Geddy Lee to judge Canada’s finest food
Rush bassist and lead singer Geddy Lee will be judging at the “Gold Medal Plates,” a Canadian chef cook-off, today in Toronto. Gold Medal Plates is self-described as the “ultimate celebration of Canadian Excellence in cuisine, wine, entertainment, and athletic achievement.” Founded in 2003, the organization’s goal is to raise money for Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes. So far, the...
Ike Sturm: Jazz Mass
Bassist Ike Sturm has released his new album, Jazz Mass. Sturm composed and arranged Jazz Mass for voices, strings, and jazz septet, resulting in a unique blend of textures. “I have always loved the emotional heights and depths that can be revealed through voices and strings,” Sturm says. “To hear these sounds combine with some of my favorite improvisers is...
Sublime bassist Eric Wilson loses courtroom battle
Sublime’s bass player, Eric Wilson, has lost a legal battle with the estate of Brad Nowell, the band’s singer, over the rights to use the band’s name. For the years after Brad’s untimely passing in 1996, the surviving members performed in a group they formed called the Long Beach Dub All Stars, but recently they decided to return to the...
Lindsey Horner’s next album can have your name on it
Jazz bassist Lindsey Horner, who has played with artists such as Greg Osby, Bill Frisell, and Bobby Previte, is in the process of recording his next project, Undiscovered Country. The unique part about this recording is that he is working through the business model supplied by ArtistShare, which allows for fans to participate in and watch the creative process by...
Gear Watch: Batt-O-Meter
Ever worried about the life left in the batteries for your active pickups or your favorite effects pedal just before a gig? Keith McMillen Instruments has introduced the Batt-O-Meter, a battery tester designed for musicians to solve that problem. The tester, which plugs into a 1/4″ jack input, can be used to check the voltage of your battery and even...
System of a Down bassist releases new project single
System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian is set to release a single from his new group Achozen, which is a collaboration with Wu-Tang Clan member The RZA. The single, “Salute/Sacrifice,” will be released today through his web site, urSession.com. Achozen is a heavy hip-hop group that also features members Kinetic 9 and Reverend William Burke. Of the upcoming album,...
Jazz legend Ron Carter gives intimate clinic
On November 4th, the virtuosic jazz bassist Ron Carter presented a clinic entitled “All Alone” to a sold out crowd. The one-night only workshop was held at David Gage’s String Instruments shop located in NYC. Mr. Carter played some, and then covered topics ranging from gig preparation to working with other musicians and amps, as well as taking questions from...
RIP Mark Smith
British bassist and record producer Mark Smith, who has performed and recorded with The Waterboys, Roxy Music, Robbie Williams, George Michael, and many others was found dead at his home in the Battersea district of London on November 2, 2009. A band mate found his body, after Smith did not show up to a gig. Smith regularly played with the...
Gov’t Mule Releases Album Featuring New Bassist
Southern rock jam band Gov’t Mule has released their first new studio album in three years, , which features the latest addition to the group: bassist Jorgen Carlsson. Jorgen, who grew up in Sweden, lives in Los Angeles where he has been a studio owner and musician. He has also formerly played in the band “Low Millions.” Jorgen replaced Andy...