Buzz
iRiffPort: A Look at the Digital Instrument Interface for iOS
So far, I’ve focused in on mostly iOS apps in this space, but this time around, I’m going to focus in on hardware that works with many of these apps. I recently tried out the new iRiffPort by PocketLabWorks, which is a digital instrument interface in conjunction with the PocketGK app. For starters, PocketLabWorks got things right by making it...
ZZ Top: Cheap Sunglasses, Live (1980)
Dusty Hill keeps the bottom end simple, tight and in the pocket on this 1980 performance of “Cheap Sunglasses” from the DVD Double Down Live. His performance exudes pure attitude, and though the fuzzy guitars are missing, the beards are in full swing.
Top 10: Bass of the Week, Edmond Gilmore’s Take on Jaco, Isolated John Entwistle, Intentional Practice and New Gear
No Treble readers couldn’t get enough of the top bass videos of the week, from an isolated bass video of John Entwistle, a solo bass piece by Matt Kniffen, Edmond Gilmore‘s take on Jaco Pastorius’ arrangement of “Donna Lee” and Nathan Watts laying it down with Stevie Wonder. Dr. D made his return with a new column, Intentional Practice, and...
Rex Brown Plans Pantera-Era Memoir
Rex Brown has a book deal, and is working on his memoir. The former Pantera bassist follows former Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo, who is working on his own autobiography. Brown’s autobiography, Official Truth, 101 Proof: The Inside Story of Pantera, described as “starkly honest and revealing”, will offer a look into the bassist’s time with Pantera, from their rise to...
Bass Aerobics
Hal Leonard has released Bass Aerobics, a new book in their Bass Builders series, offering a 52-week, one excercise per week workout program for bassists. Authored by bassist Jon Liebman, Bass Aerobics focuses on developing, improving and maintaining technique on the bass guitar, for beginner through advanced players. The 112 page book is designed to increase speed and improve dexterity,...
Scott Ambush’s Solo at Richmond Jazz Festival
Spyro Gyra’s Scott Ambush balances between funky and soulful on this solo from the Richmond Jazz Festival earlier this year. The band grooves hard while playing around their tune “On the Road.”
BandStorage.com Introduces the Band Room Double Bass Rack
BandStorage.com has unveiled the Band Room Double-Bass Rack, built to hold up to three 3/4 sized double basses and three bows. The rack is constructed of hardwood rails with brushed aluminum melamine sides that are shaped like a bass’s body. All contact points are covered in felt to prevent scratching and scuffing. The rack measures 66.5”x53”x27” and has lockable casters...
Tal Wilkenfeld Working on New Album
After a somewhat quiet period, Tal Wilkenfeld has announced she’s working on a new album with special guests to include Jackson Browne, ex-Journey vocalist Steve Perry, and Mike Elizondo. Wilkenfeld, who raised eyebrows while laying down the low end with Jeff Beck, says she’ll also be displaying her vocal talents on the record. “When I first started I was singing,”...
Bruno Tauzin Releases Fretboard Mastery Series
Bruno Tauzin has authored three new bass method ebooks, Fretboard Mastery. Each book is designed for common bass configurations, from 4- to 6-string instruments. Fretboard Mastery: 4 String Arpeggios Fretboard Mastery: 4 String Arpeggios starts out with a section on theory, and includes chord and scale construction, different triads and seventh chords, all designed for 4-string players. The 46 page...
Larry Graham: Super Slapping Bass Pedal Demos
Here’s a cool clip of Larry Graham taken from an out-of-print instructional video called “Super Slapping Bass.” The funky slap master gets heavy as he demos a few of his favorite effects pedals. Can Larry get any cooler? We think not.
Yes Announces European Tour Dates
The prog-rock legends in Yes have announced a new European tour in support of their latest album, Fly From Here. Scheduled to start November 3rd in Lisbon, Portugal, the tour will make it’s way to the UK before visiting nearly every major European city and wrapping up on December 15th in Moscow. “We’re looking forward to performing new music live...
GoGo Tuners Releases Caliber Clip-On Tuner
GoGo Tuners has introduced the Caliber, a new multi-instrument clip-on tuner. The Caliber is similar to the company’s TT-1 tuner, and features their “Green you’re in tune, Red you’re out” display for easy visualization of pitch. Improvements its predecessor include a heavier duty rubber construction and an enhanced vivid screen display. The Caliber has five modes for easy configuration: Chromatic,...