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Jazz Bass Improvisation
Musicians Institute has released Jazz Bass Improvisation, written by jazz bassist Putter Smith. The book offers approaches to chords, scales, arpeggios through detailed practice routines and techniques to help advance practical techniques, improvisation concepts, jazz theory, chord studies and scale patterns. The method is suitable for both electric and upright players. The book ships with a companion CD, featuring 34...
Bass of the Week: Rickenbacker Limited Edition Lemmy Kilmister Signature 4004LK
Rickenbacker paid tribute to metal icon and Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister with the introduction of the 4004LK, a signature bass limited to 60 pieces that was first spotted in 1995, though production started around 2000. The bass is half instrument, half art, as each piece’s walnut body features a hand-carved relief of oak leaves and white checked binding. Since they...
Still Fishin’: An Exclusive Interview with Les Claypool
Les Claypool is a man that defies genres and labels. Since picking up bass at an early age, his influences of funk, prog rock and everything in between have melded to create his unique sound, which the bassist admits even he has trouble labeling. Of course, his creativity doesn’t stop at bass playing – Claypool is also an accomplished producer,...
Chickenfoot: Big Foot Music Video
Chickenfoot has released a music video for “Bigfoot,” the first single from their upcoming album III, due out September 27th. The group includes Joe Satriani, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Arnoff, and ex-Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, who supplies his rock solid playing and signature falsetto background vocals to the tune. Besides featuring the new song, the video also answers the age...
Tommy Stinson Releases One Man Mutiny
Ex-Replacements and current Guns N’ Roses bassist Tommy Stinson has released his second solo album, entitled One Man Mutiny. With hints of influence from Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones, the ten-track record proves Stinson’s songwriting is just as solid as his playing. The album is aptly named, as Stinson created his own Done to Death Music label to promote...
Jackson Introduces JS Series Basses
Jackson Guitars has released the JS-series of Concert basses, consisting of three models: the JS2, JS3, and JS3V. The entry-level basses each feature 35″ scales, Indian cedro bodies, maple necks and Indian rosewood fingerboards that have 12″- 16″ compound radiuses for smooth playability. The three basses are tiered in features – the JS2 is a 4-string passive bass, while the...
Balancing Music School and Practicing
Q: I am a music student at a music conservatory, and I just had a year off for practice and teaching. Now I’m back to finish the last two years of my music education, and I’ve just received my lesson plan for the next 12 months. I have four lessons a day Monday and Wednesday. I know if you want...
Willie Dixon: I Got My Mojo Working
Bassist, songwriter, vocalist, arranger and producer Willie Dixon shows his stuff in this live recording of “I Got My Mojo Working”. Not sure of the year, or where this took place. If you know, please share in the comments below! (Update: Thanks to Ben, for sharing the info in the comments). Facebook friend Gary Comley shared this with us: “This...
Suicidal Tendencies’ Thundercat Releases “Golden Age of Apocalypse”
Stephen Bruner, aka Thundercat, has released his debut solo album, Golden Age of Apocalypse. The versatile bassist, who is a full-time member of Suicidal Tendencies, shows his jazz and neo-soul sides on the 13-track collection, which was produced by his cohort Flying Lotus. Including his cover of George Duke’s “For Love I Come,” the songs all include phenomenal bass playing...
Reader Spotlight: Jon Willis
Meet Jon Willis, a bassist from Savannah, Georgia who got his start studying with Beaver Felton, and has more than 20 years experience as a bassist. Jon is our player in the spotlight for August 30, 2011. Bio: Began playing bass in early 90’s. I bought a Hot Licks VHS featuring Beaver Felton and soon found out that he lived...
Top 10: The Best Jaco Pastorius Covers and Play-Along Videos
August marks the 35th anniversary of the debut of Jaco Pastorius‘ first album, the self-titled Jaco Pastorius. Do a quick search on Youtube, and you’ll find Jaco’s influence is as strong as ever. In celebration, we’ve taken a look back at all of the Jaco covers and playalongs we’ve posted here on No Treble. Here are the top 10, based...
Question of the Week: What’s the next concert you’re attending?
What’s the next concert you’re attending? (band/date/location) Answer below in the comments, or on our Facebook page.