Cavalera Conspiracy Recruits Converge Bassist Nate Newton
Metal legend Max Cavalera and his group Cavalera Conspiracy have named Converge’s Nate Newton as their new bassist. Newton broke the news in a statement online: “Hello friends! Just wanted to get some info to everyone since I’ve been getting so many messages…. Yes I am playing bass on the new Cavalera Conspiracy record. No…I am not going to leave...
John McVie Returns To the Stage
After being diagnosed with cancer in October, John McVie is back to performing with Fleetwood Mac. The health scare forced the band to cancel a tour of Australia and New Zealand as McVie underwent treatment. But the veteran rockers returned to the stage for a December 30th gig at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Singer Stevie Nicks spoke with ABC...
In Memoriam: Herman “Trigger” Alpert
Herman “Trigger” Alpert passed away on December 21st at the age of 97. The jazz bassist was best known for playing in the original Glenn Miller civilian orchestra, where he was credited with adding some much needed swing to the rhythm section. Alpert was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1916. After studying at Indiana University, he moved to New York...
Bass of the Week: Nelson Instruments Coquette Bass
This week we check out the Nelson Instruments Coquette Bass, a neck-through bass that blends elements of retro styles. The quarter-sawn hard maple neck is flanked with basswood body wings, which the company says offers enhanced sustain, rigidity, and projection. The bass comes in single and dual pickup configurations. The pickups are Nelson’s Bass Chiefs mounted to the gold-anodized aluminum...
In Memoriam: Remembering the Bassists We Lost in 2013
As 2013 draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the notable bassists that left us this year. Their grooves helped to create the soundtrack of life for people all over the world. Rick Huxley (February 11, 2013) Bassist for The Dave Clark Five. As part of the Dave Clark Five, Huxley was a part of the...
Xotic Unveils Chuck Rainey Signature Bass
Bass legend Chuck Rainey has a new signature model from Xotic called the XPJ-1T, a bass designed with versatility in mind. Rainey collaborated with Xotic on the bass which features a P/J pickup configuration with elements of the company’s XP and XJ models. The XPJ-1T starts with a ash body and a bolt-on maple neck with 21 frets. Its original...
In Memoriam: Dwayne Burno
Jazz bassist Dwayne Burno has passed away of undisclosed causes at the age of 43. Born in Philadelphia, Burno was a mainstay of the New York City jazz scene for the past two decades. His resume includes work with legendary artists including Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Henderson and many more. Burno started his musical education at an...
OM: State of Non-Return
Our friend Lyall Storey sent us this video of OM performing “State of Non-Return,” saying the doom metal band is a prime example of “no treble”. OM consists of just a rhythm section with Al Cisneros on bass and vocals, Emil Amos on drums and Robert Lowe on percussion. Cisneros delivers his signature thick, crushing riffs throughout the song. “He...
Dream Theater Announces 2014 North American Tour Dates
After announcing European tour dates, Dream Theater has revealed their North American tour plans for 2014. The prog metal outfit will be kicking things off at Toronto’s Massey Hall before covering the States in the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast. Their trek is capped with three dates in Mexico. “We are all really pumped and excited to bring our new...
Nathan East to Join Eric Clapton’s Touring Band
Guitar legend Eric Clapton has once again recruited bass giant Nathan East to his touring band. East, who played with Clapton from 1984 to 2004, will be hitting the road with the former Cream guitarist in 2014, starting in Japan. The rest of the band includes keyboardists Chris Stainton and Paul Carrack, vocalists Michelle John and Sharon White, and drummer...
Bass of the Week: Scott Walker Guitars California Bass
Scott Walker is an independent luthier based in North Carolina. Though his primary focus is electric guitars, his California Bass is more than an after thought. Its construction includes a long tenon design, laminated hard woods, and multiple bolt coupling to eliminate dead spots and promote resonance. The bass starts with a body of Alder or Swamp ash and a...
MonoNeon: Donyea’s Slo-Soul Arrangement of James Brown’s “I Feel Good”
YouTube brings out a lot of collaboration and inspiration in people. Here’s an awesome video by Dywane “MonoNeon” Thomas adding his own flourishes to producer Donyea Goodman’s arrangement of “I Feel Good” by James Brown. It’s a totally different groove from the original and brings a new flavor to the song.