Bootsy Collins, Maceo Parker and Fred Wesley: Let Him Out
We’re celebrating funk bass legend Bootsy Collins’ birthday today. Here’s a great clip of Collins laying down the groove with fellow James Brown band alumni Maceo Parker and Fred Wesley on Letterman in 1990. Happy birthday, Bootsy!
Fodera Introduces Emperor II Hybrid and Tony Grey Signature Monarch Basses
Fodera has announced two new basses with the Emperor II Hybrid and the Tony Grey Signature Monarch. Both instruments are handmade in their custom shop and are expansions on their flagship models. The Emperor II Hybrid takes their classic Emperor singlecut and introduces the Hybrid chambered body design. Fodera says the bass shares the complex internal structure and other design...
Cryptopsy: Detritus (the one they kept)
Extreme technical death metal outfit Cryptopsy is back with new music! “Detritus (the one they kept)” is the first peek at The Book of Suffering Tome 1, due October 30th. “It has been three years since Cryptopsy’s last release and many fans have expressed their eagerness to hear new material,” the band shared on their website. “This time, rather than...
G&L Guitars Introduces 35th Anniversary Model Basses
Thirty-five years ago, Leo Fender and George Fullerton teamed up to form G&L Guitars. Now the company is celebrating with a line of 35th Anniversary models including three guitars and two basses: the LB-100 and the M-2000. Each instrument is finished in Emerald Green Metallic, representing the traditional gemstone of the 35th Anniversary, the emerald. Both basses are built with...
MonoNeon on Preparing for Prince
If you’ve been reading No Treble for a while, you’ll recognize MonoNeon. The singular musician pushes the boundaries of his art with a manifesto that includes wearing high-visibility clothing with polychromatic color schemes, and his bass playing will leave your jaw on the floor. MonoNeon, aka Dywane Thomas Jr., has been working with another outspoken musician: Prince. “I was invited...
Video Premiere: El Ten Eleven’s “Point Breeze”
We’re proud to team up with Gallien-Krueger to premiere a new performance by the awe-inspiring duo El Ten Eleven. Formed by multi-instrumentalist Kristian Dunn and drummer Tim Fogarty, the duo utilizes a host of techniques and effects to build driving grooves with sublime sonic atmospheres. Dunn and Fogarty both get creative with loop pedals to layer simpler foundations into a...
From Pros to Newbies: 10 Bassists Share Advice for Up and Coming Musicians
The bass is an incredible instrument. It’s never too late to start playing and there’s always something to learn for those who have already started. But sometimes we hit ruts in our growth that will wear us down. That’s why we’ve compiled advice for up-and-comers from ten of the world’s foremost bassists across a variety of styles. If you or...
The Interludes, Featuring Ryan Madora: The Lizard
Earlier this year, Nashville bassist and No Treble contributor Ryan Madora released the self-titled debut with her new group, The Interludes. Inspired by the great rhythm sections from Stax, Motown and Muscle Shoals, the band’s vibe throws back to the instrumental stylings of Booker T. and the MG’s while bringing a modern touch of Medeski, Martin, and Wood. “I’m really...
Phil Lesh Diagnosed with Cancer
Bass legend and Grateful Dead member Phil Lesh has revealed that he is battling bladder cancer. He made the announcement on the Terrapin Crossroads Facebook page while explaining canceled performances later this month. “I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in early October, and have spent the last few weeks at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale doing tests and eventually surgery...
Abraham Laboriel: Case of the Blues
Every time I watch Abraham Laboriel, it’s like a masterclass in “how it’s done.” His playing exudes musicality that lets his personality shine through, giving us all something to strive toward. Here’s a great clip of the master improvising a blues along with Hadley Hockensmith on guitar, Bill Maxwell on drums, Greg Mathieson on organ, and Phil Driscoll on trumpet...
Bass of the Week: Spalt Instruments Terminator 1
When we first started this column, our goal was to present instruments that range from beautiful to bizarre. This week we’re featuring a bass that falls somewhere in between. The Spalt Instruments Terminator bass is part musical instrument and part modern art, thanks to luthier Michael Spalt’s creative background. He studied painting, photography, film, and set construction between schools in...
BassTheWorld: 21 Bassists in 1 Video
BassTheWorld.com has followed up their “Got Bass Chops?” video with a second episode. This time, 21 bassists from around the world lay out the nastiest licks, funkiest grooves, and smoothest lines to show the scope of our beloved instrument. The bassists in order of appearance are Hadrien Feraud, Jay-Tee Teterissa, Bruno Tauzin, Andy C. Saxton, Evan Marien, Adam Ben Ezra,...