Brandi Disterheft Releases “Gratitude”
If legendary jazz pianist Oscar Peterson ever likened you to bassist Ray Brown, you’re obviously doing something right. That’s just the case for Brandi Disterheft, whose new album Gratitude is available now on Justin Time Records. The 27-year-old Canadian bassist, who has studied with Rufus Reid, Don Thompson, Niels-Henning Orsed Pederson and Ron Carter is well versed in the jazz...
Focusrite Introduces Scarlett 2i4 Audio Interface
Focusrite has a new USB audio interface dubbed the Scarlett 2i4. Featuring two inputs and four outputs, the 2i4 is housed in an anodized aluminum unibody chassis. The two combo XLR inputs allow for plugging in your bass, guitar, or microphone. Each input’s gain knob has a signal halo around it that changes color to inform you about your signal....
Pablo Elorza: “Havona” Lesson and Analysis
Bassist Pablo Elorza has started a new series on YouTube he’s calling “Deep Into Electric Bass Classics” with the infamous Jaco Pastorius tune “Havona.” Elorza rips through the tune, then breaks it all down for everyone trying to learn. He speaks in Spanish, but don’t worry, there are English subtitles for his in-depth analysis. Time to hit the woodshed!
Julie Slick Releases “Terroir”
Two years after her self-titled solo debut, Julie Slick has returned with Terroir, which is now available on BandCamp. Full of lush soundscapes, inspired compositions, and incredible bass playing, the 10-song album’s title offers several dimensions to the album’s meaning. ”Terroir is a French word, meaning ‘from the earth,’” she explains. “It is used to describe the qualities of a...
Fodera Introduces Monarch 4 Standard Bass Guitar
Fodera is finishing out their Standard series of basses with the Monarch 4 Standard. Similar to the Matt Garrison, Emperor 5, and Yin Yang Standard basses, the new model is built in batch and offered in a single configuration with no options in order to keep the price and wait time down. The Monarch 4 Standard is built with a...
Bass of the Week: Shuker Singlecut Elite
The Shuker Singlecut Elite is one beautiful instrument. Built by luthier Jon Shuker in the UK, the bass is highly customizable with options running from number of strings to top wood to construction type. Standard features include a 7-piece laminated neck made of maple, wenge, and padauk, a walnut body core, and a fingerboard of either Rio Rosewood, ebony, or...
Peter Kastner: Nardis
Alistair Lasken sent in this video of Peter Kastner playing a funky version of the jazz standard “Nardis.” Peter has a simple drum track to accompany him and his Rob Allen MB-2 fretless bass. (Check out our Bass of the Week feature on the MB-2.)
Fourplay Releases “Esprit De Four”
Contemporary jazz quartet Fourplay have released their thirteenth album, entitled Esprit De Four. Originally formed in 1991, the band currently consists of bassist Nathan East, drummer Harvey Mason, keyboardist Bob James and guitarist Chuck Loeb. This is Loeb’s second recording with Fourplay and the band is taking advantage of the new direction. “In the songwriting and recording process, we were...
Led Zeppelin Announce New Live DVD, Celebration Day
Led Zeppelin has confirmed the release of Celebration Day, a film of the one-off reunion concert they performed at London’s O2 Arena in 2007. The film will be shown in theaters worldwide October 17th with CD, DVD, Blu-ray and LP formats and hitting shelves on November 19th. Anchored by bassist John Paul Jones, the band reunited for the concert to...
NHØP and Tania Maria: Baião Improvisado
Here’s an incredibly energetic duet by Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and pianist Tania Maria. NHØP is in his usual top-notch form with ridiculous speed and agility. Check out his masterful right hand technique at the 2:12 mark, and then be ready to want to practice.
Megadeth Announces “Countdown To Extinction” 20th Anniversary Album and Tour
Megadeth has announced a 20th anniversary edition of their seminal album Countdown to Extinction, which will be released October 16th in a box set as well as in digital format. The two-disc lift-top box set will contain a remastered version of the album as well as a previously unreleased 1992 concert recorded live at the Cow Palace in San Francisco,...
On-Stage Gear Introduces LED509 Clip-On Stage Light
On-Stage Gear has a new clip-on stand light called the LED509. Featuring 9 LED lights, the LED509 can clip onto most music stands and illuminate up to four pages – a nice feature for bassists with large charts to read. It’s also designed to stand on its own on a flat surface. The power switch offers two brightness settings, while...