Smashing Pumpkins Tour to Feature Jack Bates
After announcing that D’Arcy Wretzky would not be joining the upcoming “Shiny and Oh So Bright” reunion tour, the Smashing Pumpkins have announced the bass player for the outing. Original members Billy Corgan, Jeff Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin, as well as Jeff Schroeder, will be joined by bassist Jack Bates. Fans will know Bates as the son of Joy Division/New...
Johnny Cox Releases New Instructional Book, “Improve Your Groove”
Johnny Cox has released a new instructional book called Improve Your Groove: The Essential Guide to Mastering Time and Feel on Bass Guitar. The new book focuses on playing in the pocket with topics including cracking the code of rhythm and groove, building your internal clock, Konnakol vocal counting, and more. The book has five complete songs to practice with...
Bass of the Week: Veillette Guitars Acoustic Bass Guitar
This week we’re checking out builder Joe Veillette’s Acoustic bass guitar model. Available in a variety of woods, the Acoustic was designed to bring the same depth of tone from their acoustic guitars to the bass. “With a 17″ wide and 5.5″ deep body, the Acoustic Bass has the airspace to deliver a true fundamental with depth and authority. A...
Jimmy Johnson Featured on New Steve Gadd Band Album
Drummer Steve Gadd has rounded up his band once again for a new album. The new self-titled Steve Gadd Band recording brings together a cast of killer musicians to lock in on the groove-oriented tracks. “All the guys in the band are good friends of mine, people I like being around—not just musically but in general,” he says. “It’s great...
Markbass Unveils Marcus Miller Signature Amplification
Last year, Markbass announced they would be teaming up with jazz legend Marcus Miller for a series of amps. This year they unveiled the lineup at the Winter NAMM Show, which will include four head units, three combos, and two cabinets. “Marcus has closely partnered with [Markbass founder Marco De Virgillis] to develop his amazing signature amps that not only...
The Moody Blues Release “Days Of Future Passed Live” DVD
It’s been a couple of big years for The Moody Blues. Last year, they celebrated the 50th anniversary of their groundbreaking album Days Of Future Passed with a tour. This year they’ll be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. While we have to wait a few weeks for the induction ceremony, the band has just released a...
In Memoriam: Caleb Scofield
Bassist and vocalist Caleb Scofield has passed away after a car accident in New Hampshire. He was 39 years old. Scofield played bass and sang for the metal bands Cave In, Old Man Gloom, and Zozobra. Scofield joined Cave in 20 years ago in 1998 – just three years after the band had formed – and was featured on all...
A Life In Bass: An Interview With Tony Senatore
We’ve showcased Tony Senatore’s incredible 12-string playing before, but that’s not all there is to the bassist. He’s spent the better part of 38 years working in the New York scene including sessions in the city’s top studios. Working as a session player requires a high degree of versatility, but that’s no problem considering his background. Senatore was first taught...
Sleep Adds More North American Tour Dates
After announcing a run of U.S. tour dates for the Spring, Sleep has extended their outing to include 13 more North American shows to take place after a European jaunt. Anchored by bass heavyweight Al Cisneros, the stoner rock legends will spend the summer on the West and East coasts with a few shows between. The latest leg is scheduled...
Roks Instruments Unveils the Nardis Bass
Luthier Axel Roks of Roks Instruments is known for his unique, minimalist designs. (Check out his Microtonal Futura model.) But now he’s added his flair to a more traditional design to create the Nardis, a hand-built bass that mixes vintage and modern. “Nardis is a bass inspired by tradition, but is infused with the Roks flair and engineering,” the bass...
Led Zeppelin’s How The West Was Won Remastered for 2018
Led Zeppelin’s iconic How The West Was Won live album was released in 2003 and is now getting a remastered version for its 15th anniversary. The album documents Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones at the height of their powers from two concerts at the Los Angeles Forum and Long Beach Arena in 1972. This reissued...
Nektar Technology Introduces the Pacer MIDI Footswitch Controller
Nektar Technology has introduced the Pacer, a MIDI footswitch controller that comes preconfigured for the most popular DAWs and MIDI guitar products. It also offers standard amp switching. “The sturdy metal case features 10 programmable footswitch controls with RGB LEDs and an additional Preset footswitch for recalling presets and navigation,” Nektar writes. “Additionally, Pacer allows the connection of 2 expression...