Buzz
Primus and Les Claypool Get the History Treatment in New Book
With his band, Primus, bassist Les Claypool not only helped bring alt-rock to the world in the early 1990s, but also infused the music scene with tunes that were fun, funky, experimental, and one of a kind. The group’s influence is significant, making it the perfect subject for a book. And now one has arrived — . The book is...
Edgar Meyer Re-teams with Chris Thile for “Bass & Mandolin”
Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer have recorded as a duo for the first time since 2008, and the results are breathtaking. The simple album title, describes what you’ll hear on the record from two virtuoso players. Thile handles mandolin (and guitar) and Meyer, of course, is on double bass (and piano). Meyer is MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Award recipient and four-time...
Bass of the Week: Black Beard Guitars Fahrenheit 4:51 II
This week we check out a stunning bass by Italian company Black Beard Guitars called the Fahrenheit 4:51 II. Inspired by the Fender ’51 Precision bass, Black Beard calls this “the first electric bass… revisited.” Its pine body is finished in a roasted semi-gloss and adorned with a an aluminum pickguard that etched with floral patterns. The maple neck has...
Mumpbeak: Oak
Ever since Mumpbeak released their debut album, it has stayed in my listening rotation. The group’s dark, progressive and experimental sound is one that gets into your subconscious and stays there. Here’s a clip of the band’s core – featuring keyboardist Roy Powell, drummer Pat Mastelotto, and bassist Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz – performing the song “Oak.” Blumenkranz locks in with...
Neon Trees Reschedule Tour After Bassist’s Surgery
Just two weeks after announcing their “First Things First” tour, Neon Trees have decided to reschedule several dates due to Branden Campbell’s health. A statement on the band’s website says the bassist recently underwent open-heart surgery for a valve replacement and was advised to take it easy. “The intense touring schedule has been exhaustive and doctors have advised him to...
The Beatles Reissue Vinyl Albums in Painstakingly Created Mono Set
Finding Beatles albums in mono on vinyl is kind of like getting a copy of the original version of Star Wars on VHS — it’s something that allows you to relive a great experience, just the way you remember it. But, finding both has been extremely difficult for years. Although a CD set of mono mixes of The Beatles’ albums...
Weekly Top 10: Ibanez/Korg Bass Teamup, Inspiring Bass Videos, Jaco Film News, Bass How-To’s and More
We love these lists, because they’re created by readers. After we tally the story and video views, we enjoy looking back at this snapshot of what the world of bass had to offer in a seven day capsule. This week was no exception. That includes the inspiring solo bass videos by Tony Grey and Alun Vaughan to the funky ones...
100 Bass Riffs: A Brief History of Groove on Bass and Drums
I love checking out these groove compilations, and the guys at Chicago Music Exchange hit it out of the park on this one. Bassist Marc Najjar teamed with drummer Nate Bauman to put together 100 of the most iconic bass riffs starting with 1955’s “Ain’t That A Shame” by Fats Domino and winding up the 2013 track “My God is...
Chiodos Announces New Bassist and Drummer
Chiodos has filled out their lineup after announcing that drummer Derrick Frost and founding bassist Matt Goddard left the band to pursue personal interests. The group, who are on tour in support of their latest album DEVIL, have added drummer Thomas Pridgen (Mars Volta, Suicidal Tendencies) and bassist Joe Troy (RX Bandits) to the fold. “Derrick Frost and Matt Goddard...
New Slipknot Bassist Revealed?
Ever since Paul Gray’s death in 2010, Slipknot fans have been wondering how the band would replace such an integral member. Their subsequent tours have included former guitarist Donnie Steele on bass, but with a new album and tour coming up the band is rumored to have stopped working with him. Although Slipknot has been secretive about their new bassist...
Abraham Laboriel Sr. and Sons: Quiet Space
Bassist and No Treble reader Stuart Fortune sent in this most excellent clip of Abraham Laboriel, Sr. getting into the music at the 2014 Alumni Reunion Concert at Berklee College of Music. The group includes Laboriel’s sons Abraham Laboriel Jr. on drums and Mateo Laboriel on guitar, as well as Jetro Da Silva on piano. “[It is a] great track...
Snarky Puppy Embarks on World Tour
Snarky Puppy is hitting the road for a massive world tour that will cover North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe through the end of the year. The band, anchored by bassist Michael League, will be performing in support of their latest album, We Like it Here, which came out in February. The tour will thoroughly cover the East Coast and...