In Memoriam: Bob Birch
We’re sad to report the passing of Bob Birch, longtime bassist for Elton John and session musician. Birch, who was 56, reportedly took his own life near his home in Los Angeles. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Birch started out as an alto saxophonist before the sounds of Motown made him switch to bass in middle school. He worked the Detroit...
Project Dirty Work: Behind the Curtain
Check out this video for “Behind the Curtain” by Czech Republic bassist David Habiger’s new group Project Dirty Work. The sneak peek video offers a first look at the band for which Habiger is listed as the “main protagonist.” The bassist also composes all the music, which has tinges of hard driving metal as well as thoughtful, melodious chordal playing.
Snarky Puppy Announces Tour, Releases New Music Video
Snarky Puppy is gearing up for a 47-date tour of the North America in support of their latest effort, groundUP. Led by bassist Michael League, the group will kick things off in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before zig-zagging across the States with a couple of Canadian dates thrown in the mix. The band’s eclectic mix of genres is hard to put a...
Kinky Wizzards: Bass and Drum Brother Duo
The Kinky Wizzards is a British bass and drum duo made up of Jonathan and Matthew Griffiths. The brothers have been playing together since they were around 11 years old, playing as a duo as well as a rhythm section in several bands. Bassist Matthew sent us this awesome video of three of their original songs – “Walk to the...
StageTrix Introduces the Setting Saver
Stagetrix is now shipping the Setting Saver, a marker that applies a clean, bright fluorescent green ink on your gear to help keep track of your settings. The ink lights up under black light and is easily removed wiping it off with your finger without leaving any residue. It’s available now with an MSRP of $5.99. For more info, check...
Ibanez Now Offering SR256 6-String Bass
Ibanez’s SR series has gotten a little bigger with the new SR256PW, a 6-string bass with active electronics and a price most can reach. Offered in Pearl White, the bass is built with a mahogany body and a bolt-on 3-piece maple neck. The rosewood fingerboard has pearl dot inlays as position markers. The bass comes equipped with a pair of...
Epiphone Introduces Tobias-Designed Toby Deluxe-V Bass Guitar
Editor’s note: A reader pointed out to us a statement posted by Michael Tobias regarding this bass. We’ve added that statement to the end of this article. Epiphone has unveiled the Toby Deluxe-V, a 5-string version of the bass originally designed by Michael Tobias. The new instrument shares many of the same features of the last year’s reintroduced Toby Deluxe...
Squier Introduces Vintage Modified Telecaster Bass and Telecaster Bass Special
Squier has beefed up their Vintage Modified Bass series with the introduction of the Vintage Modified Telecaster Bass and the Vintage Modified Telecaster Bass Special. The new models feature classic body and headstock shapes as well as a medium 32" scale.
F Bass Enters Bass Cabinet Market With 2x10H
F Bass has jumped into the land of cabinets with the F Bass 2x10H Cabinet. The first of their cab series, the 2x10H was designed in cooperation Jo Bassi Engineering and Ian Taylor with an emphasis on being compact without sacrificing performance. “As bass players we’ve always favoured the sound, power and performance of conventional magnet drivers but have never...
New School: Scott Fernandez
Extended range bass artist Scott Fernandez is pushing musical boundaries. Equally comfortable on a 4-string as well as his 12-string, Fernandez incorporates his extended techniques to create lush harmonies, intense counterpoint, and intriguing melodies. His arsenal of effects pedals also help to create thick soundscapes while adding depth to his compositions. Fernandez only stepped out into the solo bass arena...
Adam Stevens: Solo Bass Arrangement of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Under The Bridge”
Bassist Adam Stevens sent us this great solo bass version of the popular Red Hot Chili Peppers tune “Under the Bridge.” Utilizing some fingerpicking style and strumming, the Toronto-based low-ender captures the song’s mood to a tee. It probably also helps that he’s literally under a bridge.
King Crimson Releases Live in Argentina 1994 DVD Set
King Crimson reemerged in 1994 to record and tour behind the album VROOM. Building upon their previous quartet, the band was billed as a double trio consisting of Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Trey Gunn, Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto and Bill Bruford. The group’s return is documented in a new King Crimson Collector’s Club Release entitled Live in Argentina 1994. The...