Buzz
Victor Wooten and Carter Beauford: Zynergy
A couple of days ago, we re-shared a video of bassist Victor Wooten and drummer Carter Beauford in studio, recording “Resolution“. Here’s another great video from the duo, this time performing the tune “Zynergy”, from the DVD. The video includes some nice interviews with the guys.
Rocket Juice and the Moon Release Debut Album
Rocket Juice and the Moon, the super group comprised of Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, Gorillaz/Blur guitarist/vocalist Damon Albarn and Fela Kuti drummer Tony Allen have released their debut album, Rocket Juice and the Moon. The new album features 18 tracks by the group, and includes guest appearances by Erykah Badu, Hypnotic Brass and others. As we reported in...
Bass of the Week: Moses Vertical Jump Bass
Known for making graphite necks, Moses Carbon Graphite Guitars has always been into making forward-thinking products, and the Vertical Jump Bass is no exception. Built to be played vertically or horizontally, the bass has a swiveling bout horn for proper balance when wearing it with a strap. The Vertical Jump Bass has a polycarbonate body that comes in three options:...
Bassist Redefined: An Interview With Juan Alderete
Juan Alderete is a man who stays busy. After getting his break with thrash metal outfit Racer X, Alderete now contributes the low-end to progressive rock giants The Mars Volta, whose new album Noctourniquet hit stores this week. The record marks the band’s sixth effort anchored by Aldererte, who joined their ranks in 2003. Additionally, Big Sir released its third...
Stu Hamm: Live Bass Solo at the Montreux Jazz Festival (1988)
I sometimes forget how long bassist Stu Hamm has wowing audiences. This is a good reminder: Stu taking a solo during the Montreux Jazz Festival with Joe Satriani, on July 15th, 1988. Fans of Stu will recognize many of his now classic solo pieces here. Stuuuuuuuuuuu!
Flying Colors Release Debut Album
Drummer Michael Portnoy is making the most of his time since leaving Dream Theater in late 2010. Portnoy, who recently released an album and announced a tour with Adrenaline Mob has another album out, the solo debut by rock supergroup Flying Colors. Flying Colors is the combo of Portnoy teaming up with bassist Dave LaRue, guitarist Steve Morse, vocalist Casey...
Iron Maiden Releases “En Vivo!”
Iconic metal band Iron Maiden has released En Vivo!, a new live performance on Blu-Ray, 2-DVD Set, and a double soundtrack album. Filmed on April 10, 2011 in Santiago, Chile, the performance was part of their Final Frontier World Tour. “For The Final Frontier Tour, it was really important to me that we filmed in South America as we’re always...
Amp Stands: How to Raise Your Amp without Losing the Bottom?
Q: I recently down-sized my amp from a classic SVT setup 8×10 with a head to a combo amp. Obviously much smaller. I want to raise it off the floor without losing the bottom end because I have used my Ampeg rig exclusively for 20+ years, and I am used to having that stage sound from the top speakers near...
The Burbridge Brothers: An Inside Look Into the Tedeschi Trucks Band
During the making Revelator, of the debut album from the Tedeschi Trucks Band, the band let cameras into the studio for a behind the scenes look at the group and the making of the album. One of the coolest interviews (for us, at least), was the one with the Burbridge brothers: bassist Oteil and keyboardist Kofi. In this video, Oteil...
Snarky Puppy Releases “groundUP”
Brooklyn-based instrumental group Snarky Puppy has released their sixth album, groundUP, on Ropeadope Records. Led by bassist Michael League, the collection of musicians recorded the album live in fellow bassist Matt Garrison’s Shapeshifter Lab in front of a 40-person studio audience. As with 2010’s Tell Your Friends, the release is a CD/DVD combo that includes video of the group’s funky,...
Reader Spotlight: Trey Anderson
Meet bassist Trey Anderson, a young bassist who already has an impressive past and an even brighter looking future in music. We were impressed by Trey’s love for classical and jazz, and his “normal life on the side” comment. This is one serious musician. Trey is our player in the spotlight for the week of March 27, 2012. Bio: I’m...
A Review of Esperanza Spalding’s “Radio Music Society”
Esperanza Spalding shocked many in the music world when she beat out Justin Bieber for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, about thirteen months ago. Bassists everywhere, likely less shocked, celebrated the win by one of our own. This exciting bassist/vocalist has just released her latest record, Radio Music Society, and one which shows the Grammy was no fluke....