In Memoriam: Trevor Bolder
Trevor Bolder, who played with David Bowie’s backing band Spiders From Mars, has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 62. Born in Kingston Upon Hull, England, Bolder was a prominent member of the local R&B scene in the ‘60s before replacing Tony Visconti in Bowie’s band. He appeared on the albums Hunky Dory, The Rise and Fall...
Bobby McFerrin Releases “Spirityouall”, Featuring Esperanza Spalding and Larry Grenadier
Master vocalist Bobby McFerrin has released Spirityouall, a thirteen track album compiled of classic spirituals as well as original compositions. Integrating many of McFerrin’s musical influences, the effort pays homage to the legacy of the singer’s father, the late baritone Robert McFerrin, Sr., who was the first African-American to sign a contract with the Metropolitan Opera Company. He was also...
Deftones’ Final Album with Chi Cheng Closer To Being Released
The Deftones were nearly finished with their album Eros in 2008 when tragedy struck and a car accident left bassist Chi Cheng in a coma. After some time, the band decided to shelve the project out of respect for Cheng and recruited bassist Sergio Vega to start a new album, Diamond Eyes. Eros turned out to be Cheng’s final recording...
Atoms For Peace Announces 2013 Tour Dates
Atoms for Peace have announced a world tour for 2013 in support of their debut album, AMOK. The group, which is comprised of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea, producer Nigel Godrich, drummer Joey Waronker and percussionist Mauro Refosco, will be in full force as they take the stage starting in Europe. The tour continues in the Fall...
Höfner Violin Bass History Detailed in New Book
Höfner’s iconic Violin Bass is getting a thorough examination in the new book Höfner – The Complete Violin Bass Story, written by Höfner aficionado Steve Russell and the company’s own Nick Wass. The 320-page book chronicles the bass’s history from its inception to the present using photos and information from Höfner Company Archives as well as the expertise of Gerhilde...
Goby Labs Introduces “Thingy” Series Accessories
Accessories company Goby Labs has introduced the Thingy Series, consisting of the Goby Labs Guitar-hook Thingy and the Stand-top Thingy for iPad. The whimsically-named gadgets attach to microphone stands to provide simple, portable solutions for gigging musicians The Guitar-hook Thingy is an instrument hanger which attaches to a tripod microphone stand with a patent-pending grip that forms a closed loop...
Mike Mills: No R.E.M. Reunion
Fans of the defunct alternative rock band R.E.M. shouldn’t hold their breath for a reunion. Though the group decided to “call it a day as a band” on good terms, bassist Mike Mills recently told Rolling Stone that the chances of them getting back together is likely not in the cards. “We said we’re done and we’re done,” he said....
Bass of the Week: KB Guitars Robert Hurst Acoustic Bass
Ken Bebensee of KB Guitars made this gorgeous acoustic bass guitar for jazz bassist Robert Hurst, whose work ranges from stints with Wynton Marsalis to being a member of The Tonight Show Band. The 5-string bass brings together elements of a cello and an archtop jazz guitar for a unique hybrid bass. It’s built with an extra deep body made...
Eric Avery Quits Nine Inch Nails
Photo by acidpolly Eric Avery has announced he’s parting ways with the newly revamped Nine Inch Nails, citing exhaustion from touring with Garbage. The band, whose lineup was unveiled in late February by creator Trent Reznor, has not named a replacement. “It’s with very mixed emotions I tell you all that I’m pulling out of NIN,” Avery wrote on his...
FLAG, featuring Chuck Dukowski, Announce Tour Dates
The Black Flag reunion group, simply known as FLAG, has announced a tour schedule for 2013, from May through September. The tour is based around several festivals, including Punk Rock Bowling, the Orion Music + More Festival, and Amnesia Rock Fest. Not to be confused with the official Black Flag, FLAG consists of former Black Flag members Keith Morris, Dez...
Ibanez Introduces Mike D’Antonio MDB3 Signature Bass
Killswitch Engage’s Mike D’Antonio and Ibanez have teamed up to release the bassist’s third signature model, the MDB3. Based on the company’s Destroyer model, the bass’s mahogany body features beveled edges to provide right arm comfort while picking. Its three-piece maple neck is topped with a rosewood fretboard inlaid with a MDB logo at the 12th fret. The pickup departs...
Lorenzo Feliciati and Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari Release “Berserk!”
Bassist Lorenzo Feliciati and vocalist Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari have teamed up to release Berserk!, an aptly titled album that defies labeling. The effort draws from nearly every musical style with elements of psychedelia, jazz, doom metal, electronica, opera, and more. Each song has an nearly schizophrenic feeling while remaining true to the tune’s musical core. “I have never been able...