Janek Gwizdala Releases “Motion Picture”
Janek Gwizdala has released his sixth album as a leader, entitled . The instrumental album features a core trio of Gwizdala, guitarist Nir Felder, and drummer Gary Husband with guest keyboardist Jeff Babko appearing on four songs. Each of the members contribute incredible performances to create an engrossing sonic atmosphere that swings from introspective meditations to all out jams. Gwizdala...
Schecter Adds Model-T Bass to Session Series
After introducing the series last year, Schecter has announced they’re adding the Model-T bass model to the Session Series. The bass features a classic aesthetic and follows the lineup’s description of “no frills looks with high end electronics.” The Model-T Session is built with a swamp ash body, maple neck, and maple fingerboard accented with ebony side block inlays. Schecter...
Pedulla Guitars Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Limited Edition Basses
Forty years in business is quite an accomplishment, and Pedulla Guitars is celebrating that very milestone with a limited edition collection of basses. Michael Pedulla, who started the company in 1975, has made one limited edition 40th Anniversary version of each of his bass models including the MVP, the Pentabuzz, the Rapture, the Nuance, and the Thunderbolt. The series features...
George Duke with Christian McBride: It’s On, Live 2010
While Christian McBride is typically known for his stellar straight-ahead work, the man can get down on some funk. Here’s a crazy good clip of him in concert with the late great George Duke and drummer Ronald Bruner, Jr. at the Java Jazz festival in 2010. The trio gets into a collective consciousness to get heavy into the groove. Check...
Alex Bershadsky: Bring On The Night
I’m always pumped to get new videos from Alex Bershadsky, and his latest is a reason why. The video features fantastic playing of all kinds, not to mention nice filming. “It’s an original arrangement for the Police Classic ‘Bring on The Night’ combining double thumbing with fretless bass,” he shares. “It’s a bit different, I hope you’ll like it.”
Evan Brewer Joins Entheos
Three months after announcing his exit from The Faceless, bassist Evan Brewer has reunited with three members from his Animosity days to form a new band called Entheos. Though the band features former Animosity drummer Navene Koperweis and guitarist Frank Costa, the members say this isn’t an Animosity reunion but rather “a completely new band with new material.” “It’s definitely...
Jethro Tull: “Nothing is Easy”, Live 1970
When I was writing the In Memoriam story covering the bassists we lost in 2014, I spent some time revisiting each of their works, including original Jethro Tull bassist Glenn Cornick. Here’s Cornick with Tull at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970. Their whole set was fantastic, but the band really brought it in their finale with “Nothing is...
Bob Marley with Aston “Family Man” Barrett: Alternate “Real Situation” Take
Bob Marley was one of the largest musical successes of the 20th century, but that legacy would not have been the same without bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett. Barrett, who was and still is the Wailers’ bandleader, is credited with writing much of the musical content and arrangements from that iconic music. The Wailers recently posted an alternate take of...
In Memoriam: Henry Strzelecki
Sad news to report today: prolific Nashville session bassist Henry Strzelecki passed away on December 30th after being struck by a car. He was 75 years old. Henry Strzelecki was born in Birmingham, Alabama and relocated the Nashville when he was still young. He began his recording career in country music with songwriter Baker Knight on the Decca Label while...
Xotic Effects Introduces Xotic Voltage Doubler
Xotic Effects has unveiled the Xotic Voltage Doubler, a power adapter that steps up voltage output to either 15 or 18 volts from a standard 9-volt power source. The compact device has a simple input and output with a switch to toggle between 15 or 18-volt output. The device, which is designed only for Xotic pedals, helps to run pedals...
Bergantino Introduces New NV610T Bass Cabinet
Bergantino Audio Systems has announced the NV610T “New Vintage” bass cabinet, which the company describes as a “sealed cabinet with a nod toward a vintage sound.” The model is an extension of the NV610 that adds a tweeter in addition to its six 10-inch speakers for a power rating of 750 watts RMS. Its sealed design delivers a tighter and...
Bass of the Week: Willcox Guitars Saber SL
This week we check out the Willcox Saber SL, a bass that is set apart by its innovative Lightwave pickups. Originally built under the LightWave moniker, designer Chris Willcox created a separate guitar company to put out his instruments. Willcox invented the LightWave optical pickup and incorporates it into the Saber SL. “The LightWave Optical Pickup System uses our patented...