Steve Lawson Releases New Live, Improvised Solo Bass Album
Steve Lawson has released Believe in Peace, a four song album taken from his performance at the I Ching Arts Exhibit in Minneapolis. The exhibit featured the work of Geoff Bush, which moved Lawson so much that he decided to break from his normal gig routine with his wife and play an additional improv solo set. “Intending to play a...
In Memoriam: Pete Stevens, Co-Founder of Wal Basses
Pete Stevens, co-founder of Wal Basses, has passed away at the age of 65. The announcement came from the Wal Bass website. “It is with deepest sadness that we must pass on the news that Pete ‘The Fish’ Stevens, co-founder of Wal Bass Guitars,” the company stated. “As many in the Wal family will know, Pete had suffered from chronic...
Ed Friedland: Looping Bass Version of Steely Dan’s “Do It Again”
Here’s a cool video of Ed Friedland, aka the Bass Whisperer, building up a full on version of Steely Dan’s classic “Do It Again” during a 2010 clinic at the Bass Emporium in Austin, Texas. After “giving the drummer some,” Friedland fills out the tune’s bass line, chords and melody before ripping into a tasty solo.
In Memoriam: Remembering the Bassists We Lost in 2011
Charles Fambrough January 1, 2011 Charles Fambrough, jazz bassist. Fambrough’s credits include working with Grover Washington, Jr., Airto Moreira, McCoy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, and more. Mick Karn January 4, 2011 Mick Karn, former Japan bassist. Karn’s fretless bass and interesting, angular playing style left an impression on bassists around the world. Phil Kennemore January 7, 2011 Phil Kennemore, bassist for...
Billy Sheehan: Clinic Session on Becoming a Better Bass Player
Here’s an insightful clip of Billy Sheehan giving a clinic for Guitar Center. The Mr. Big bassist touches on becoming a better bassist by learning cover tunes and focusing on your actual playing instead of gear. My favorite line: “Just practice!”
Marshall Amplification Acquires Eden Electronics
Marshall Amplification has purchased Eden Electronics from U.S. Music Corp. Eden, who specializes in high-end bass amplification, will still be distributed in the States by U.S. Music Corp, so North American customers “will not impacted.” In a joint press release, both Marshall and U.S. Music Corp stated that the sale would result in more resources being poured into Eden. “We...
New School: Zander Zon
Zander Zon, who takes his name from the famed line of boutique bass guitars, follows the vein of solo bass. Employing piccolo strings and alternate tunings, the bassist builds thoughtful and challenging compositions as well as cool arrangements of popular tunes that have captured the imagination of YouTubers. What makes you new school? My focus as a musician is to...
Van Halen to Tour, Release New Album in 2012
Van Halen has released a new trailer announcing that the iconic rock band will be hitting the road in 2012. Though the dates have not yet been revealed, the teaser states tickets will be up for sale on January 10, 2012. The band has also signed with Interscope Records and is expected to release a new album in conjunction with...
Bass of the Week: Bootleg Guitars Dawg
Described as a “down and dirty,” no-frills bass, the Bootleg Guitars Dawg 4 bass gets its name from the Cleveland Browns’ Dawg Pound of which we assume luthier Jon Hill is a member. Hill, who is based in Cleveland, explains he designed the bass for the working musician. The 4-string version of the Dawg has a 34” scale and is...
In Memoriam: Jody Rainwater
Bluegrass legend Jody Rainwater has passed away at the age of 92. Born Charles Edward Johnson, the bassist was an early and influential member of the Foggy Mountain Boys, headed by Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt. Scruggs and Flatt formed the Foggy Mountain Boys in 1949 and originally turned to Rainwater to be their booking agent. When founding bassist Cedric...
The Crusaders, with Stanley Clarke and Larry Graham: Put It Where You Want It, Live (1983)
Here’s a little piece of bass history for you. At the Live Under the Sky Jazz Festival in 1983, the Crusaders were joined by bass legends Stanley Clarke and Larry Graham for an exciting version of “Put It Where You Want It.” After some showmanship between the two bassists, Clarke waves Crusaders bassist Brad Bobo to the front and the...
DR Strings Introduces New Dragon-Skin Strings
DR Strings has released Dragon-Skin Strings, their new line of clear coated bass and guitar strings. This line is said to have “less unwanted overtones, more volume, and greater articulation” than uncoated strings. The Dragon-Skin bass strings feature the company’s proprietary K3 coating applied to nickel plated steel wrap wire and are available in standard gauges in 4 and 5-string...