The Word Alive Bassist Quits; Band Seeking Replacement
Bassist Nick Urlacher has announced he is leaving metalcore act The Word Alive as a life change. “I’ve decided to leave The Word Alive my friends,” he wrote in an online statement. “I will miss all of our friends, family and fans I’ve had the utmost pleasure and honor to meet along my travels with The Word Alive. My life...
Anthony Jackson Working Again with Steve Khan
Six-string bass pioneer Anthony Jackson is working again with Steve Khan on the guitarist’s upcoming album, Parting Shot. The CD, due in March, features other veterans from Khan’s Eyewitness band including drummer Dennis Chambers and percussionist Manolo Badrena. Parting Shot will be a Latin jazz based album, which Jackson is no stranger to, thanks to his work with Michel Camilo...
Lester McFarland Bass Solo with Lloyd Jones
Here’s a sweet bass solo by Lester McFarland with blues guitarist Lloyd Jones from a late-’80s/ early-’90s cable access television show called “Kids for Kids.” Lester is rockin’ out on his old school S.D. Curlee bass while the band just grooves with him.
Jack Bruce Announces West Coast Dates with Tony Williams Lifetime Tribute Band
Jack Bruce has announced he will be performing with the Tony Williams Lifetime Tribute Band in January and February 2011. The group, which also features guitarist Vernon Reid, organist John Medeski and drummer Cindy Blackman, will be holding several day residencies in three major jazz venues in New York, Oakland, and Seattle. The group pays homage to the late Tony...
Alfred Expands Jazz Play-Along Series
Alfred has expanded on their Jazz Play-Along Series to include new volumes with books and play-along CDs tailored for bass clef instruments, and the entire rhythm section. The rhythm section editions contain written parts for bass, piano, and drums, and offers solo opportunities for those instruments. The publisher has also included an easy play-along series crafted for the novice improviser....
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...