Shane Cooper: Bamako Love Song
West African music has a special place in my heart, so I got excited when I saw this video of Shane Cooper performing his solo double bass song, “Bamako Love Song”. Cooper, who is based in South Africa, was inspired by the city of Bamako, which is the capital of Mali. He pulls from West African rhythms and melodic ideas...
Mr. Big Releases “Defying Gravity”
Mr. Big is back with a new album, entitled Defying Gravity. Their ninth album features the band’s original lineup of Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan, and Pat Torpey as well as further drum work by Matt Starr. It is also the return of them working with producer Kevin Elson. While the album includes a song called “1992” that recounts...
Guild Introduces the Jumbo Junior Bass
Bassists looking for a super short scale bass have a new option with the Guild Jumbo Junior Bass, a four-string acoustic/electric. It has just a 23¾-inch scale. Part of Guild’s Westerly Collection, the Jumbo Junior bass is built with a solid Sitka spruce top with arched flamed maple for the back and sides. “We chose [the combination] to mirror the...
The Wood Brothers Announce Fall Tour Dates
The Wood Brothers have been hard at work this summer with the Tedeschi Trucks Band for their Wheels of Soul Tour. Now the trio, anchored by bass guru Chris Wood, has announced their tour plans for the fall with dates in October and November. The trek kicks off after another supporting gig with the Tedeschi Truck Band at the Beacon...
Screaming Headless Torsos featuring Hiromi: Running Black Water
This performance is more than a song; it’s a journey. The Screaming Headless Torsos teamed up with Hiromi Uehara to perform their piece “Running Black Water” at ShapeShifter Lab in Brooklyn and the result is magical. Each player brings fire to the song, which starts out with a flowing groove. Bassist David Ginyard sets the perfect mood with his bass...
Walrus Audio Introduces ARP-87 Multi-Function Delay Pedal
Players looking for a versatile delay pedal have a new option in the Walrus Audio ARP-87. First teased at Winter NAMM this year, the pedal has been revamped for its release to include even more features. “From rhythmic chasing digital delay to long ethereal lo-fi modulated trails, players will find the ARP-87 a very useful tool in a small footprint,”...
Moe. On Indefinite Hiatus After Rob Derhak Diagnosed With Cancer
Tough news to report: moe. has announced an indefinite hiatus after bassist Rob Derhak was diagnosed with cancer. The band made a statement on their Facebook page: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, moe. will be going on indefinite hiatus effective August 1st, 2017,” they wrote. “We will play our remaining 2 shows in July (7/21 PlayStation Theater, 7/28 The Huckleberry Jam),...
Fender Unveils the Justin Meldal-Johnsen Road Worn Mustang Bass
Fender debuted five new signature models at the Summer NAMM show this year including one bass: the Justin Meldal-Johnsen Road Worn Mustang Bass. The session ace, who has worked with artists ranging from Beck to Nine Inch Nails, teamed up with the company to create an instrument based on his personal ’66 Daphne Blue Mustang Bass. The short-scale bass is...
Pablo Elorza Orchestra: Unsung Heroes
Pablo Elorza has always floored us with his playing. Here’s a great clip of his jazz orchestra performing “Unsung Heroes” from his solo album Jardín Japones. Elorza impresses on his six-string bass with a big tone while his band equally brings the fire on his composition.
Victor Wooten Announces New Album, Fall Tour
Get ready: Victor Wooten has announced he will be releasing a new solo album this fall. TRYPNOTYX will be available on September 5th and will be his first solo record since 2012. The bass guru will is joined by his latest trio featuring monster drummer Dennis Chambers and saxophonist Bob Franceschini. Guest artists will include vocalist Varijashree Venugopal and “voicetrumentalist”...
Bergantino Introduces the Forté Bass Amp
Bergantino has expanded their bass amp lineup with the Forté, which the company describes as “an incredibly flexible, state-of-the-art Bass Amplifier, delivering maximum performance in a compact package.” The unit is a close relation to their B|Amp and features the same analog preamp and power section with fewer options. It weighs in at just six pounds. The Forté is rated...
Kung Fu: Sfvendago
Kung Fu are rounding out 2017 with Ninja Cuts, a collection of singles that will be released through the end of the year. “Sfvendgao” is the first single in the series and a song that they say “captures the essence of Kung Fu; live & up close.” That essence of course includes the fresh bass lines by Chris DeAngelis. His...