet. The effort is the band’s second since being completely reformed by frontman Benjamin Burnley in 2014 and as such the second to feature Aaron Bruch holding down the low end. The bassist’s thick tone fills the album out, especially on the choruses. Check out his...

Japan’s Pudding Broadcast is working to release a new live Michael Manring video on Blu-ray, and they need our help. Manring toured Japan back in 2016 when Pudding, a film, and audio production company, recorded his performances. “In October 2016, we invited Michael Manring for his first solo live tour in Japan,” they write. “Thanks to many individuals and companies,...

Five Finger Death Punch has returned with their seventh studio album, entitled And Justice For None, after two years of struggles. The record was completed in 2016, but troubles with their label delayed its release. Individual members had their share of personal problems, including vocalist Ivan Moody and bassist Chris Kael, who said the hard times come through in the...

This week we’re checking out the Pocket Baby Bass from Mexico City-based Tamariz Basses. The company specializes in the electric-upright “baby bass” style, and this model is a great example why. Built for bassist Jesus Sanchez Puebla, this Pocket Baby Bass is crafted with a claro walnut body matched to a walnut and Caribbean rosewood neck. Tamariz keeps it simple...

Before Lamb of God, there was Burn the Priest. Lamb of God has gone back to their roots with a new album of covers under the band’s former name. Featuring songs written by bands like The Accused and Agnostic Front, Legion: XX has a decidedly punk slant. That’s in part because each of the members – including bassist John Campbell...

If you or someone you know is learning the bass, then you’ll want to check out the Fret Zealot for bass. The Fret Zealot is a paper-thin LED strip that installs onto a four-string bass and lights up your frets to teach you single notes all the way up to full songs. It can even listen for the correct note...

Saxophonist Ted Nash has released Live At Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, which marks his first live album in 25 years. Wielding the sax, clarinet, flute, and piccolo, the jazz composer gets to show off his improv chops in a smaller ensemble (opposed to his big band charts) with his close musical friends. Legendary bassist Rufus Reid anchors the album. “It was...