Buzz

Last week, we celebrated the greatest instrument ever with our Isolated Bass Week series. This was a major hit, with some legendary bass tracks from Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee, John Entwistle, Wilton Felder, John Paul Jones, Chris Squire and James Jamerson, isolated in all their glory. They all made the top ten, so we included them all for the #1...

Pirastro Unveils Flexocor Deluxe Double Bass Strings

String company Pirastro has introduced a new set of double bass strings called the Flexocor Deluxe. Building upon their pre-existing Flexocor range, the Deluxe strings offer wider tonal range, longer sustain, and better overall playability. Pirastro explains that the Flexocor Deluxe’s structure allows the string to possess great resonance and “unsurpassed carrying power.” It’s core material is high-stability steel rope....

Rush Announces “Clockwork Angels” Tour; Release of First Video Single

Man, this has been a long time coming. Rush’s highly anticpated 20th studio album, Clockwork Angels will be released on June 12th (available for pre-order on CD and vinyl). The trio has just announced their tour dates in support of the new album, with stops in 33 cities in the U.S. and Canada, beginning in September. Clockwork Angels is the...

The Four Tops: “Standing In The Shadows Of Love” – James Jamerson’s Isolated Bass (Isolated Bass Week)

We’re wrapping up our “Isolated Bass Week” with the master, James Jamerson. Here’s the isolated bass track for the 1966 Four Tops hit, “Standing In The Shadows Of Love”. ‘Nuff said.

Eivind Opsvik Releases “Overseas IV”

Norwegian bassist Eivind Opsvik has released Overseas IV, the fourth album in a series he started nearly a decade ago. Entirely written by Opsvik, the album brings together styles for an eclectic sound influenced by the 1700s and 1800s. The ensemble includes bass, drums, saxophone, electric guitar, and most notably, harpsichord. “In many ways it all came together and set...

Ibanez Releases SR 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Basses

Announced at the 2012 Winter NAMM show, Ibanez is now shipping their 25th anniversary of their SR model basses. The SR 25th Anniversary Limited Edition bass series includes a 4- and 5-string edition, both premium model basses built at Ibanez’s “Premium factory”. The basses sport a Padauk top. The company says the wood’s “subtle reddish hue has long captivated fine...

Jazz Soul Seven Releases “Impressions of Curtis Mayfield”

Without a doubt, Curtis Mayfield was one of the most influential soul artists that walked the planet. His remarkable compositions included some of the grooviest bass lines. A new all-star cast of musicians calling themselves Jazz Soul Seven is now honoring the late guitarist/vocalist’s music with Impressions of Curtis Mayfield, a 12-track album of jazz interpretations of his music. Rooted...

The Beatles: “A Day in the Life” – Paul McCartney’s Isolated Bass (Isolated Bass Week)

We’ve heard from a lot of readers who think that Paul McCartney is one of the most underrated bassists of all time. Well, you can judge for yourself in today’s isolated track, which includes both McCartney’s bass and Ringo Starr’s drums on “A Day in the Life”, the last track on the 1967 album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band....

Aerosmith Reveals “Global Warming” North American Tour

Aerosmith will be hitting the road this summer for their first U.S. trek since 2010. The “Global Warming” Tour kicks off in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 16th and will take the “Sweet Emotion” rockers throughout the States with a single date in Canada. “After touring Japan and South America last year we’re psyched about bringing it all back for the...

Ibanez Introduces SGBE Acoustic Series Basses for 2012

New for 2012 is the Ibanez SGBE series acoustic bass guitars, available in Natural and Sunburst finishes. Also fit for electric sets, the basses feature under-saddle piezo pickups and Ibanez’s AEQ202T Preamp with a 2-band EQ as well as an onboard tuner. Featuring a grand concert body shape, the SGBE series is constructed with a mahogany neck, back and sides,...

New School: Eric Czar

Eric Czar has been wowing bass lovers on YouTube with his phenomenal compositions and arrangements. Often overdubbing several instruments, Czar isn’t scared to step out and play on a 7-string bass, strung E to Bb. We caught up with this exciting bassist to get the story behind what makes him want to push the boundaries of the low end. What...

The Who: “My Generation” (Live at Leeds) – John Entwistle’s Isolated Bass (Isolated Bass Week)

Better strap in for this one. John Entwistle really laid it out for this live performance of The Who’s “My Generation” at the Live at Leeds festival in early 1970. Here’s The Ox in all his glory… isolated bass goodness.