Bass of the Week: Kenneth Lawrence “Joust” 11-string ChamberBrase I
The world of extended-range basses has taken off over the last few years, and if you’ve ever searched for the term “bass” on YouTube, you’ve likely seen this week’s bass of the week: the Kenneth Lawrence “Joust” 11-string ChamberBrase I, built for Nuclear Rabbit and solo bassist Jean Baudin. A customization of Lawrence’s models, the bass features a chambered North...
Fuzzrocious Pedals Releases the Terrordactyl
Fuzzrocious Pedals has released the Terrordactyl, a fuzz that feeds into an envelope filter all in one stompbox. The pedal’s three controls include volume, envelope level, and envelope range. For further control, they included an expression pedal output to adjust the envelope’s range on the fly. The Terrordactyl features true bypass and is powered by a “Boss”-style 9 volt adapter....
The Brothers Johnson: Ain’t We Funkin’ Now, Live on Soul Train
Well, maybe “live” is used loosely here since it’s lip-syncing on Soul Train, but there’s no doubt the Brothers Johnson are funkin’ on this episode, originally aired on August 26, 1978. Slap-bass pioneer Louis Johnson can be seen with an early Music Man StingRay, and gets some time to shine at the 2:46 mark.
Donald Harrison Releases This is Jazz, Featuring Ron Carter and Billy Cobham
Donald Harrison has released This is Jazz, his second effort on the Half Note label with master bassist Ron Carter and drummer Billy Cobham. The six-track album is cultivated from a set by the seasoned trio at New York’s Blue Note club. Carter, who is lauded as one of the most recorded bassists in with over 2,500 albums under his...
Roger Glover Releases “If Life Was Easy”
Deep Purple’s Roger Glover has released his fifth solo album called If Life Was Easy. The bassist wrote or cowrote all of the 16 tracks, which was reportedly recorded in 2007 and features his daughter Gillian among others. Glover, who is about to tour Europe with Deep Purple, says the eclectic mix of songs are reflections on his recent life....
Gretsch Revamps Electromatic Junior Jet Basses
Gretsch will launch revamped versions of their Electromatic range of instruments this month, including the Jet Junior and Jet Junior II basses. Updates to the series include improved pickups, inlays, and more. Both the Junior Jet and Junior Jet II basses feature bolt-on construction with a short 30.3″ scale, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard and 20 medium jumbo frets. Hardware on...
A Taste of Honey: Boogie Oogie Oogie (1978)
Like it or not, disco produced some great bass lines. Jeff Kerestes shared this music video of A Taste of Honey, featuring bassist/vocalist Janice-Marie Johnson, on our Facebook page. The song, “Boogie Oogie Oogie,” is a classic example of groovy bass from the ’70s. “I just came across this video,” Jeff said. “Classic bass line! Great female bass player.” Agreed!
In Memoriam: Laurie McAllister
Laurie McAllister, who played bass in the final lineup of the iconic all-girl rock band the Runaways, has passed away at the age of 54. McAllister joined the Runaways in November 1978, replacing Victory Blue and becoming the 6th bassist in the band’s four year history. On her Facebook page, she listed her time in the band as the “Best...
Pat Metheny: Bright Size Life, Live with Richard Bona
Here’s some incredible fretless playing by Richard Bona with the Pat Metheny Group in the mid-2000’s. Bona pays his respects to Jaco, who played on the original take, while adding his own flair and chops to the tune.
Reverend Guitars’ Thundergun Bass Now Available in Three Colors
Reverend Guitars has announced their Thundergun model is now available in three colors: Wine Red, Vintage Clear, and Black. Besides a striking body design and reverse headstock, the set-neck bass features a raised center ridge for added sustain. Reverend designed the bass for “old school tone, but with modern punch,” explaining that their Thick Brick bridge pickup brings out cutting...
Kyle Eastwood Releases “Songs From the Chateau”
Kyle Eastwood has released his fifth solo album, Songs from the Chateau. The nine-track collection pays homage to France, where he spends his time while not living in Los Angeles, and was recorded in Chateau Couronneau, a 15th century chateau in Ligueux. Eastwood, who doubles on electric and upright, has kept a steady band in a genre where artists often...
Jeff Berlin to Tour in New All-Star Fusion Trio
Jeff Berlin will part of an all-star jazz fusion trio set to tour the East Coast in September. Filled out by guitarist Scott Henderson and drummer Mike Clark, the group starts in Sellersville, Pennsylvania before snaking up the coast then west to Ohio and ending in Chicago, Illinois on October 2nd. Berlin, who describes the group as the “Clapton-Bruce-Baker of...