Mike Portnoy’s New Band Announces Debut Album, Featuring Dave LaRue
Flying Colors, a new band consisting of ex-Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, Dixie Dregs bassist Dave LaRue, guitarist Steve Morse, keyboardist Neal Morse and vocalist Casey McPherson, have announced details of their self-titled debut album, set for a March 27th, 2012 release. The band utilizes elements from each member’s experience and background, according to Portnoy. “This album has bits and...
Godlyke Unveils Voltage Converter and Ground Isolator
Godlyke has introduced a pair of new power accessories- the Iso-Pump Voltage Converter and the Ground Hound Ground Isolator. The new gadgets will be debuting at the NAMM Show. The company’s GH-1 Ground Hound takes care of grounding issues by creating an isolated ground connection for effects devices. In addition to fixing ground loops, reducing line noise and reducing cross-talk...
Höfner Reissues Updated Shorty Bass
Höfner has reintroduced the Shorty Bass, a model they ran in the 1980’s featuring an extremely short scale and body. The updated version bumps the scale up from 28″ to 30″ for easier playability, as well as utilizing better string spacing, similar to that found on their trademark Violin Bass. Available in black, the Shorty Bass has a basswood body,...
Ritter Instruments Introduces R8-Singlecut Bass
Jens Ritter has introduced the R8-Singlecut, a new design featuring a single cutaway and bolt-on construction. The new instrument also introduces the luthier’s new C-3-S electronics, an active/passive switchable 3-Band EQ with custom adjustable frequencies and integrated boost, all controllable by the bassist. The new model was debuted with four pieces, and though each has different woods and finishes, there...
GoGo Tuners Release First Pedal Tuner
GoGo Tuners has expanded their lineup with the debut of The GoGo, the brand’s first pedal tuner. Housed in a metal chassis, the stompbox is colored the orange for better visibility on dark stages. The large, high-definition display follows the company’s signature “Green you’re in, Red you’re Out,” meaning that the display turns green when you’re in tune. The GoGo...
Craig Butterfield: Charlie Parker’s “Donna Lee” on Double Bass
Charlie Parker’s “Donna Lee” is just one of those tunes that act as a benchmark for skill. Ever since Jaco’s take on it from his debut album, bassists have been giving it a shot. Here’s a mind-blowing version by University of South Carolina double bass professor Craig Butterfield, playing along with Parker’s original recording. Not only does he nail the...
IK Multimedia to Introduce iRig STOMP at NAMM Show
IK Multimedia will be showing off their new iRig STOMP at NAMM, which the company says is the first stompbox interface for iOS devices. Based on the Amplitube iRig, the interface is compatible with any iOS instrument app and can be used inline with other effects or sent direct to a PA system. The iRig STOMP features an aluminum-cast housing...
Lairat to Unveil Sirya Model at NAMM
Luthier Paul Lairat will be debuting a new model at the NAMM Show, named the Sirya. The radically designed body incorporates five types of wood, as the sides are made of walnut, mahogany, maple and ebony while the body itself can be either wenge, maple and mahogany or maple, walnut and mahogany. The laminate neck then contains four types of...
Birsen Tezer with Bassist Mümtaz Solmaz: De?irmenler
Here’s one to chill out to on a Saturday afternoon (or whatever time you’re watching this). This video features Turkish singer Birsen Tezer performing “De?irmenler”. Bassist Mümtaz Solmaz sets up the groove with some high-register playing, then takes a solo at the 2:34 mark.
New School: Sylvain “Sly” Audet
After picking up on some of Victor Wooten’s techniques, Sylvain “Sly” Audet slowly began his own style. While experimenting with double thumbing, the Canadian bassist began what he calls thumbpicking. Audet also incorporates a Kahler tremolo bridge in for some cool effects. Not relegated to being a sideman, Audet has released his own CD, with half of the proceeds going...
Stanley Clarke Band, Featuring Hiromi: Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
Not one to bow to standards, Stanley Clarke and his band made a funked up version of the typically solemn Mingus tune “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat,” which was originally written in memory of saxophonist Lester Young. This clip was taken from the Heineken Jazzaldia in 2010 and features world-class pianist Hiromi, drummer Ronald Bruner Jr. and keyboardist Ruslan Sirota.
Bass of the Week: Laurus T900-XR
This week we’re taking a look at the Laurus Quasar T900-XR, a bass that takes a step away from the norm without losing its style and sensibility. Hand-made in Italy, the T900-XR is available in 4, 5, and 6-string models as well as fretted or fretless. One of the bass’s most identifiable features is it’s unique headstock and “end of...