Gear Watch: Pro Tone Pedals Blasko Bass Overdrive Pedal
Pro Tone Pedals has teamed up with metal bassist Blasko to produce the Blasko Bass Overdrive Pedal. The pedal is designed to be tonally versatile, which is “something Blasko needs as he rips through rock anthems as well as ballads onstage with Ozzy Osbourne.” The Blasko pedal, which is hand made in the USA, has a Baxandall EQ, and features...
NPR’s Carrie Brownstein Announces Bass Solo Contest
Carrie Brownstein, former guitarist for Sleater-Kinney, has announced a bass solo contest on her NPR Blog, Monitor Mix. After receiving bass solos on her voicemail from her friend, she thought “If one bass solo could make my day, how would I feel after hearing 10 bass solos, or 20? More importantly, how would you feel? I bet you would feel...
Marcus Miller Extends “Tutu Revisited” Tour to the US
After taking his tour of “Tutu Revisited” through Europe and Japan, bassist Marcus Miller will be bringing his show to the US this summer. Miller will be hitting up the east and west coasts in nine dates, beginning in Georgia at the Atlanta Jazz Festival on May 29th. “Tutu Revisited” refers to Miles Davis’ 1986 album, Tutu, which Miller played...
Gear Watch: Morley Mini Wah and Mini Volume Pedals
In response to complaints about the amount of space wah and volume pedals take up on pedalboards, Morley has released new, smaller scale versions of their respective effects boxes. The Morley Mini Wah and Volume pedals measure 6.75” in length, 4.5” wide and 2.75” in height. The Morley Mini Wah features an On/Off switch and a wah level control. The...
Hot Tuna Release “Live at the New Orleans House Berkeley, CA Sept 69”
Hot Tuna, the band formed by bassist Jack Casady and guitarist Jorma Kaukonen as a side project from Jefferson Airplane, has released Live at the New Orleans House Berkeley CA Sept 69. The album is compiled from a multi-night engagement at the New Orleans House in 1969, mere months after they formed the group. Recordings from the same performances were...
Chickenfoot Working On New Album
Rock supergroup Chickenfoot, featuring ex-Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, have announced that they have begun work on their second album, with plans to finish it up early next year for a Spring 2011 release. This comes only a couple weeks after the release of their concert DVD, Get Your Buzz on Live. The quartet had a productive recording session before...
Gear Watch: Warwick Just-a-Nut III Brass
Warwick has released the Just-A-Nut III Brass model to their line of bass hardware. It’s a nut which builds on the Just-A-Nut series by using high quality bell brass to improve stability and minimize long-term wear. As with the others in the line, the Brass model allows for precise adjustments to the nut’s height. The Just-A-Nut III Brass model will...
Bachman and Turner Give Sneak Peek of New Music
Bachman and Turner, who reunited late last year, have made two new tracks available to their online fans. This marks their first new release together in 20 years. “I’m thrilled to be working on new music with Fred [Turner] and feel a sense of excitement and anticipation,” guitarist Randy Bachman stated. “I feel like I’m coming full circle with a...
Carole King and James Taylor Release Features Leland Sklar
Carole King and James Taylor have recently released a live CD/DVD combo album, Live At The Troubadour. The 2007 performance was part of a 50th anniversary celebration of the venue, but also marked 36 years since King and Taylor played at the Troubadour together. “The Troubadour in 1971 wasn’t the beginning, but it was a big step into the light...
Ken Casey of Dropkick Murphys Gives Back With Claddagh Fund
Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys has created a nonprofit organization called the Claddagh Fund, to help raise money for organizations helping needy children, veterans and their families, and alcohol and substance abuse recovery. Though it was only recently started, the fund has already raised nearly $200,000 with three events including a family skating session at Fenway Park. One of...
Carlos D leaves Interpol
In a post on Interpol’s website, the indie rockers recently announced that bassist Carlos D would be leaving the band. The band has just finished up a new album and explained that “This separation is amicable, and we whole-heartedly wish him great happiness and success. We will remain, as always, deeply respectful fans of this blazingly talented individual.” According to...
Low Notes For Nashville Founded to Aid Flood Recovery
The recent flash floods in the Southeast have wreaked havoc on Nashville, Tennessee. Damage from this natural disaster has been dealt to nearly every member of the music community in the city, and even landmarks such as the Grand Ole Opry are underwater. To bring relief to those musicians who lost their instruments, gear, and even homes, Sean O’Bryan Smith...