The Meters: Look-Ka Py Py/Jungle Man, Live 1974
I’ve been on a huge Meters kick lately. All of George Porter, Jr.’s bass lines groove like crazy. They’re simple and to the point, which is perfect. Here’s a great clip of The Meters live in 1974 on Dr. John’s “New Orleans Swamp.” The group tears into “Look-ka Py Py” before a cool transition into the slower, thicker “Jungle Man”....
Anthony Jackson Forced to Sit Out Hiromi Trio Performances
Several dates of Hiromi Uehara’s trio concerts have been rearranged after the pianist announced that bass legend Anthony Jackson has suffered a medical emergency. Details are slim, but Hiromi posted the news to her Facebook page: “We regret to inform the public that Anthony Jackson is experiencing an unanticipated medical situation,” a statement read. “As such, for the upcoming Blue...
Bass Tendencies: An Interview with Ra Diaz
Suicidal Tendencies has a legacy of great bassists. Louiche Mayorga, Tim “Rawbiz” Williams, Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner, and Metallica’s Robert Trujillo have all held the throne, just to name a few. Earlier this year, bassist Ra Diaz stepped up to the plate to carry on the tradition. It’s been a bit of a dream come true for the Chilean-born, Los Angeles-based...
Gator Cases Introduces XL-Sized Aluminum Pedalboard
Gator Cases has unveiled the GPB-XBAK Aluminum Pedalboard. Measuring at 32 inches by 17 inches, the American-made pedalboard can hold up to 20 pedals and includes hook and loop adhesive strips for rearranging them. It also has power supply brackets underneath the board for mountint two separate power supplies. Rear-facing cutouts make it easy to run power up to your...
Nathan Navarro: Super Mario Bass Guitar Playthrough
Nathan Navarro is back with another brilliant bass video, and this time he’s playing along with a run-through of World 1-1 from the original Super Mario Brothers. The bassist dials in a retro video game tone before playing the music. He even plays the right sound effects for when Mario jumps, spits fire, gets the super star, and even landing...
In Memoriam: Lewie Steinberg
Original Booker T. & the M.G.’s bassist Lewie Steinberg has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 82 years old. Steinberg was born in 1933 in Memphis, Tennessee. While many people associate Donald “Duck” Dunn with the M.G.’s, Steinberg was the group’s first bassist and recorded on the first two albums: Green Onions and Soul Dressing. He was...
Sly and the Family Stone: “Hot Fun in the Summertime” and “I Want To Take You Higher”
“Hot Fun in the Summertime” is the perfect song for the season, and “I Want To Take You Higher” is a bass masterpiece. Larry Graham throws it down in this medley of the two songs. The mix on this clip is a little wonky, but luckily the bass is turned up nice and high.
Bass of the Week: Nichols Guitar Company Seas of Cheese Bass
Just like with music, great bass designs often come from the inspiration of other basses. That’s the case with our featured bass this week: the Nichols Guitar Company’s Seas of Cheese Bass. As the name suggests, the model is inspired by the famous Carl Thompson basses used by Primus’s Les Claypool. “The design was inspired by Les Claypool and some...
Levy’s Leathers Introduces Ryder Strap
Levy’s Leathers had introduced the Ryder Strap, which they call an old classic reborn. The design is known for its use by rockabilly artists. Its 1-inch wide strap is fitted with an adjustable pad for comfort. The strap is made entirely from veg-tan leathers with two contrasting colors and orange saddle stitching for visual appeal. It can be adjusted from...
Spector Adds Walnut Stain Model to Legend Neck-Thru Series
Spector has expanded their Legend series of instruments with the Legend Neck-Thru Walnut Stain bass. Available in four- and five-string versions, the model features the company’s flagship NS body design built with a figured maple top and carved maple body finished in a rich walnut stain. The bass is fitted with a pair of passive Aguilar DCB humbuckers matched to...
Megadeth Announces Tour with Amon Amarth, Suicidal Tendencies, Metal Church, and Havok
Megadeth have announced a new 18-date tour for September and October, and the billing is insane. The iconic metal group will be joined by Amon Amarth, Suicidal Tendencies, Metal Church, and Havok. If you’re a metal bass fan, that means you get to see David Ellefson, Ted Lundström, Ra Diaz, Steve Unger, and Nick Schendzielos all in one night. The...
LedBelli Bass Guitars Unveils Majestic Model
Luthier Cleve Johnson of LeBelli Basses has unveiled a new flagship model called the Majestic. The bass, which is the company’s seventh model, sets itself apart in shape as well as construction. “The Majestic is a departure from the rest of the LedBelli line in that it is the only LedBelli model that does not use Maple as the primary...