Buzz
Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, Memphis Slim and Willie Dixon: Bye Bye Blues
Time for one of the greats. Here’s Willie Dixon laying it down (and singing) on “Bye Bye Blues”, along with Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson and Memphis Slim. Timeless!
Five-Disc Set Released for Pantera Fans
The 1990s sound of metal band Pantera is available in full force on The Complete Studio Albums, 1990-2000. The set covers the band’s last five albums, all of which feature Rex Brown (Down, Kill Devil Hill) on bass. The set includes four platinum albums, one of which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart. The five albums are:...
Steve Bailey and Friends: Jingle Bells
Steve Bailey has sent out his annual audio Christmas greeting, and this year’s is the biggest yet. As head of the Berklee Bass Department, Bailey brings in featured artists during their visits to the college to make special bass arrangements of holiday carols. This year has Bailey, Sandro Scoccia, Leland Sklar, John Patitucci, Victor Wooten, David Ellefson, Gary Willis, and...
In Memoriam: Terry Horbury
Vardis bassist Terry Horbury has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 65 years old. The band announced his death on their Facebook page. “Many of his generation had their lives changed by music in the 1960s,” the statement read, “but Terry’s first Cream gig in ’67 started him down a path which encompassed 50 years and 60...
Best of 2015: Top 10 Bass Lessons and Transcriptions
As we wrap up 2015, we look back at the reader favorites on No Treble for the year. The holidays are upon us, which hopefully means more down time from the day-to-day activities that keep us busy. Which hopefully means more time to spend on the bass. Here’s a great list to get you through the holiday season and beyond....
Carl Mörner Ringström Trio: Silent Night
Here’s a version of “Silent Night” like you’ve never heard before. Guitarist Carl Mörner Ringström teamed up with bassist Johannes Zetterberg and drummer Jonathan Lundberg to make this intense yet relaxed version of the carol. Zetterberg lays down the groove on a beautiful six-string fretless before taking the lead at the 1:38 mark. The track is available as a free...
Romanian Bassist Calms on New Release
Romanian bassist Laszlo Demeter, has released a drop of Calm under the moniker “absurdcus”. The record features Demeter, also known for his work with the Romanian group Byron, on acoustic, electric and fretless basses. The album’s dedication is, simply, “to friends gone too soon.” You can check out the entire album on YouTube: And then you can download a copy...
Marcus Miller “Renaissance” Transcriptions Available
If you’ve been aching to play some tracks from Marcus Miller’s 2012 album Renaissance, Stuart Clayton’s Bassline Publishing has just released the book Marcus Miller – Highlights from Renaissance. The 106-page book collects five pieces from the album, including “Detroit,” “Jekyll & Hyde” and “Cee-Tee-Eye,” with transcriptions written in standard notation and tablature. Extensive performance notes are featured as well,...
Dealing With Songs That Go Beyond Your Last Fret
Q: I have a student entering his final year of secondary education. He has just purchased a 5-string Fender Jazz Bass. He is focusing on two handed tapping for his music subject. My worry… much of the music we have accessed (“Overjoyed”, “Rock and Roll” Bass Solo, etc.) requires between 21 and 24 frets according to the tab. The 21st...
Tony Grey: Carol of the Bells
We’re getting into the holiday spirit with some bass videos, including this new arrangement of “Carol of the Bells” by Tony Grey. The bassist creates an ambient soundscape with the song’s lulling melody before taking a beautiful solo over top. Light the tree, sit back and enjoy. Grey is offering the track as a free download on his website.
Coldplay Releases Seventh Album
Coldplay has released its seventh studio album, A Head Full of Dreams. The album was recorded in California and London and features guests like Beyoncé, Noel Gallagher (Oasis) and Merry Clayton (best known for her spine-tingling vocal on The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter”). Also, Norwegian pop production duo Stargate handled production duties with Coldplay’s regular producer Rik Simpson. As always,...
Reader Spotlight: Oskar Alex
We first featured bassist Oskar Alex back in 2013, with his Dirty Loops inspired band, Alfons Åberg Fusion. Now we get to learn more about him. Oskar is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight. Here’s his story… Bio: A native of Stockholm, Oskar Alex has been studying music there for the past four years at the Royal College...