Buzz
Project RnL: All Stuck-Ups
I woke up this morning and discovered a Facebook message from Or Lubianiker about Project RnL’s newest video. “Fresh off the RnL oven! And with 2 bass solo’s to boot,” he said. So you can probably guess what I listened to first today. Something else about this video worth noting – it was shot by fans at the band’s recent...
Nathan East Helps Define “The New Cool”
Fourplay bandmates, keyboardist Bob James and bassist Nathan East, have released an album as a duo: The New Cool. The Nashville-recorded album featuring original tunes and some standards (even a take on “Crazy” featuring Vince Gill) is a whirlwind of delights from the bandmates of more than 20 years. East and James are particularly fond of the album closer, “Turbulence,”...
Bass of the Week: Godin A4
This week we’re checking out the Godin A4. Available in fretted and fretless versions, the semi-acoustic bass is fitted with a low profile Lace Sensor with side-mounted controls as well as custom Godin Saddle transducers with their own custom preamp. The extensive tonal options can be output via 1/4″ and 13-pin connectors, allowing for computer and synth access. The A4...
In Memoriam: Wilton Felder
His main instrument may have been saxophone, but Wilton Felder’s early work as a bass guitarist launched him into the history books of the low end. The musician, who played the bass line for the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back”, passed away on September 27th at the age of 75. Longtime collaborator Ray Parker, Jr. broke the news on...
Christine Smit and Eli Mboho: Down
Vocalist Christine Smit and bassist Eli Mboho got together at Berklee’s Red Room @ Cafe 939 and performed this live cover of Emily King’s “Down”. We’ve not seen Eli before, but we’re going to keep our eye out for more from him now.
New Set Compiles Yearly Grateful Dead Live Performances
Even though bandleader Jerry Garcia passed away 20 years ago, The Grateful Dead, in the midst of celebrating its 50th anniversary, still has something special to give — part of its past. The four CD set, 30 Trips Around the Sun: The Definitive Live Story, serves as an introduction to the legendary live performances from the band, featuring stalwart founding...
Weekly Top 10: Change Your Practice Routine, New Gear, Preferred Bass Scale Books, Top Bass Videos and More
Looking back at last week, there’s at least one theme that stands out: practice. Dr. D’s column on his preferred scale books, Damian’s column on changing up your practice routine, and even a new book of transcriptions make the list. Add to that a handful of great videos, some new gear and the bass of the week and you have...
Ampeg Introduces All-Tube Portaflex Bass Amps, 1×12 Cabinet
In 2011, Ampeg launched the Portaflex Amp Series featuring solid-state preamps inspired by their iconic B-15 amp. Now the company has expanded the line with the PF-20T and PF-50T, a pair of all-tube bass amps they describe as “modern interpretations of Ampeg’s legendary low-wattage, all-tube designs.” Rated at 20 and 50 watts respectively, the PF-20T and PF-50T both feature a...
Cody Wright: Bass Loop Jam
We’re all big fans of Cody Wright, thanks in part to his work with Jonathan Scales Fourchestra. So, Cody recently picked up a looper. In what he says was his “first time putting together a loop from scratch on video,” he created a funky groove with plenty of tasty soloing – all while clearly having a lot of fun. With...
Christian McBride Trio Releases Live Set from Legendary Club
Virtuoso bassist Christian McBride is well known for his residencies at New York City’s The Village Vanguard jazz club, where he has played as a bandleader since 1995. The club is a legendary one, and McBride acknowledges its history. “You feel Coltrane hovering in the vortex. You feel Monk hovering in the vortex. Miles Davis, Mingus… you feel all of...
Jeff Genzler Launches New Company, New Bass Cabinets
Jeff Genzler, founder and former head of Genz-Benz, has launched a new company called Genzler Amplification. The bass industry veteran first offerings from the venture include a trio of bass cabinets: The Bass Array 12-3, the Magellan 112T, and the Magellan 212T. “My wife Catherine and I, and our dedicated team, built [Genz-Benz] and delivered exceptional products and support, worked...
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals: Don’t Take That Attitude To Your Grave
Ben Harper has reunited with The Innocent Criminals. Yours truly was thrilled when that news broke, because I’m a huge fan of bassist Juan Nelson (and Harper too). Here’s the group performing “Don’t Take That Attitude To Your Grave”. The footage comes from four different shows. Juan always makes things groove.