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Scott Varney: Slow Down
Here’s an example of a singer/songwriter doing it right. The very talented Scott Varney builds his song “Slow Down” all by himself with a bass, a djembe, his voice and a looper. After getting a serious groove and sweet backup vocals going, Varney adds his lyrics overtop while comping chords on his bass. Make sure to check out the Sublime...
Judas Priest Returns with “Redeemer of Souls”
Judas Priest has returned with its first album since 2008, . It’s the 17th record from the metal stalwarts, featuring bassist Ian Hill, who is also known for bringing legendary metal vocalist Rob Halford into the band. Listen to the lead single, “March of the Damned,” as introduced by guitarist Glenn Tipton, to see what you think of one of...
Weekly Top 10: Carol Kaye & Gene Simmons, Losing a Legend, Popular Bass Videos and More
We usually call these top 10 lists the “best in bass for the week”. And the #1 item on the list certainly fits that category perfectly. But late Friday afternoon, we learned of the passing of one of our heroes, Charlie Haden. Readers responded with a lot of heartfelt comments on No Treble and our Facebook page, and we enjoyed...
Seymour Duncan Announces NYC Bass Pickups
Seymour Duncan has announced a new line of pickups. Similar to pickups found on the city’s handcrafted basses, the new NYC Bass Pickups use a dual coil J-type pickup design with a double row of exposed Alnico pole pieces. They are also made for flexibility with a four conductor cable that allows for three wiring modes: parallel, series, or single-coil....
Ben Harper with Jesse Ingalls & Relentless7: By My Side
I’ve been spinning Ben Harper’s latest album – and his first collaboration with his mother Ellen – a lot lately. That album features Jesse Ingalls on double bass, who is part of Harper’s Relentless7 band. Here’s Ben with Ingalls and Relentless7 performing “By My Side” live the Machine Shop. Dig Ingalls’ Ric, and that sweet tone!
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Release “CSNY 1974”, Featuring Tim Drummond
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young were having reunion tours as far back as 1974 — their first. The 1974 tour, which included 30 U.S. dates and one at Wembley Stadium in London, has been captured in a 3-disc CD set or Pure Audio Blu-Ray/1 DVD set, called . The sets also come with a long commemorative booklet. Graham Nash co-produced...
Digital Audio Labs Adds Expansion Products to Stompblox Pedalboard Line
Digital Audio Labs has extended their line of Stompblox modular pedalboards with the Stompblox Riser and the Stompblox Extend. The new products are the first two modular expansion products that connect to the Stompblox system to expand its functionality. Intended to make the back row more accessible, Stompblox Risers are designed to snap into the pedalboard to raise certain sections....
Andrew Workman: Playthrough of Taken By The Tide’s “Long Pig”
Here’s another great metal bass play-through from Taken by the Tide’s Andrew Workman, who demonstrates how to play their song “Long Pig.” The track comes from their latest EP, Hands of Spite. Workman uses a healthy mix of fingerstyle, slapping, and tapping to get lots of textures out of his 7-string AC Guitars bass.
Ed Breckenridge Joins Angels & Airwaves
Blink 182 guitarist Tom DeLonge took to his Instagram page to announce that his band Angels & Airwaves has recruited former Thrice bassist Ed Breckenridge to join their ranks. “We welcome Ed Breckenridge to the gang- Formerly of the post-hardcore band #Thrice,” he wrote. “He is a perfect fit for this group of punk rock Gymnasts. A daily surfer, and...
In Memoriam: Charlie Haden
American jazz bassist Charlie Haden, who made waves with artists like free jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman and pianist Keith Jarrett, has passed away after a prolonged illness, according to a statement from ECM Records. He was 76. Born in Shenandoah, Iowa in 1937, Haden was raised on a farm and started on bass at an early age. His family had...
Dean Markley Introduces Blue Steel Nickel-Plated Bass Strings
After keeping them to limited to artists and exclusive dealers, Dean Markley has launched a nickel-plated version of their Blue Steel bass strings. Similar to the stainless steel set, the Blue Steel Nickel-Plated strings are cryogenically frozen with liquid nitrogen to improve their lifespan. The company describes the strings as gentler to the touch. Nickel also creates less distortion for...
Rufus Reid’s Out Front Trio: Come Rain or Come Shine
Rufus Reid has a vibe on bass that will fill an entire room. Check out this video of his Out Front trio performing the jazz standard “Come Rain or Come Shine” live at Dizzy’s and you’ll see what I mean. Reid’s distinct tone and cooler-than-cool phrasing sets the tone as he plays the melody and supports pianist Steve Allee before...