Buzz
Royal Blood: “Figure It Out” Live at Coachella
Ian Pettersson contacted us with a simple note: “Royal Blood Live… and they sound great live!” It never ceases to amaze how big of a sound these guys create, thanks in large part to everything bassist/vocalist Mike Kerr does in the group.
Little-Heard Music from Short-Lived, But Legendary Bluesbreakers Lineup Released
John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers is a rightly storied band, producing stars like the late bass legend Jack Bruce and guitar great Eric Clapton. It also, through a lineup that was together for a mere three months, the genesis of the first version of Fleetwood Mac. Live music from that short-lived lineup, featuring John McVie on bass (along with Peter Green on...
Esperanza Spalding Announces New Project, Tour Dates
After wrapping up her successful Radio Music Society tour cycle, Esperanza Spalding has announced she’ll be hitting the road this Spring and Summer in support of a new project. Emily’s D+Evolution is described as rekindling the bassist’s childhood interest in theater, poetry and movement to expand her performances. “Emily is my middle name, and I’m using this fresh persona as...
Exercises for Improving Time
Q: What are some good exercises or practice routines to develop a strong sense of time? A: When I want to work on time, rhythm or technique, I think “What would a drummer do”? There are any number of ways to develop that internal clock. Here are a few ideas for you: 1. Playing Along. One of the most fun...
Simon Fitzpatrick: “Una Mattina” for Bass Guitar
Earlier this month, we shared a video by Simon Fitzpatrick and his bass arrangement of Francisco Tárrega’s classical guitar piece “Rosita”. This time around, Simon took the piano piece “Una Mattina,” by Ludovico Einaudi and turned it into a beautiful solo bass version.
Jazz, World, and Chamber Music Merge on Petros Klampanis’ New Album
Jazz bassist/composer Petros Klampanis has released his second album on Inner Circle Music: Minor Dispute. The Greek musician, who burst into view via the New York City jazz scene, has created a work that pulls from a variety of influences, including jazz, of course, and world and chamber music. The core of Minor Dispute is more than the sum of...
Reader Spotlight: Jared Lees
Meet Jared Lees, a 2nd generation bassist who credits his dad first in his list of influences, followed by Jaco. Jared is a bass player’s bass player, and he’s also the No Treble reader in the spotlight for the week of April 20, 2015. Bio: I’ve been a side man for most of my career, mostly in original groups, but...
Bassline Publishing Releases Transcriptions of Level 42 Live Album
Stuart Clayton’s bass transcriptions are staples here at No Treble, and he has turned his talents to transcribing the whole of Level 42’s first live album, A Physical Presence. In the book, Level 42 — A Physical Presence Bass Transcriptions, Clayton transcribes the work of vocalist/bassist Mark King, known for his electric bass slap style, including songs like the instrumental...
Spare Parts: Right At Home
Spare Parts has a new video out, with their trademark old school sound. Anchored by bassist Colin Scott, the band is joined by special guest, guitarist Fareed Haque. The tune, “Right At Home” was written by keyboardist Kevin Kozol. Dig it.
Bass of the Week: Bilodeau Basses #010
Bass #010 is a landmark instrument for Bilodeau Basses. Completed in 2011, the intricately designed bass was the culmination of years of work and the last before luthier Mathieu Bilodeau took a break from building to focus on his family. “I managed to complete his instrument in fall 2011 which represent the last bass before my break,” Bilodeau explains. “A...
Seven Planes of the Bow Arm
If we are aiming for a consistent sound, the shape of our bow arm should be the same no matter which string, or combination of strings, we are playing on. To do this, we must raise or lower our arm, depending upon which string, or combination of strings, we are playing on. For example, while the shape of our bowing...
Hiatus Kaiyote: Nakamarra
A friend of mine recently turned me on to Hiatus Kaiyote, and I’m glad she did. The Australian neo-soul quartet has a buttery sound that’s fronted by singer/guitarist Nai Palm and supported by the fresh grooves of bassist Paul Bender. Here’s a great clip of the band playing through their song “Nakamarra” live on WNYC’s Soundcheck. I’ve played it a...