Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 788

Bassist Alex Bershadsky has released his latest solo effort, Anonymous. The 8-track album is full of Bershadsky’s fusion compositions, with heavy influences from jazz, funk, and R&B. The final two tracks are his arrangements of the traditional song “Ma’oz Tzur,” on which he plays solo bass, and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The band on the album proves its versatility...

Peter Hook’s The Light has released their debut 4-track EP on the bassist’s Hacienda Records label. 1102/2011 includes the group covering classic Joy Division songs, including a first ever recording of the previously unfinished song “Pictures in My Mind.” The song was discovered on a recovered rehearsal tape stolen from the band in 1977. Hook, who was the original Joy...

Jan Östlund sent us this video of Von Thord playing their tune, “Wedding Night”. The duo, made up of David Werthén and John Bergion, say, “this is what the cello and bass were built for wood beating in HD.” We agree.

Bootsy Collins has announced the “Funk Capital of the World Tour,” including 27 dates spread between the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The trek is in support of the funk bassist’s latest solo album, Tha Funk Capital of the World, with which Collins pays tribute to the musical legends that have inspired and affected him. The funk bass icon has also...

Glenn Hughes’ autobiography, Deep Purple & Beyond: Scenes from the Life of a Rock Star, is now available. In the book, the ex-Deep Purple bassist and current Black Country Communion member recounts his turbulent years from rising to fame and wild parties to cocaine and crack addiction and his eventual recovery. “I’ve been working on this book for the last...

Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill weighed in on the band’s current state and future plans in a recent interview with Metal Hammer Germany. The group, who recently announced their “farewell” Epitaph tour, also lost founding member K.K. Downing. The guitarist cited “an ongoing breakdown in working relationship” for his departure. “We have done everything to persuade Ken to continue, but...

Rotosound have expanded their Swing Bass line of strings to include a set of 45-100 gauge nickel strings. The company says the new set of nickel strings have a more muted and smoother tone than its stainless steel brethren, which make up most of the Swing Bass series, and that they offer a softer feel. As with the rest of...

Gov’t Mule frontman Warren Haynes has released a new soulful solo album, Man in Motion. For the project, Haynes explains he made a “wishlist” of band members, including the Meters’ George Porter Jr. on bass. The legendary New Orleans bassist’s groove permeates the album’s 10 soul-laden tracks, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the group. Besides the Meters...

LeCompte Electric Basses has announced the Charlie Padilla Maqueo Signature Model, available in 4-, 5-, and 6-string versions. The single cutaway bass features solid body construction with a choice of woods and a slim, 24-fret set-neck. Standard features include a Nordstrand pickups, Hipshot hardware and a satin finish. Charlie Padilla Maqueo is the bassist for the Mexican rock band ELAN,...

Stu Hamm shared this new video of Gretchen Menn’s “Oleo Strut”, where he lays down a solid groove with drummer John Mader. Stu really lets it rip at the 1:30 mark when he trades some smokin’ solos with the guitarist.

Gibson has released another short scale bass this year, following the announcement of the short scale Thunderbird. The new LP Junior DC Bass features a 30.5” scale, which the company explains is perfect for players with shorter arms and smaller hands. Designed to mix elements of the Les Paul Junior guitar and the 1960 EB-0 bass, the body is solid...

Esperanza Spalding has sparked people’s imaginations, but she’s not the only one who can sing and play bass. Here’s a clip of 20-year old Kate Davis showing what multi-tasking is all about. The performance is from a gig at Jimmy Mak’s in Portland, Oregon in 2008.