Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 83

France’s Meta Guitars has a bass model called the Veil, which comes in long, medium, and short-scale versions. The unique body shape has an ethereal vibe, which the company gives a great description.

The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke tragically died of pancreatic cancer in 2023 at just 59 years old. Now his image has become part of an effort to raise awareness of the disease.

Cro-Mags bassist Harley Flanagan has had a remarkable career and an even crazier life. His wild story has been told in a new documentary called "Wired For Chaos."

Al Green has returned with a new single covering the R.E.M. classic “Everybody Hurts” with Leroy Hodges on bass. The soul legend poured his heart into the track with a full band and strings for a deep experience.

The Experience Hendrix Tour is returning for 2025 with an incredible list of musicians paying homage to the guitar icon. Kevin McCormick is returning to anchor the tour on bass.

In 1993, jazz piano virtuoso suffered a stroke that weakened his left side and put him out of commission. He would return to playing the next year. Part of his big return was captured in a new live album called “City Lights: The Oscar Peterson Quartet – Live in Munich, 1994.”

Marek Bero is back with a new set of exercises in his Bass Gym 101 series. The eleventh book in the line, “101 Position Exercises,” focuses on position exercises with a progressive series of lessons to get you all over the fingerboard.

Ron Carter shares his deep insights into music and humanity in his new book, "Ron Carter: The Smithsonian Interview."

Ernie Ball Music Man has refreshed the John Myung Artist Series Bongo 6 bass with two new finishes: Midnight Blue and Sunset Orange. The six-string bass, exclusive to the Ernie Ball Music Man Vault, was designed by the player himself and originally introduced in 2020.

This week, we’re checking out a wicked Vampyre NT bass from the Warwick Custom Shop. The bass’s instantly recognizable body shape was crafted from a swamp ash body with a one-inch AAA quilted maple top. Finished in a satin Midnight Blue, the axe has a dark and mysterious aura.

2025 is shaping up to be a big year for moe. The band has announced their 14th studio album, “Circle of Giants,” on January 31st. They’ve also announced a tour to coincide with the release, marking the group’s 35th anniversary.

KLOS Guitars launched their first bass back in 2021 with the Apollo. Now, the company has expanded its low-end lineup with the Apollo Custom lineup. The series features a wooden body with a carbon fiber neck in four-, five-, and six-string models.