Buzz
The Lightbulb Moment: A Quarter Note For Your Thoughts
Here we are, smack dab in the middle of the college admission process — the worst part about being in high school. Clearly, a full day of classes followed by extra-curricular activities and homework isn’t enough to deal with; there are standardized tests to study for, essays to write, schools to visit, interviews to prepare for, and meetings with your...
Simon Fitzpatrick: “Rosanna” Solo Bass Arrangement
Simon Fitzpatrick is back with a new solo bass arrangement. This is Toto’s “Rosanna”, which once again showcases both his incredible musicianship and technique. I forgot how many things go on in this tune, and Simon nails them all. In case you’re wondering, Simon is playing a Sei Bass Flamboyant 6.
Foo Fighters’ Bassist Tours With Solo Side Project, Album Due Soon
Foo Fighters’ bassist Nate Mendel is hitting the road alone this spring. He’s touring to promote the release of If We Kill This Thing We’re All Going to Eat for a Week by his solo side project, Lieutenant. The album comes out on March 10 and Mendel’s first Lieutenant date is March 18 at SXSW in Austin. Mendel is the...
Warwick Introduces Stu Hamm Signature Bass
Warwick introduced a new signature bass for Stuart Hamm during the NAMM Show this year. The new model is based on the company’s Streamer with extended contouring and a deeper cutaway for improved access to the higher register. The Stu Hamm Signature bass is built with an alder body and five-piece birdseye maple and rosewood neck. Its neck has illuminated...
Old School: John Worster / Arvell Shaw Bohemian Double Bass (Circa 1820)
A couple of weeks ago, Damian Erskine sent me an email filled with excitement. Here’s an excerpt: You know about my trip to pick up my dad’s bass in St Louis, right? Well, Jim Widner (who cared for it for the past 25 years) pointed out a name carved in the front. Faint but clear: “Shaw”. Apparently this was Arvell...
Virgil Donati with Hadrien Feraud: Paradise Variations
Hadrien Feraud is one of my favorite players, and it’s always fascinating to watch him play. Our friend Charles Robitaille sent in this video of Feraud playing “Paradise Variations” with drummer Virgil Donati, and my jaw hit the floor. The clip features several variations on Donati’s “Paradise Lost” from his album In This Life. Feraud’s bass playing is matched with...
Former Testament Bassist Focusing on New Work with Guitarist Collaborator
Bassist Greg Christian, following his second departure from thrash metal band Testament, has formed the core of a new band. Christian, who was an original member of Testament and left the band in 1996 and returned in 2004 only to step away 10 years later, has joined forces with guitarist Artak Ozan of Kinnefret, and according to Blabbermouth, is looking...
Dunlop Debuts Marcus Miller Super Bright Strings
Dunlop’s booth at this year’s NAMM Show was buzzing with the announcement Marcus Miller had joined forces with them to create a signature line of strings. “Starting with our new Super Bright formula, we worked closely with him to develop strings that perfectly complement his sound—crisp and cutting with a big fundamental and powerful low end,” the company shared. Miller...
Learning Music: To Pursue a College Degree (Or Not)
Q: What I want to know is this: by not pursuing a higher education in music (music college), what am I missing out on and what is most important to take away from that experience? A: Professionally speaking, a degree in music won’t do anything for you unless you are are shooting for a career in education. If education is...
Stevie Wonder with Nate Watts: “I Wish” and “Isn’t She Lovely” Live 2009
Stevie Wonder has had a legendary career, and for over 40 years he’s been backed by the one and only Nate Watts. Here’s a great video of two fantastic bass lines with “I Wish” and “Isn’t She Lovely.” The clip comes from a live 2009 performance in London. Even after playing these songs for four decades, you can tell Watts...
Previously Unreleased Bob Marley Show Gets Unique Release in Marley’s 70th Birthday Year
A fan’s handheld video, combined with audio and newly created animations, brings to life two previously unreleased June 1978 Boston Music Hall performances by Bob Marley & The Wailers. The CD/DVD package called Easy Skanking in Boston ’78 is being released in celebration of the late Marley’s 70th birthday year and the 1978 band, of course, features Aston “Family Man”...
Reader Spotlight: Devin Bohart
Meet Devin Bohart, a working bassist – and vocal coach – who often takes his Modulus Flea bass and hits the road. While he studied jazz at North Texas, Devin credits NOFX’s Heavy Petting Zoo for making him want to play bass. Devin is No Treble’s reader in the spotlight for the week of February 16, 2015, and here’s his...