Buzz
Mike Zabrin Releases “Funktastic”
Chicago-based bassist Mike Zabrin is feeling Funktastic. That’s the name of his , featuring R&B and jazz sounds, and of course, a heavy dose of funk. Zabrin, who tours with the Joe Moss Band, has enlisted some funk heavy-hitters to guest on the record, too. Vocalist Kendra Foster from Parliament Funkadelic makes an appearance, as do members of The Big...
King Crimson Announce Reunion Tour Dates with Tony Levin
It’s really happening: King Crimson has just announced the initial tour dates with their latest incarnation – their eighth. The group’s lineup and plans for touring were announced back in September, with bassist Tony Levin returning to the fold. The rest of the band includes founder Robert Fripp, guitarist Jakko Jakszyk, saxophonist Mel Collins, and drummers Bill Reiflin, Pat Mastelotto...
Playing Under Pressure and Facing Your Fears
Q: I’ve been playing electric bass for about five years, and I’m currently attending the third year in a Music Conservatory. When I play music while other musicians observe me (not the members of the band), I become quite uncomfortable. I feel judged, and my heart starts pounding, especially if it’s someone I respect like a teacher or a skilled...
Yes: Isolated Bass on “Heart of the Sunrise”
The 1971 Yes album, Fragile ends with “Heart of the Sunrise”, a bass-heavy track anchored by the one and only Chris Squire. Here’s the bass line in all its glory, with a little bit of the rest of the track bleeding through.
Led Zeppelin Re-Releases First Three Albums
If John Paul Jones is your go-to bassist, then you have some kind of reason to rejoice this year. All the Led Zepplin’s nine studio albums will be re-released in remastered, deluxe (and even super-deluxe boxed) editions, starting with Led Zeppelin I, II and III. Guitarist Jimmy Page oversaw the entire remastering process. Each deluxe edition not only includes the...
Reader Spotlight: Wayne Whittaker
Meet Wayne Whittaker, a bassist who has studied with some impressive teachers and keeps busy as a session musician. We found ourselves smiling at many of the things he said, and many readers will appreciate his approach to the bass. Wayne is No Treble’s reader in the spotlight for the week of June 2, 2014. Bio: Wayne graduated from Berklee...
Marco Mendoza Leaves Black Star Riders
The Black Star Riders have announced that founding bassist Marco Mendoza will be leaving the fold after their current U.S. tour wraps up on June 22nd. Mendoza, who also plays in Thin Lizzy, cites other projects and schedule conflicts as the reason for his departure. The group has already named former RATT and Lynch Mob bassist Robbie Crane as its...
The Beatles: Isolated Bass on “Paperback Writer”
Today’s isolated bass track has some historical significance for the Beatles. According to the Wikipedia page about this song, “‘Paperback Writer’ is marked by the boosted bass guitar sound throughout, partly in response to John Lennon demanding to know why the bass on a certain Wilson Pickett record far exceeded the bass on any Beatles records. This changed with the...
Meshell Ndegeocello Releases “Comet Come to Me”
Bassist Meshell Ndegeocello has returned with her 11th studio album, . The album was “little labor but a lot of love,” Ndegeocello says of the album which is melodic, yet groove-driven and meditative. You can hear what she’s talking about in this clip of “Conviction” from the new record: Comet, Come to Me is available on , and as a...
Carvin Introduces JB4 and JB5 Classic Bolt-Neck Jazz Basses
Following up on their recent PB series, Carvin has announced the JB4 four-string and JB5 five-string Classic Bolt-Neck Jazz Basses. The new models blend classic styling with the company’s more contemporary features including a locking bass bridge, a smooth contoured neck heel with a 5-bolt neck plate, and a 22-fret neck with dual carbon fiber reinforcement rods. Another key aspect...
The Lowdown with Dr. D: A Call for Questions
Over the years, I’ve received questions from aspiring bassists, and many of those questions have turned into the Lowdown columns you read here. I’d love to do more of this. Please send me questions you’d like to see me cover in future Lowdown columns. You can send them to [email protected] or post them in the comments below. I look forward...
Red Hot Chili Peppers: Isolated Bass and Drums on “Give It Away”
Kicking off our fourth Isolated Bass Week is the one and only Flea. Here is the isolated bass and drum track for the Chili Pepper's "Give It Away"...