Esperanza Spalding and Stanley Clarke Among 2011 Grammy Winning Bassists
It was another great year for bass players at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, held February 13 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The big win of the night came for Esperanza Spalding, who beat out Justin Bieber and others to be the first jazz artist in decades to win the Grammy for “Best New Artist.” Spalding called...
Fender Expands Rumble Bass Amplification Line
Fender has expanded their Rumble Bass amplification line with the inclusion of the Rumble 150 and 350 heads with supporting 1×12, 2×8, and 4×10 cabinets. The heads, rated at 150- and 350-watts respectively, feature built-in overdrive controls with Gain and Blend knobs as well as a 4-band EQ with Punch and Scoop switches. The amps also feature an XLR Line...
Rex Brown Leaves Arms of the Sun
Ex-Pantera bassist Rex Brown has issued a statement saying that he has parted ways with his latest project, Arms of the Sun. “To all the friends & fans, I have left the Arms of the Sun project,” the bassist shared. “I wish them well & Godspeed!!! Good luck brothers!!!” There is still no word of a replacement bassist for the...
Geezer Butler: No Black Sabbath Reunion for Original Members
The hopes for a full Black Sabbath reunion seem to have come to a halt, according to a post from bassist Geezer Butler. In a statement on his website, Butler wrote, “I would like to make it clear, because of mounting speculation and rumours, that there will be definitely NO reunion of all four original members of Black Sabbath, whether...
Warwick Unveils Star Bass II Single Cut
Warwick has announced the Star Bass II Single Cut bass, a modified version of their retro-styled Star Bass II. Available in either laminated Flamed Maple or Tigerwood, the hollow body bass features a set Flamed Maple neck and Wenge fingerboard. The new Single Cut also differs from its predecessor with the introduction of passive MEC humbuckers and passive MEC electronics....
Yes Announces Rite Of Spring U.S. Tour Dates
Anchored by Chris Squire, the veteran prog-rockers in Yes will be hitting the U.S. with a new string of tour dates. The “Rite of Spring Tour” starts March 6, 2011 at the House of Blues in Houston, Texas and works its way around the East Coast and Midwest before ending in Washington, DC on April 4, focusing on clubs and...
Motörhead Releases The Wörld is Yours
Motörhead has released The Wörld is Yours, the trio’s 28th album. Led by icon Lemmy Kilmister, the group is releasing the CD in celebration of their 35th anniversary, with the bassist/singer being the sole constant member. The new album is the follow-up to 2008’s Motorizer, and is also the first record to be released on their new Motörhead Music label....
Fodera Announces Mike Pope Signature Viceroy Bass
In addition to the new Yin Yang Standard Bass, Fodera was showing off their new Mike Pope Signature Viceroy at their NAMM booth. The 6-string bass has some very innovative features, including a removable fingerboard extension that’s held in by strong magnets. The extension allows for the bass to transition between 20 and 24-frets, which Pope explains makes a big...
Evan Marien Releases “Here We Are” EP
Evan Marien has just released his newest EP, Here We Are, a 5-track album of original material written and mostly performed by the bassist himself. Marien laid down bass, keys, vocals, and computer programming, while getting help from drummer Louis Cato and guitarist Iakov Kremenskly for the tune “Hill,” and drummer Dana Hawkins on “Bloke” and “OC.” The music is...
Les Claypool Talks New Bass, Primus European Tour
Les Claypool has finally revealed some clues about the new mystery bass he was sporting during Primus’ New Year’s Eve shows. “What I played at those shows was a semi-finished prototype bass that I designed and had built by my old pal Dan Maloney,” he wrote in a Primus update. Maloney is also responsible for building Claypool’s banjo bass, called...
Donny McCaslin Releases Perpetual Motion, Featuring Tim LeFebvre
Jazz saxophonist Donny McCaslin has released his ninth solo album, Perpetual Motion, featuring the electric bass talents of Tim LeFebvre. The 10-track album is full of odd meter grooves and rich harmonies, creating a very hip and modern vibe. LeFebvre’s bass really shines on “Firefly,” a tune that begins with an eerie bass solo that builds into the sax’s theme,...
Ibanez Announces TS9B Bass Tube Screamer Pedal
Ibanez expanded their 9 Series effects pedals this year with the introduction of the TS9B Bass Tube Screamer. Based on Ibanez’s already popular guitar version, the company says the Bass Tube Screamer retains the former’s mid-range character while keeping the low-end intact. The pedal is also built for simplicity, with controls including Level, Drive, Bass, Treble, and Mix. The mix...