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.
Yamaha Acquires Line 6
Line 6, makers of digital amplifiers and effects, is slated to be acquired by Yamaha Corporation, according to a press release issued by Yamaha. The deal will result in a 100% acquisition. Established in 1996, Line 6 specializes in guitar and bass modeling processors, including their POD line, as well as PA equipment and wireless systems. The agreement states that...
Musicvox Announces Limited Edition 12-String MI-5 Bass
Musicvox has introduced a new limited edition 12-string version of their MI-5 bass. The Limited Edition 2014 MI-5 bass features four triple courses for a familiar tuning with more strings. It’s built with neck-through construction with a mahogany body and maple neck topped with a rosewood fingerboard. The body and headstock are triple bound while the neck is reinforced with...
AC Guitars Unveils Über Graft Spec Bass Series
AC Guitars has added a new line of basses with the introduction of the Über Graft Spec Series. The new basses build upon the company’s Graft Series of handmade basses, which are made in batch to keep them in an accessible price range. This line offers five body shapes: Finn, Recurve, Harlot, Gallas, and J-Type. Über Graft basses will be...
Norm Stockton: “O Come All Ye Faithful” Solo Bass Arrangement
Norm Stockton has a knack for making unbelievably great solo bass arrangements of songs. This year he’s put his talent into the classic Christmas carol “O Come All Ye Faithful.” “I hope you enjoy the music as much as I enjoyed performing it for you,” Stockton shares. “May the joy and hope of the season flood into your life today...