Jason Newsted Reunites with Metallica for 30th Anniversary Celebration
During the first night of their 30th Anniversary concerts last week, Metallica brought Jason Newsted back for a special guest appearance. Newsted, who left the band in 2001, was introduced by singer James Hetfield as “someone who lived with us, and toured with us and did stuff with us for 14 years.” The band then kicked into “Harvester of Sorrow,”...
Electro-Harmonix Now Shipping Switchblade+ Channel Selector
Electro-Harmonix has unveiled the Switchblade+ Channel Selector, a flexible stompbox that allows you to route your input signal to either two different locations (Channel A or B) or both simultaneously. The Switchblade+ then picks up where the company’s original Switchblade left off with the inclusion of a dedicated Tuner out, which EHX explains is hardwired to the input. This provides...
Pedro Aznar: El Faro de los Ahogados
Who says the bass player has to be in the background? Argentinian bassist/vocalist Pedro Aznar does an incredible job of comping and soloing up front on his tune “El Faro de los Ahogados,” taken from the DVD Quebrado Vivo.
Anthony Wellington Announces Bassology II Bass Clinic
Renowned bass educator Anthony Wellington will be holding a special clinic at Hellhound studios in Rahway, New Jersey on January 28th, 2012 at 7pm. Wellington, who plays with Victor Wooten and teaches alongside him in the instructional DVD Groove Workshop, will also be teaching private lessons throughout the day on the 28th and 29th. The event, entitled Bassology II, is...
G&L Introduces M-Series Basses
Thirty years after the introduction of their flagship L-2000 model, G&L has unveiled their new M-series basses. The M-2000 and M2500 both build upon their predecessor, which was first designed by Leo Fender in 1981, and aim to be more flexible while retaining the same attitude. The M-series basses still feature dual MFD humbuckers, but the pickups have been voiced...
Bass of the Week: JanAid Guitars’ Bob Abbott Yolanda 5
Named after a butterfly found in southern Spain, the JanAid Yolanda 5 bass draws inspiration from nature. This week, we check out the latest incarnation of the bass, which is also a signature model for Baltimore-based player Bob Abbott. The Yolanda 5 was built with a variety of woods, utilizing their “defects” to create a a piece of art. The...
Versatility: A Conversation with Christian McBride
As the jazz standard goes: “Things ain’t what they used to be.” The music industry as a whole is changing, but even so, truly remarkable artists will always shine through. Christian McBride is one of those artists. Raised in Philadelphia, McBride moved to New York City at the age of 17 to step up his music career. Through hard work,...
Shonna Tucker Parts Ways With Drive-By Truckers
After eight years with the band, bassist Shonna Tucker has left the Drive-By Truckers. The split, which appears to be amicable, was announced by Tucker on the group’s website. “It’s time for me to move on to the next great thing, whatever that may be,” Tucker wrote. “I want to thank each and everyone of you, with my whole heart...
Red Hot Chili Peppers to be Inducted Into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; Add More U.S. Tour Dates
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are among the 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, alongside Guns N’ Roses, Donovan, the Beastie Boys, Laura Nyro, and the Small Faces/The Faces. The group, which formed in 1983, will be honored during the Induction Ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio on April 14th, 2012. Founding member Flea posted on the band’s website about...
Marcus Miller: Power, Live at the 2008 Lugano Jazz Festival
Marcus Miller is one bad dude, and here’s just a little more evidence. In this clip, taken from Switzerland’s Lugano Jazz Festival in 2008, the bass icon rips through the aptly named tune “Power.” The rest of his band includes Alex Han on Saxophone, Jason “JT” Thomas on Drums, and Federico Gonzales Pena on Keyboards.
Korn Dips Into Dubstep with The Path of Totality
In a step away from the norm, Korn has released The Path of Totality, a dubstep-influenced album that takes their typically grungy distorted sound and adds electronica to the mix. The group, anchored by bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, brought in dubstep artists like Skrillex, Excision and Noisia to create their new hybrid songs. “The basis of our band has always...
Glockenklang Goes Lightweight with the Blue Soul Bass Amp
Glockenklang has released details on the Blue Soul, their new 650-watt Class D amp that weighs in at just 5 kg (approximately 11 pounds). With a focus on warmth and detail, the German amplification company says it rings clear as a bell. The Blue Soul features a pair of switchable inputs, with a gain knob and a variable input trim...