Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 816

Empress Effects has just released a new phaser pedal that features an all-analog signal path that is controlled by a microprocessor, giving analog tone with digital control and adaptability. This allows for the classic sounds you’re used to, but its groundbreaking auto modes (envelope filtering, audio-triggered sweeps, rhythms and direct control) are what make it stand out. The Empress Phaser...

Here’s a clip from 1990 of Rob Wasserman and Bob Weir on the show “Nightmusic”, performing “Victim or the Crime.” Check out Rob’s 6-string electric upright!

Bullet For My Valentine bassist Jason James will be sitting out for a portion of the band’s current tour. The band issued a statement this week: “The band regrets to inform you that Jason James [bass] will be taking time off from the current North American tour. He has to take some time to attend to a family matter starting...

Manson’s Guitar Shop has announced ex-Led Zeppelin/ Them Crooked Vultures bassist John Paul Jones will be a special guest at their 16th annual guitar show, set for October 23 and 24th, 2010 at the Riverside Leisure Centre in Exeter, England. Jones has a long standing with company owner Hugh Manson, who just released a signature model for JPJ based on...

A new edition of The Who’s Live at Leeds album will include an unreleased performance from Hull City Hall in February 1970. As it turns out, the Hull concert was set to be the band’s actual release, with the now legendary concert at Leeds University acting as a backup live recording. Unfortunately, John Entwistle’s bass track was missing from the...

TASCAM has unveiled the world’s first solar-powered tuner, the TC-1S. The tuner, which comes in six colors, runs on a battery charged by a bank of solar cells, but a USB input is included to quickly charge up in case you’re in the dark. A strap and clip are built on to the shockproof silicon cover so you can keep...

The contemporary jazz band Yellowjackets have just signed to Mack Avenue Records, and will be making their label debut in 2011 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their first album. The release will be their 21st studio album, following 2008’s Lifecycle. The current band lineup includes founding member and bassist Jimmy Haslip, keyboardist Russell Ferrante, drummer Will Kennedy and saxophonist...

Here’s a clip of Tony Franklin playing one of his original songs at Bass Bash in 2006, accompanied by guitarist Greg Koch and drummer John Calarco.

A trailer for Lemmy: The Movie has been released as plans for the official movie release are still being worked out. The documentary, which follows the story and life of Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister, was premiered earlier this year at the South by Southwest Festival, and has only had a handful of screenings since. The film is directed and produced...

EWS has released their newest bass pedal, the Bass Mid Control. The aptly titled box controls the mid frequencies with an EQ that is adjustable between 120Hz-3kHz. The EWS BMC lets you cut or boost by +/- 12dB to shape your sound in the ever important mid range. The pedal can be powered by a 9-volt battery as well as...

Incubus bassist Ben Kenney released his fourth solo LP on Friday, via his own label, Ghetto Crush Industries. Burn the Tapes is a true show of self-reliance, as Kenney plays bass, guitar, drums, and sings, not to mention producing and engineering the album. The release also includes a DVD containing skits, fan questions, and live performances. The first 500 copies...

Here’s a clip of Jason Newsted during his time with Metallica from the Cunning Stunts DVD. Jason starts with a little bass solo doodle before he is joined by guitarist Kirk Hammett on duet renditions of the songs “My Friend of Misery,” “Sanitarium,” and finally “Nothing Else Matters.”