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Isaias Elpes: Sexual Healing (Reimagined)
Isaias Elpes sent me this video of an interesting and reimagined take on Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing.” Playing to the vocal track, Isaias adds bass, guitar and keys to his version through his “Meetings Project”. “Music is more than an artistic expression is the possibility of the improbable and timeless meeting,” he shared. This is the second video for this...
Lorenzo Feliciati Releases “Koi”
Progressive music fans take note: bassist Lorenzo Feliciati has released Koi, a 12-song concept album based on the life the river carp fish. Blending progressive rock and ambient soundscapes, the record features a host of guest musicians including Japan drummer Steve Jansen and King Crimson drummer Pat Mastelotto. “Traditional Chinese folktales tell the story of Koi fish that swam up...
Weekly Top 10: Michael Manring Podcast, New Basses, Top Videos, New School Playing, Thumb Exercises and More
We tend to agree with the reader favorites each week, and this week is no exception. From the Snarky Puppy video to the new Groove podcast conversation with Michael Manring – and all the rest, here is one terrific top 10 list. 1. Snarky Puppy & Metropole Orkest: The Curtain I’m not sure there’s a more exciting band out there...
NS Design Introduces WAV4 Radius Bass
NS Design has expanded their bass guitar offering even further with the introduction of the WAV4 Radius, a bass that follows the design of their Radius series with a more accessible price point. It carries many of the same features of its predecessors, including a diradial body, a headless design with self-clamping tuning system, an advanced truss rod design, and...
Bela Fleck and The Flecktones: Stomping Grounds (1996)
On December 26, 1996, Bela Fleck and The Flecktones appeared on The Conan O’Brien Show to promote their album, Live Art. They played “Stomping Grounds”, which is a terrific showcase for Victor Wooten and the rest of the band.
Tower of Power: Soul With Capital S (Java Jazz Festival – 2006)
Here’s a great clip of Tower of Power performing “Soul With Capital S” – with some trademark funky bass by the one and only Rocco Prestia. And how about that honkin’ bari sax? This performance was recorded at the Java Jazz Festival in 2006.
Hot Tuna Announce Summer Tour Dates
Legendary blues rock duo Hot Tuna is hitting the road again this summer with a string of tour dates in Hawaii and the Northeast. Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen will be performing mainly in their acoustic setting to start the tour, which begins on June 19th in Honolulu. Their tour wraps up with four electric shows ending at the Capitol...
Bass Players to Know: Paul Chambers
Name any genre of music and certain bass players immediately come to mind. Rock and roll? Paul McCartney. Blues? Willie Dixon. Funk? Larry Graham. They are the ones who stick out as paving the way, defining the roll of the instrument in that particular music, and creating those classic lines that we can’t help but listen to, learn, and hope...
Adam Stevens: Sweet Lullaby
Adam Stevens has shared a new solo bass video he calls “Sweet Lullaby”. Adam said the tune is “inspired by a traditional lullaby from the Solomon Islands and Toronto bassist, Rich Brown.” Sweet indeed.
Armored Saint Returns with Seventh Studio Album
Veteran metal band Armored Saint describes their new studio album, Win Hands Down, as “a vintage crush of classic power propelled by a cathartic blast of life.” Bassist Joey Vera holds down the low end with a gritty tone, but he also co-wrote the majority of the music with singer John Bush. “John and I wrote the majority of the...
Ibanez Introduces ANB1006 Adam Nitti Signature Bass
After years of development, Ibanez has unveiled the ANB1006 Adam Nitti Signature Bass. The instrument, which Nitti helped to design, is hand-built by Ibanez’s Japanese master builders. “For me, this instrument represents the ideal balance of tone, playability, ergonomics, and extended range,” Nitti writes. “I love the wider 18mm string spacing and greater access to the highest frets; both features...
Groove – Episode #6: Michael Manring
How is it that someone can be this in touch with their musicianship and instrument? Michael Manring is one of the most talented musicians that our world has ever seen. He’s not just a bass player of the highest order, he is someone who approaches music with all of his senses and sensibilities. Manring is so good, that he makes...