Brotherly Love: An Interview with John Clayton
Few names are as ubiquitous in the jazz community as John Clayton. As a prominent bassist, arranger, and composer, Clayton’s incredible musicianship has kept him busy since he was a teen with artists like Henry Mancini, Quincy Jones, Queen Latifah, DeeDee Bridgwater, and Dr. John, just to name a few. Most recently he collaborated with Paul McCartney for Macca’s Kisses...
Jayme Lewis Releases Christmas EP
The holidays will be getting a little funkier with the release of Merry Christmas from the Jayme Lewis Band. The four-song EP is the bassist’s offering to spread a little cheer. “We through this fun little project together for you to enjoy this holiday season!” Lewis wrote. “We hope you like these classic Christmas tunes that we took a few...
Tom Hemby Band, Featuring Adam Nitti: “Greasy G”
Adam Nitti recently shared this video on his Facebook page from a concert with the Tom Hemby Band at Nashville’s Third & Lindsley. Nitti and drummer Keith Carlock add all the grease to the tune with a laid back yet compelling groove. The rest of the band is filled out by guitarist Hemby, saxophonist Mark Douthit and keyboardist Michael Whittaker.
NoahJames Guitars Introduces JENZ Bass Machine Heads
NoahJames Guitars has introduced JENZ Machine Heads, a new type of bass tuning machine that the company says alleviates several issues in bass guitar design by the string to anchor at the lowest point on the machine head post. The channel automatically wraps the string neatly to avoid sticking and slippage from winding error. It also removes tension from the...
Amptweaker Announces Bass TightFuzz Pedal
Due to bassist interest during Summer NAMM, Amptweaker is now offering a bass version of their new TightFuzz pedal. The Bass TightFuzz is tweaked for bass players with extended lower range of the Tight and Tone controls and an added Dry Low knob that blends dry low end into the signal. As with most of the company’s pedals, the pedal’s...
Robert Trujillo, Steve Bailey and P-Nut Bass Jam
Here’s a sweet jam from Warwick’s Fuss on the Buss 2012 DVD. Robert Trujillo and Steve Bailey set an interesting groove between Trujillo’s gnarly distorted bass and Bailey’s bell-like tone and lyricism on top. 311’s Aaron “P-Nut” Willis jumps in around the 3-minute mark to add some slap to fill the jam out.
Rotosound Updates Steve Harris Signature Bass Strings
Rotosound has upgraded their Steve Harris Signature Bass Strings by using a new burnishing process to give them a smoother finish. The company explains the change facilitates fast playing as well as reduces string noise. The Iron Maiden bassist’s signature strings are flatwounds that are described as slightly brighter than traditional flatwounds. Available only as a 4-string set, the custom...
Warwick Introduces Corvette $$ NT Special Edition 68 Bass
Warwick has unveiled the Corvette $$ NT Special Edition 68, a custom shop bass inspired by the General Motors 1968 Model Corvette Stingray. The hot-rodded bass shares the car’s style with a Candy Apple red finish and an airbrushed aluminum center section while the Corvette name is inlaid into the tigerstripe ebony fingerboard. Available in 4-, 5-, and 6-string versions,...
Stefano Francazio Solo Bass: Assenza Di Gravità
Laura Palumbo sent in this great video of Stefano Francazio playing a cool solo bass piece entitled “Assenza Di Gravità”. The title translates to “Absence of Gravity.” Enjoy!
Rage Against The Machine Release 20th Anniversary Edition of Debut Album
Rage Against the Machine are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their first album with Rage Against the Machine – XX, an expanded reissue of the landmark effort that launched the band into the spotlight with tracks like “Killing in the Name,” “Wake Up,” and “Bombtrack.” In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, guitarist Tom Morello revealed he had written the...
Lava Cable Introduces the Lava Power Tube Pedal Board Snake
Lava Cable has introduced the Lava Power Tube Pedal Board Snake, a 7-cable snake that can be customized with a variety of connectors. The cables included are for AC Power, Amp In, Effects Send, Effects Return, Mono Footswitch, Stereo Footswitch or XLR, and CAT 5/MIDI 5 or 7-Pin. Each of the cables is color-coded, labeled, and shielded to prevent crosstalk....
Ernie Ball/Music Man Unveils Sledge Basses, Including Sabre Reissue
Ernie Ball/Music Man has unveiled the Sledge basses, a new special offering available through their Premier Dealer Network. Designed in conjunction with Tony Levin, the Music Man Sledge has a custom metallic flake finish that shifts colors depending on your viewing angle. Offered on Classic Stingray 4 and 5s, the Sledge is also available on the Music Man Sabre bass,...