Gear Watch: Epiphone Zenith Bass
Epiphone has released the new Zenith bass, an instrument that pays homage to the jazz guitar tradition. Available as fretted or “lined” fretless, the key to this bass is its unique NanoFlex and NanoMag pickup combination. Designed by Shadow Germany, the NanoFlex is fit underneath the saddle to sense the vibrations of the strings as well as the body. It...
Railroad Earth Announces Tour Dates
After recruiting Andrew Altman on bass earlier this year, Railroad Earth has announced their extensive tour dates for the spring and summer. The group will be based mostly on the east coast, with several festival dates, including Summer Camp, All Good, and FloydFest. Railroad Earth Tour Dates 2010: April 23 Asheville, NC— The Orange Peel April 24 Atlanta, GA—Variety Playhouse...
Gear Watch: Gruv Gear V-Cart Solo
Tired of hauling your rig over several trips from your car? Gruv Gear has introduced their new V-Cart Solo, a versatile cart designed for transporting heavy gear and equipment while staying ergonomic and maneuverable. Featuring a multi-position handle and sliding support arm, the V-Cart solo morphs into 3 configurations to fit your transportation needs. The modes include a 4-wheeled tilted...
Paul McCartney Breaks Ties With EMI
Former Fab-Four member Paul McCartney has broken his ties with EMI, the record company with which he has been associated for 50 years. Though the Beatles catalog is still in EMI’s control, McCartney has made a licensing deal with Concord Music Group to reissue his solo works, including his albums with Wings and various other projects. McCartney’s no stranger to...
Gear Watch: Kala uBass 2 and Solid Acacia Models
Kala Brand Music has increased it’s uBass line by adding the uBass 2 and Solid Acacia models. The uBass is an instrument that fuses the strings and sound of a bass with the shape and size of a ukulele. Both new models feature proprietary Polyurethane strings, a passive pickup system, a mahogany neck, and a Rosewood fingerboard with a matching...
Nikki Sixx Announces New SIXX: A.M Album, Talks About New Book
Nikki Sixx has announced that he is working on a new concept album with his trio, SIXX: A.M., which also features James Michael and D.J. Ashba. The group is “getting close” to deciding on the first single from what will be their sophomore album, and the follow up to their debut, The Heroin Diaries. According to his Myspace page, the...
Ben Allison Forced to Cancel European Tour
Bassist/composer Ben Allison has been forced to cancel his band’s European tour due to “massive flight cancellations” caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland. The trek, which was scheduled from today through April 24th, would have included stops in Italy, Spain, and Netherlands. The next scheduled appearance of the Ben Allison band is set for the Newport Jazz Festival in...
Mingus Big Band Release New Album With CD Release Party
The Mingus Big Band will be celebrating the release of their new album, Live at Jazz Standard with a CD release concert. The concert will also take place at Jazz Standard in New York City, on April 19th. The CD is released only three days before Charles Mingus’ 88th birthday, and was recorded on New Year’s Eve 2008/2009, which marked...
Jason Newsted’s Art to Be Exhibited in Gallery
Ever wonder what Jason Newsted has been up to lately? After leaving Metallica in 2001, the bassist has worked on various projects including EchoBrain and Voivod, but a shoulder injury in late 2006 brought about a new artistic outlet: painting. In a recent interview with Dunlop, Newsted explained that while he could not play he began to create visual art...
Gear Watch: Warwick Corvette NT Limited Edition 2010 Bass
Warwick has unveiled the Corvette NT “Neck-Through” Limited edition 2010 bass, which was designed to combine a modern ergonomic design and the tone of a vintage J-bass. The production of the bass is limited to 300 units. This Corvette’s body is made of light swamp ash with a dark ziricote top accompanied by a matching headstock. The back of the...
RIP Peter Steele
Type O Negative bassist and frontman Peter Steele has passed away at the age of 48. Though an autopsy has yet to be done, it seems Steele died of heart failure. A statement issued by his family said he “died suddenly Wednesday, April 14, 2010, after a short illness…” Steele’s passing has come as a shock to those around him....
Slipknot’s Paul Gray Joins Metal Supergroup HAIL!
Slipknot bassist Paul Gray will be filling in on bass with metal supergroup HAIL! on their upcoming European and Asian tour dates. The slot opened up after David Ellefson returned to Megadeth. Ellefson approves of his replacement. “I’ve known Paul for a long time and he’s just a great guy. Slipknot is huge and they have had an enormous impact...