Bass of the Week: Warwick Thumb NT
The Warwick Thumb NT is one of their flagship models that packs in features the company is best known, such as the choice of exotic woods. NT stands for Neck Through construction, but the design is a little more intricate than most since the top is solid. Warwick employs exotic woods for the Thumb including Bubinga Pommele for the body,...
Pablo Elorza: “Continuum” Lesson and Analysis
Pablo Elorza has published the second video in his “Deep Into Electric Bass Classics” series of bass lessons with an in-depth look at the popular Jaco Pastorius tune “Continuum.” After playing through the tune, Elorza explains the methods and techniques Pastorius used to create his melodies. The lesson is a great one for any music theory buff as well as...
NS Design Announces NXT-Series Omni Bass
NS Design has introduced an NXT-Series version of their Omni Bass, an electric upright that sports a 34? scale like that of a bass guitar. The new instrument is designed for the bass guitarist interested in adding the character and expressiveness of an upright. Available in 4- and 5-string models, the NXT Omni Bass is built with a solid maple...
Spawn of Possession: Erlend Caspersen Plays Through “Bodiless Sleeper”
One of the things I really love about YouTube is that everyone uses it, so it’s easy to find awesome bassists doing their thing. Case in point: Norwegian death metal bassist Erlend Caspersen has an account that he’s filled up with play alongs of the songs he plays. Here’s his play through for Spawn of Possession’s “Bodiless Sleeper,” where he...
Black Crowes End Hiatus With 2013 Tour
The Black Crowes will be breaking a three-year hiatus in 2013 with a Spring tour of the UK and United States. The “Lay Down With Number 13” tour kicks off at the Manchester Academy on March 24th with four more UK dates before hopping the pond to tackle New York City and the U.S. This will be the band’s first...
The Entrance Band with Paz Lenchantin: “Temptation” Live
Paz Lenchantin has added mystique and sultriness to every band she’s been in. A former member of A Perfect Circle and Zwan, she knows how to groove. Here’s a cool fan shot video of The Entrance Band playing “Temptation” in Oakland in 2010. Lenchantin locks in perfectly with the drums to propel the song with a mysterious vibe.
Stephane Barral: Upright Slap Bass Improv
Here’s some sweet double bass action by Stephane Barral. His right hand technique is so fast, it looks like a blur!
Timothy B. Schmit Recovering from Throat and Neck Cancer
Eagles bassist Timothy B. Schmit is recovering after having surgery for throat and neck cancer late last month. The news was confirmed by his assistant Julie Freeman in a message to the band’s fan site Eaglesfans.com. Freeman stated that Schmit was diagnosed in October and flew to New York for surgery right after The Eagles’ November 17th concert in Las...
David Ellefson Working on Autobiography
David Ellefson revealed that he’s working on an autobiography entitled My Life With Deth, which is expected to be released next year. Written with Joel McIver, the book will chronicle the Megadeth bassist’s years of addiction, recovery and return to faith. “My autobiography is not the usual tale of rock ‘n’ roll woe, but rather something I hope will truly...
In Memoriam: Iron Butterfly’s Lee Dorman
Iron Butterfly bassist Lee Dorman has passed away at the age of 70. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department reports that Dorman was found dead in his vehicle and that no foul play is suspected, though a coroner’s investigation is under way. Dorman spent over 30 years with Iron Butterfly and was a fairly consistent member throughout the band’s numerous splits...
Simon Little, Jez Carr, and Mike Haughton Release Foreground Music, Vol. 1
Simon Little has teamed up with pianist Jez Carr and saxophonist Mike Haughton to release Foreground Music, Vol. 1, an album of beautiful and freely improvised music. While its rolling textures and seemingly mind-meld moments make it sound like they’ve worked together for a lifetime, the eight track collection was recorded the second time the group had ever played together...
Bass of the Week: o3 Guitars Palladium
This week we take a look at Spanish custom shop o3 Guitars’ Palladium bass. Available in 4-, 5- and 6-string versions, the bass takes its moniker from the chemical element, which is a “rare and lustrous silvery-white metal.” All of o3’s basses are hand made, so each is customized. Standard features include an ebony fingerboard, mahogany body, and a 5-piece...