Sting Adds to “Back to Bass” Tour with European Dates
Following the success of his North American concerts, Sting has announced a European leg to his “Back to Bass” tour. As the title implies, Sting gets back to his roots and lays down the low-end on his vintage Fender while celebrating the 25th anniversary of his solo career. As such, the tour is also in support of his latest “25...
Bass of the Week: Maruszczyk Instruments Frog Omega Europe 5
This week we take a look at the Frog Omega Europe 5 bass from Maruszczyk Instruments, a custom instrument designed on the company’s Frog series. Built on an alder body, the bass a quilted maple theme, with the figured wood being used for the top, fingerboard, headstock, and pickup covers. The set-in neck is made of hard rock maple. The...
Ultra Low: An Interview with Jeroen Paul Thesseling
Jeroen Paul Thesseling is a bassist constantly pushing himself to new heights. The Amsterdam native picked up his first 4-string bass in his teens, eventually going on to study at the Conservatory at Enschede in the Netherlands. Though his studies were varied, his love for heavy music prevailed as he started his career with the death metal band Pestilence. After...
Dropkick Murphys Announce 2012 Tour Dates
The Dropkick Murphys, led by bassist/vocalist Ken Casey, have announced two months worth of tour dates beginning in late January in Europe and finishing March 24th in Washington, DC. The tour culminates in the Irish punk rockers’ annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, including two shows in Lowell, Massachusetts and the ShamrockFest in D.C. The band will also be releasing a...
Catherine Popper Leaves Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Catherine Popper has parted ways with the folk/blues rock-tinged group Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Popper, who joined the group in 2009, made the announcement on her Facebook page. “Hey everybody for the past two and a half years, [Grace Potter and the Nocturnals] has been my family away from my family. We’ve all grown so much together. So it’s...
Fear and the Nervous System Releases Debut Album, Featuring Billy Gould
Fear and the Nervous System, an experimental industrial metal band formed by Korn’s James Shaffer and Faith No More bassist Billy Gould, has released their self-titled debut album. The group also includes Repeater vocalist Steve Krolikowski, Bad Religion drummer Brooks Wackerman, guitarist Leopold Ross and keyboardist Zach Baird. Grounded by Gould’s gritty bass tone, the album project began as a...
Supergroup Rocket Juice and the Moon, Featuring Flea and Damon Albarn, Release Live Tracks
The group known as Rocket Juice and the Moon has uploaded seven songs from their debut performance at the Cork Jazz Festival. Consisting of Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, Blur/Gorillaz mastermind Damon Albarn, and Fela Kuti drummer Tony Allen this supergroup announced their union late last year. Their world-music influenced style draws heavily from the ’70s Afrobeat, especially as...
Zoom Upgrades Recorder Line with the H2n Handy Recorder
Zoom is now shipping their new H2n Handy Recorder, a device related to the company’s original H2 design. The H2n features five studio-quality mics, onboard with several modes to employ different micing techniques, including Mid-side, 90-degree X/Y stereo, 2-channel and 4-channel surround. This updated version has more controls added to the sides of the unit to streamline workflow. Zoom also...
Jens Ritter Unveils LaMarquis Jefferson Signature Bass, “The Bone”
German luthier Jens Ritter has just announced a new model to his Artist Series. The Bone was designed with bassist/producer LaMarquis Jefferson, whose credits include bass lines for OutKast, Goodie Mob, Society of Soul, TLC and more. “The Bone” features a German Alder body, a three-piece maple bolt-on neck, and a maple fingerboard, all decked out in white. THe Carrara...
King Mob, Featuring Glen Matlock, Release “Force 9”
King Mob, a new group featuring ex-Sex Pistol bassist Glen Matlock, has released their debut album, Force 9. The group is a departure from Matlock’s punk rock background, instead focusing on classic rock and roll and listing their influences as wide ranging as Duke Ellington and Jimmy Page. The band is filled out by drummer Pretenders drummer Martin Chambers, singer...
Gibson Releases Flying V Bass
In conjunction with the release of the new Explorer Bass, Gibson has introduced a new Flying V Bass. With a 30.5″ scale, the bass is a “mean and meaty” instrument that the company says perfect for players with shorter arms and hands, as well as beginners, students, and those more familiar with six-string guitar lengths. The Flying V body is...
Black Sabbath Reunites, Promises Album and World Tour in 2012
After many months of rumors, the original members of Black Sabbath have finally fessed up that they’ve reunited for a new album and world tour starting in 2012. The band made the announcement on today (11-11-11) with a press conference and YouTube video: Though bassist Geezer Butler dismissed rumors earlier this year, it appears he’s on board with the group...