Tommy Stinson Checks in After GnR Tour
Guns N’ Roses bassist Tommy Stinson has posted a blog update after returning from a South American tour with GnR. “All things considered, I’d say South America was a success,” he reports. “I have a few new scars, one less bass, one less favorite coat (damn thieving baggage handlers!), a few less brain cells, and a new appreciation for Cipro....
Noteflight Introduces Crescendo Online Music Notation Software
Noteflight has announced the release of Crescendo, an online music notation software that uses your web browser to help edit, display, and play back music you write as well as share it with others in an online community setting. Crescendo builds upon the already popular and free Noteflight software by introducing tablature support, score templates, lots of new virtual instruments...
Jimmy Haslip Joins Michael Landau, Robben Ford and Gary Novak for New Album
YellowJackets bassist Jimmy Haslip has teamed up with guitarists Michael Landau and Robben Ford and drummer Gary Novak to release an album under the moniker “Renegade Creation“. The album, released by the Blues Bureau record label, features eight vocal tunes sung by Landau and Ford as well as two instrumental tracks. The group’s music is a melding of blues, rock,...
Bass Coalition Announces Summer Workshop and Solo Competition
The Bass Coalition has announced their first annual Summer Workshop to be hosted at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia on June 24th through the 26th. Included in the workshop events is the live round of the Bass Coalition Solo Competition, in which the first place winner receives a prize of $1000, thanks to sponsor Shank Strings. The three day summer...
Bootsy Collins Releases Funk 101 Pilot
Bootsy Collins has released a pilot video to promote a new documentary series called “Funk 101”. The video includes Bootsy and other funk masters talking about the legacy of the funk genre and its impact on society. He also released a teaser for Funk University, which begins enrollment this week. Classes begin on July 1. Visit Bootsy on the web...
Gear Watch: Epiphone Zenith Bass
Epiphone has released the new Zenith bass, an instrument that pays homage to the jazz guitar tradition. Available as fretted or “lined” fretless, the key to this bass is its unique NanoFlex and NanoMag pickup combination. Designed by Shadow Germany, the NanoFlex is fit underneath the saddle to sense the vibrations of the strings as well as the body. It...
Railroad Earth Announces Tour Dates
After recruiting Andrew Altman on bass earlier this year, Railroad Earth has announced their extensive tour dates for the spring and summer. The group will be based mostly on the east coast, with several festival dates, including Summer Camp, All Good, and FloydFest. Railroad Earth Tour Dates 2010: April 23 Asheville, NC— The Orange Peel April 24 Atlanta, GA—Variety Playhouse...
Gear Watch: Gruv Gear V-Cart Solo
Tired of hauling your rig over several trips from your car? Gruv Gear has introduced their new V-Cart Solo, a versatile cart designed for transporting heavy gear and equipment while staying ergonomic and maneuverable. Featuring a multi-position handle and sliding support arm, the V-Cart solo morphs into 3 configurations to fit your transportation needs. The modes include a 4-wheeled tilted...
Paul McCartney Breaks Ties With EMI
Former Fab-Four member Paul McCartney has broken his ties with EMI, the record company with which he has been associated for 50 years. Though the Beatles catalog is still in EMI’s control, McCartney has made a licensing deal with Concord Music Group to reissue his solo works, including his albums with Wings and various other projects. McCartney’s no stranger to...
Gear Watch: Kala uBass 2 and Solid Acacia Models
Kala Brand Music has increased it’s uBass line by adding the uBass 2 and Solid Acacia models. The uBass is an instrument that fuses the strings and sound of a bass with the shape and size of a ukulele. Both new models feature proprietary Polyurethane strings, a passive pickup system, a mahogany neck, and a Rosewood fingerboard with a matching...
Nikki Sixx Announces New SIXX: A.M Album, Talks About New Book
Nikki Sixx has announced that he is working on a new concept album with his trio, SIXX: A.M., which also features James Michael and D.J. Ashba. The group is “getting close” to deciding on the first single from what will be their sophomore album, and the follow up to their debut, The Heroin Diaries. According to his Myspace page, the...
Ben Allison Forced to Cancel European Tour
Bassist/composer Ben Allison has been forced to cancel his band’s European tour due to “massive flight cancellations” caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland. The trek, which was scheduled from today through April 24th, would have included stops in Italy, Spain, and Netherlands. The next scheduled appearance of the Ben Allison band is set for the Newport Jazz Festival in...