Rufus Reid Debuting New Orchestral Work In 2011
Over the summer, Rufus Reid attended a workshop at Columbia University called the Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute, which he later recalled the highlight of his year that far. After proving time and again his mastery of writing for the small ensemble, Reid decided it was time to build his large ensemble composition chops. The workshop was so successful for him...
Gear Watch: LeCompte Chewy Linton Signature Bass
LeCompte Basses has introduced their first signature model bass, the “Chewy Linton.” Chewy Linton is the bassist for the Austin, Texas-based band, Ember, who released their major label debut earlier this year. Linton describes the bass as somewhat of a mix of a Spector NS and the Warwick Thumb, explaining there were features of each he loved but when combined...
Gear Watch: M Basses Mj-4 and Mj-5
M Basses has officially released their Mj-4 and Mj-5 models, which are 4 and 5-string versions of a “vintage-inspired” bass with customizable features. The M bass body comes standard with a choice of either a swamp ash or alder body, maple neck and an Indian rosewood fingerboard. The Mj-4 carries 20 frets while the 5-string has 21, though both have...
Motorhead Announces 35th Anniversary Tour Dates
Motorhead has announced an expansive new tour for early 2011 that will weave through North America from the end of January through March. The 27-date tour will mark the band’s 35th anniversary, during which time bassist/vocalist Lemmy Kilmister has been the sole constant member. The trek will also be in support of their upcoming album, The World is Yours, set...
Victor Wooten: Live Looper Solo Bass Performance
Here’s another brilliant performance by Victor Wooten, who recently stopped by EMG Headquarters to try out their new JVX pickups for this demo. The man knows how to use a looper!
Gear Watch: Carl Martin Pro Power
Carl Martin has released their Pro Power power supply, designed for versatile power distribution for pedals. Starting with an input that is switchable between 110V and 230V for international adaptability, the power is split into 8 individual isolated and regulated outputs. Output levels can then be set to 9V at 150mA or 12V at 110mA, with the 7th and 8th...
Lee Rocker to Join Cast of “Million Dollar Quartet”
Former Stray Cats bassist Lee Rocker will be joining the cast of the Broadway show “Million Dollar Quartet”, portraying Jay Perkins for twelve shows, from January 21st through the 31st, 2011. The musical is inspired by the recording sessions of December 4, 1956 in the Sun Record Studios, which included a jam session among Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl...
Phil Palombi Recording Album with Scott LaFaro’s 1825 Prescott Bass
Jazz bassist Phil Palombi was given the opportunity of a lifetime. For a week, he was able to borrow Scott LaFaro’s 1825 Prescott bass to record a tribute album to the groundbreaking player. Palombi, who is an expert on LaFaro, realized there has not been a tribute album to the late bassist and decided to make one with Don Friedman...
2011 Stanley Clarke Scholarship Finals Announced
The Stanley Clarke Foundation has announced the finalists’ concert for the 2011 Stanley Clarke Scholarship, which takes place at the Musicians Institute concert hall in Hollywood California. The event, set for January 8, awards a $12,000 scholarship to the top two Los Angeles high school performers, as deemed by Clarke a panel of music industry judges. An onstage jam session...
Gear Watch: Plush Jersey Thunder Pedal Sneak Preview
Fuchs Audio has announced a new pedal is joining their Plush FX line. The Jersey Thunder is a gain boost and EQ pedal, designed for bass. The pedal features just two knobs: a gain control and a variable EQ control. A three-position switch provides a straight gain boost and two unique bass EQ curves, which are adjustable by the EQ...
Haste The Day Announces Farewell Tour
Haste the Day bassist Mike Murphy recently announced that the band would be parting ways, after a 10-year run. “There are many reasons why Haste The Day is ending,” he explained. “However, we mainly feel as though we have created the best music we can and believe it is now time for us to move on to the next stage...
Gear Watch: Nordstrand Releases NM4 Mustang Bass Replacement Pickup
Nordstrand Pickups has released the NM4, a replacement pickup for the Fender Mustang Bass. The pickup is a direct replacement size for the original and utilizes Nordstrand’s angled pole piece technology. The company claims that this “tiny pickup” is designed to produce a fat full tone from a Mustang, which is a short scale bass. The package does not include...