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Jim Bennett: All Bass Daft Punk “Get Lucky” Cover
Here’s a video that’s just plain remarkable on so many levels. First, the back story. Bassist Jim Bennett was taken to the hospital on January 1st, 2013, where he was diagnosed with necrotizing pancreatitis and given a 10% chance of surviving. Thankfully, he beat the odds. After he recovered, he realized how important music was in his life. “I did...
Toto, Featuring Nathan East, Announces First Full North American Tour in A Decade
Toto has announced their first full North American tour in almost a decade as part of a worldwide trek in celebration of the band’s 35th anniversary. Kicking off July 26th in Belleville, Ontario, the veteran rockers will skip across Canada and the United States before wrapping up on September 14th in Chandler, Arizona. The band’s current lineup includes Steve “Luke”...
Pigtronix Introduces Gatekeeper Noise Gate Pedal
Pigtronix has introduced the Gatekeeper, a new noise gate pedal that utilizes J-FET circuitry to eliminate unwanted sounds from your signal path. The pedal is built for simplicity with a Threshold knob and a Release knob to dial in the gate’s settings. Pigtronix states the threshold control offers a wide range combined with superior headroom to offer smooth transient response,...
Esperanza Spalding: Precious, Live at Amoeba
My friend Dos was the first person to introduce me to the music of Esperanza Spalding, and this was the first tune that made me realize her genius. Taken from her 2008 release, Esperanza, “Precious” is a gorgeous groove that is a perfect blend of jazz and R&B. The bass line is infectious – and fun to play – and...
Headway Music Audio Announces EDB-2 and EDM-1 Preamps
Headway Music Audio has expanded their range of acoustic preamps with the EDB-2 and EDM-1, a pair of preamps that will replace the company’s flagship EDB-1 EQ Direct Blend Preamp. Both of the new preamps are designed for acoustic instruments, including upright bass and acoustic bass guitar, and are housed in a metal chassis with belt clips, rubber feet, and...
Song Exclusive: The Aristocrats’ “Culture Clash” Preview Video
The Aristocrats – the power trio featuring bassist Bryan Beller, guitarist Guthrie Govan and drummer Marco Minnemann – are releasing their second full-length studio album, Culture Clash on July 16th. The trio began with a performance at the 2011 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, garnering rave reviews. As a result of the response – and their chemistry – they...
Payson Introduces Fanned Nickel Steel Medium Light Bass Strings
Payson has introduced a new Medium Light gauge set to their fanned nickel steel bass strings. As with the rest of the series, the Payson Fanned Nickel Steel Medium Light Bass Strings are designed specifically for Dingwall basses, or any other boutique builders using fanned multi-scale lengths from 34 to 37 inches. The set’s gauges are .130T, .100T, .078T, .058,...
Bass of the Week: Odyssey Basses Calypso
This week, we’re checking out the Calypso from Odyssey Basses, a bass that’s handmade in Greece by luthier Iannis Ioannides. The slick design comes in 4-, 5-, and 6-string configurations with options for lefties, as well. The Calypso comes standard with a lightweight swamp ash body, an American maple neck, and an Indian Rosewood fingerboard, though several upgrade options are...
Alessio Tori: “Storm Warning” Pino Palladino Playalong
Alessio Tori has offered up many great playalongs over the years. One such gem is this video, which features his cover of Pino Palladino’s lovely bass line on “Storm Warning” by Bob James and Hilary James. Another great example of Pino’s melodic but supportive bass lines.
Bass With a Voice: An Interview With Danielle Schnebelen
Trampled Under Foot is making a big splash with their first major label release, Badlands, a thirteen track collection of soulful and gritty blues tunes that groove like no other. The sibling power trio is fronted by singer/bassist Danielle Schnebelen, who pours her soul out in heartfelt lyrics and low notes. “All I really want to do is inspire goodness...
Going Full Time: Making Music Your Day Job
Q: I recently moved to a new city, and I am starting to meet new musicians rather quickly (or at least, faster than I expected). I put an ad on Craigslist to meet and jam with bands – blues, rock, funk, jazz stuff. I received a reply from a band that needs a full time dedicated bass player. I like...
Bart Soeters: Bass Sounds
There’s so much to like about this video, it’s hard to figure out where to begin. Bart Soeters made this video to showcase the diverse sounds of the bass. Accompanied by Joris Holtackers on drums and keys, Soeters uses 19 (!) basses throughout the jam to show the wide variety of tones and feels that each bass achieves. If you...