Bruno Tauzin: “Wow”
Here’s an aptly named solo bass groove called “Wow” from bassist Bruno Tauzin. The piece offers a catchy melody supported by rich chordal responses to make for an interesting listen.
Kathy Valentine Suffers Wrist Injury, Sits Out Tour Dates
Go-Go’s bassist Kathy Valentine has been sidelined with a broken wrist and will have to sit out of the band’s current tour. The Go-Go’s are touring in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the hit album Vacation. Valentine, who co-wrote the album, has had surgery to realign the distal radius bone. “The surgery will allow for wrist movement much quicker...
Bass of the Week: De Gier BeBop
There are lots of interpretations of the old J-bass, but one that strikes me most is the BeBop made by Dutch boutique shop De Gier. It offers a little more in the curves department with subtle tweaks to set itself apart from the classic design. Available in 4- or 5-string versions, the De Gier BeBop comes standard with an alder...
The New Face of Bass: An Interview With Evan Brewer
With unbelievable technique and a unique musical voice, Evan Brewer is quickly becoming the face of the new wave of bass heroes. The former Animosity bassist joined the ranks of technical death metal band The Faceless last year in time to help write and record their new album Autotheism, which hit shelves August 14th. The band has just wrapped up...
Lava Cable Introduces Grab N’ Go Configurable Pedal Board System
Lava Cable has introduced a new version of their Configurable Pedal Board System called the Lava Grab N’ Go. Built from specially formulated ABS, the board is made up of several pieces that lock together and are secured to form-fitting ABS base plates with machine screws and locking nuts for stability. The board is available in seven pre-assembled versions ranging...
Xander Myers: Funky Bass Cover of PSY’s “Gangnam Style”
Who doesn’t like a good viral video? Korean rapper PSY scored it big with his latest hit “Gangnam Style,” which has reached over 67 million views on YouTube. The zany and infectious tune inspired Xander Myers to make a slightly funkier version with his own bass line. Check it out!
Damien Langkamer: Bass Groove / Solo Idea
Facebook friend Alex Kalicinski sent us this great clip of UK bassist Damien Langkamer working out a groove and some solo ideas. Dig that tone! For the gear heads out there, Damien is playing a Roscoe SKB3005 bass.
Fuzzrocious Pedals Introduces Heliotropic Stompbox
Fuzzrocious has just introduced the Heliotropic, a new pedal that combines a modified big muff circuit and preamp. The new stompbox was inspired by a song of the same name by the band Failure. “Failure coaxed some amazing and unique sounds out of their instruments,” Fuzzrocious builder Ryan Ratajski stated. “I have been chasing those tones ever since I started...
In Memoriam: Charles Flores
Cuban bassist Charles Flores has passed away, after a two year battle with cancer. Flores’ career included work with a host of Latin and jazz superstars including Michel Camilo, with whom he had played with since joining the pianist’s trio in 2002. It was with Camilo that Flores won a Grammy for the album Live at the Blue Note. “It...
Sly and Robbie Release “New Legend – Jamaica 50th Edition”
Reggae masters Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare have done it again with New Legend – Jamaica 50th Edition, a new album of 10 original tracks celebrating Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of independence. The drum and bass duo are joined by a new band called the Jam Masters, which is filled out by guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith, keyboardist Robbie Lyn and vocalist...
The Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour” Coming to DVD
The Beatles’ third and decidedly psychedelic film Magical Mystery Tour is coming back to life this Fall as the 1967 film has been fully restored and will be released on DVD and Blu-ray. Written and directed by the Fab Four themselves, the loose plot is a “dreamlike story of a coach day trip to the seaside” accompanied by six songs...
Kauer Guitars Introduces Daylighter Bass
California-based Kauer Guitars has introduced the Daylighter Bass, modeled after their popular series of guitars by the same name. With several feature options, the company says the bass can cover ground from “classic Motown vibe straight through the most aggressive modern bass tones.” The Daylighter’s body is made of Spanish Cedar and is available in a plethora of color options....