Markbass Announces MB Octaver
Markbass has announced their new MB Octaver, an analog octave pedal built to add extra bottom end to your sound. It features separate level controls for each octave as well as your dry signal for you to mix your played pitch with one and/or two octaves down. For more, check out the Markbass website. MB Octaver Specs: Input: 1/4″ Input...
An Exclusive Interview with Stu Hamm
Stu Hamm is a name synonymous with instrumental rock bass, but what you may not know is that the bassist himself has a very rich musical background, with interests spanning just about every genre and time period. Hamm recently unveiled proof of his diversity as well as his playing and compositional talents on his sixth solo album, Just Outside of...
B.C. Rich Introduces Warlock Revenge Bass
The metal-inspired instrument makers at B.C. Rich have introduced the Warlock Revenge bass, which they describe as a flat-top version of their iconic Warlock design. The bass features a basswood body, maple neck, and the company’s trademark Widow headstock. It also has a single B.C. Rich Humbucker with a volume and a tone knob. The B.C. Rich Warlock Revenge Bass...
Victor Wooten Releases “A Show Of Hands 15”
Victor Wooten has released A Show of Hands 15, a re-mastered version of his groundbreaking debut solo effort. In addition to 16 original tracks, the 15th anniversary record also includes three bonus songs: two with longtime drummer JD Blair and one unedited tune entitled “Live Solo #2.” The package is available in several varieties, including signed copies and vinyl LP’s,...
Primus Announces U.S. Spring Tour Dates
Les Claypool and Primus have announced a new spring U.S. tour in support of their upcoming album, the band’s first studio release in 11 years. “The album will come out in late spring/early summer,” an update from the band explains, “so expect to hear a whole batch of new songs this tour.” The trek will focus on taking the trio...
Tom Hamilton Auctions Bass Lesson For Charity
Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton is auctioning a 1-hour bass lesson through the website CharityBuzz.com. The auction is set to raise money for the Music and Youth Initiative, which works toward making after-school programs to reach underserved urban youth. The classic rock low-ender, who co-wrote many of the Aerosmith’s hits including his epic bass line to “Sweet Emotion,” is also a...
RIP Mark Adams
Mark Adams, the bassist from the popular ’70’s Ohio funk band Slave, has passed away. Adams, who co-wrote the band’s first hit “Slide,” was an influence to many budding bassists. Anthony Wellington shared his thoughts: “My very first bass hero/idol Mark Adams (Mr. Mark) died last night,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “I remember being inspired by the song...
Chris Tarry Releases “Rest of the Story”
Chris Tarry has released his latest project, Rest of the Story, a multi-media composition including a 100 page book and CD. The Canadian-born jazz bassist is also a writer, and the book includes his short stories as well as unique art. That’s not to say the music is a side-note, as the nine-track album is full of Tarry’s original compositions....
Markbass Announces Ground Stereo Pre Preamp and BAS 121 Lites Cabinets
The list 2011 line of new Markbass gear continues with the introduction of the Ground Stereo Pre preamp and BAS-121 Lite powered cabinets. Ground Stereo Pre Preamp Markbass teamed up with endorser Alain Caron to design the components of a new rig, resulting in the Ground Stereo Pre and BAS-121 Lite powered cabinets. The Ground Stereo Pre is Caron’s signature...
Evan Brewer: One Bassist, Two Basses
Here’s a clip of Evan Brewer tapping out an original tune on two basses. The song is the third track from his upcoming solo bass CD. Thanks to Shannon Buck for sharing this with us!
Jack Bruce Releases “Live at the Milky Way”
Jack Bruce and the Cuicoland Express’s Live at the Milky Way has been released by EMI and is now available worldwide. The 2-disc album comes from a 2001 performance at The Melkweg in Amsterdam. Bruce’s band, the Cuicoland Express, included guitarist Vernon Reid, Bernie Worrell on organ, drummers Robby Ameen and Horacio Hernandez, and Richie Flores on Congas. Hardcore Jack...
Esperanza Spalding and Bobby McFerrin Duet at Grammys
Here’s an electrifying clip of Best New Artist Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding with vocal phenom Bobby McFerrin performing at the Grammy pre-telecast ceremony, which they co-hosted. Esperanza’s playing is a great mix of jazzy and funky, and McFerrin deserves bonus points for picking up the bass line while she takes a solo halfway through.