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...
Billy Corgan Selects New Smashing Pumpkins Bassist
After holding an open audition for a bassist, Billy Corgan has announced that the new keeper of the low end in the Smashing Pumpkins will be Nicole Fiorentino. Nicole, who’s resume includes work with Spinnerette, Veruca Salt, and Radio Vago, announced on her Myspace page that she was the group’s newest member. According to her post, she will be “keeping...
Red Hot Chili Peppers to Begin Work on New Album
According to drummer Chad Smith, the Red Hot Chili Peppers will begin recording a new album in July. This will be their 10th studio album, following 2006’s Stadium Arcadium. “We have a lot of material, probably about 20 songs,” Smith told MusicRadar.com. “Pre-production will take a few months, but I’d say by July we’ll be laying down real tracks.” This...
Gear Watch: IK Amplitube iRig
IK Multimedia has announced the release of their newest and most portable product yet: The Amplitube iRig system for iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad. The system, which simulates amps and effects for both guitar and bass, consists of an instrument interface that connects your bass to your mobile device and the Amplitube for iPhone software. Then you simply plug the output of the...
Michael Manson Opens Musical Arts Institute
Michael Manson, a Grammy nominated R&B bassist who regularly tours with George Duke, has recently opened the Musical Arts Institute in Chicago, Illinois. The Institute, which is a “non-profit, community-minded organization,” is a center dedicated to music instruction and performance. The school has several music programs fit for both children and adults from all walks of life. Besides bass, private...
Primus Announces Summer Tour and Plans for New Album
Primus has announced they will be headlining a tour this summer for the first time in almost four years. The band, anchored by Les Claypool’s unique style, will be starting in Toronto in July and finishing up in Tempe, Arizona, with fall dates to be announced soon. The gypsy punks in Gogol Bordello will be supporting the trio for most...
Stanley Clarke Sets Release Date for New Album
Stanley Clarke has announced that he will release a new album under the title The Stanley Clarke Band on June 15, 2010. This will be the jazz legend’s 28th solo record. Joining Clarke on the album will be Japanese pianist Hiromi Uehara, keyboardist Ruslan Sirota, and drummer Ronald Bruner, Jr. Hiromi also appeared on Clarke’s last release, Jazz in the...
Mike Mills to Play Alex Chilton Memorial Concert
R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills will be among those playing a memorial concert to pay tribute to Alex Chilton, who passed away earlier this year. Mills cites Chilton, who sang for the influential 70’s band The Box Tops and Big Star, as a main influence. Chilton died of a heart attack, just before he was heading to Austin, Texas for the...