Stories Behind the Songs: Nathan East
Nathan East’s prolific playing has graced so many albums, it would probably be easier to list who he hasn’t work with rather than who he has. The Philadelphia-born, San Diego-raised bassist picked up his first 4-string at 14 after studying cello in school and went on to be one of the world’s most in-demand session players. He’s been called on...
Matthew Davidson Releases “Step Up” EP, Featuring Joe Osborn
Backed by legendary session bassist Joe Osborn, 14-year old guitar wunderkind Matthew Davidson has released his first EP entitled Step Up. The four song collection was produced by Osborn, who also adds low end to the mix with his Fender Jazz. The bass legend took Davidson under his wing several years ago after hearing him perform at the Shreveport, Louisiana...
Ibanez Introduces ATK Premium Basses
Ibanez has given its Premium treatment to their ATK model, resulting in the ATK800E and the ATK805E. Beyond being built at their Premium Factory to premium quality standards, the company’s bass designers spent a lot of time researching and developing the pickup configuration, which includes a CAP double humbucker in the bridge position and an Ibanez proprietary CAP Sonic Arch...
Tom Tom Club: Genius of Love
I’ve been hooked on listening to Tom Tom Club lately, after the news of their new album coming out this month. A splinter group of The Talking Heads, the band was formed by bassist Tina Weymouth and drummer Chris Frantz in 1981. “Genius of Love” is not only a huge hit for them, but its hypnotic groove has also been...
The Funky Knuckles: Barbosa
Steven Smith sent in this video of The Funky Knuckles playing their tune “Barbosa” while opening for Snarky Puppy at Matt Garrison’s Shapeshifter Lab in New York City. Starting with a bass solo from Wes Stephenson, the group launches into an awesome funk-fusion jam that’ll leave you bobbing your head. Stephenson sets up a bouncy groove while keeping it tight...
Atoms for Peace Release Single, Announce Album for 2013
Atoms for Peace have released their new single, “Default,” along with the news that their debut album will be dropping in 2013. The project, which features Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, producer Nigel Godrich, and Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, has been getting a lot of buzz since their inception. “I have a new project, it’s called Atoms for Peace,”...
Dethklok Announce Tour with Machine Head, All That Remains, and the Black Dahlia Murder
Animated death metal outfit Dethklok will be hitting the road this fall with Machine Head, All That Remains, and the Black Dahlia Murder in support of their upcoming release Dethalbum III. Kicking off October 30th in Norfolk, Virginia, the North American trek will cross all of the U.S. with stops in Toronto and Montreal for Canadian fans. Dethklok’s bass duties...
Matthew Kniffin: The Evolution of Consciousness
As a freshman heading to Berklee College of Music, Matthew Kniffin may be young, but don’t let that fool you. He’s been playing for 11 years already, and has already released a solo bass EP called Awaken. The bassist describes himself as socially conscious and creates his music to “reflect ideas of how we must change our relationship with Earth...
Black Country Communion’s Next Album May Be Their Last, Says Glenn Hughes
Due out October 30th, Black Country Communion’s third album Afterglow may be the supergroup’s last, according to bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes. In an interview with ABC News Radio, the former Deep Purple bassist broke the news, citing the fact that guitarist Joe Bonamassa’s heavy solo touring leaves little time for the band to hit the road. As such, there are no...
Darryl Anders and AgapéSoul Release “Believe in Love”
Bassist Darryl Anders has released his first full length album with his band AgapéSoul entitled Believe In Love. Glued together by Anders’ rich, fat, and funky tone, the album offers seven original compositions as well as covers of Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke” and Quincy Jones’s “If I Ever Lose This Heaven,” all delivered with an incredible, jazz-influenced soul vibe. Anders,...
Vox Introduces Bass amPhones
Vox is rounding out their new bass-related gear for the fall with the Vox amPhones Bass Headphones. Made by Audio-Technica, the new Bass amPhones have a built-in bass amplifier modeled after their AC100 bass amp, allowing you to plug directly into your bass. The circuitry also includes a built-in adjustable compressor for tweaking your sound and the Bassilator circuit, which...
Michael League, Cory Henry, and Nathaniel Townsley: Continuum
It’s hard to cover a Jaco tune without sounding like you’re just trying to cop him, so Michael League bravely set out to do his own unique version of “Continuum.” With Cory Henry on organ and Nathaniel Townsley on drums, the Snarky Puppy mastermind tackles the tune without sacrificing his own unique voice. Get ready for a great groove, incredible...