Mastodon Releases “Once More ’Round the Sun”
Mastodon’s latest album, , is a progression from its last, bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders said in an interview earlier this year with Paste. “A lot of people ask us if it kicks off where The Hunter left off,” he said. “And to a large degree, I suppose yes.” The record also focuses on cycles, like those of loss and rebirth, all...
The Band’s 1976 Carter Barron Amphitheater Concert Released
If your only exposure to a live performance by The Band is the amazing concert film The Last Waltz, you might want to check out , which captures the original group in its final year, but in a much different kind of venue. The Band: Carter Barron Amphitheater, Washington, D.C. July 17, 1976, reveals a group playing before a crowd...
Hal Leonard Releases Updated and Expanded “Bass Handbook”
Originally published in 2006, Adrian Ashton’s has been updated and expanded in a new edition published by Hal Leonard. Featuring a forward by John Paul Jones, the 272-page book presents not only a history of the electric bass and information on how to buy a bass and all associated equipment, but also all the basics of reading music (tab and...
Keith Jarrett and Charlie Haden Team Up for “Last Dance”
The jazz duo of Keith Jarrett and Charlie Haden have built upon the success of their 2010 record, Jasmine, with the love songs and standards collection, . Double bassist Haden and pianist Jarrett had a close musical partnership through the mid-1970s, and Last Dance – recorded at Jarrett’s home studio – keeps their shows that their reunion has stuck. Love...
Joshua Redman Taps Matt Penman and Reuben Rogers for “Trios Live”
Sax player and bandleader Joshua Redman’s latest 7-song set, , combines two live jazz club performances of two of this trios – distinguished by the presence of a different bass player in each. The performances captured at Jazz Standard in New York City feature bassist Matt Penman, while the music from Blues Alley in Washington, D.C. features Reuben Rogers. Both...
Hiromi Releases “Alive”, Featuring Anthony Jackson
Pianist/composer Hiromi’s ninth album, , marks the return of her trio project, with contrabassist Anthony Jackson and drummer Simon Phillips. This is the third album for the trio, following the 2011 release Voice and the 2013 release, Move. For Hiromi, the album’s title has two meanings — one is related to the experience of living. The other is about playing...
Hal Leonard Releases “Best Bass Lines Ever” Bass Play-Along Volume
Hal Leonard has extended their “Bass Play-Along” series with the release of . As with all books in the Bass Play-Along series, Best Bass Lines Ever features tab, song audio and backing tracks. The paperback edition comes with access to download/streaming audio to help you along. Transcriptions include Rush’s “YYZ”, Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” Muse’s “Hysteria,” Yes’ “Roundabout,” Guns ’N...
Arch Enemy Releases “War Eternal”
While the lead singer and one guitarist in Swedish death metal band Arch Enemy are new for the latest record, , bass player Sharlee D’Angelo continues to provide the low end for the group. Arch Enemy founder/guitarist Michael Arnott is plenty excited about this album and the lineup. “There are a lot of details in this album that excite me...
Royal Southern Brotherhood Releases “heartsoulblood”
New blues-rock sounds are coming forth from Royal Southern Brotherhood, which has released its second studio album, . Coming after two years after the band’s 2012 debut album, heartsoulblood, featuring Charlie Wooton on bass, reveals a band that has grown tighter than ever. The record features not only rockers, but also soul sounds, and even a song all about —...
Umphrey’s McGee Releases “Similar Skin”
So you want to know how much Umphrey’s McGee’s eighth studio album, , rocks? “We actually blew my f—in’ amp up,” says bassist Ryan Stasik. “That’s what happens when you make a rock and roll record. You blow the f—in bass amp up.” Influences cited for the record include the Police, U2, The Beatles, Nirvana, Gentle Giant, Yes, King Crimson,...
The Who’s “Quadrophenia: Live in London” Show Released
Did you miss The Who’s 2013 tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of mod rock opera Quadrophenia? No worries — you can catch it now in this captured on July 8, 2013 at London’s Wembley Arena. Pino Palladino played in the place of the late John Entwistle — for most of the show. However, through the use of technology, including...
Matisyahu Releases “Akeda”, Featuring Stu Brooks and Rob Marcher
Matisyahu has released his , with bassist Stu Brooks (of his touring band, Dub Trio) producing, and Rob Marcher on bass for four tracks, according to Billboard. “This record and period of my life deal with madness, listening for and following the voice of God, the inner intuitive voice, a small still sound. This record deals with love, with feelings...