Buzz
Janek Gwizdala and Justin Vasquez Launch The Live Archive Podcast
If discovering new music is your thing, then you’ll want to check out the newly launched podcast by bassist Janek Gwizdala and saxophonist Justin Vasquez. The podcast, named “The Live Archive”, features the two musicians playing the music that has inspired them over the years. The NYC-based Gwizdala says that the goal is for the hosts to play live and...
Reader Spotlight: Scott Kellogg
Meet Scott Kellogg, a bassist who got his start with hardcore music in the 80’s (and remembers vinyl), but still looks forward to reinventing his musical self after 27 years of playing. Scott is our player in the spotlight for August 16, 2011. Bio: Scott cut his teeth on American hardcore music in the 1980s, and quickly branched out into...
Top 10: The Best Bass Videos (July 2011)
July was an exceptionally popular month for bass videos, and these are the best of the best. Here are the top 10 bass videos of the month, based on views by No Treble readers. 1. Stevie Wonder with Nate Watts: Sir Duke and I Wish, Live Nate Watts really lays down the groove on this live performance with Stevie Wonder....
Question of the Week: What is your bass superpower/claim to fame?
This might be our favorite question, taken from the Player Spotlight questionnaire (open to all bassists, by the way). The question this week: What is your bass superpower/claim to fame? Answer below in the comments, or on our Facebook page.
Kai Eckhardt: Freestyle Afro-tastic Uber Slap Bass
Damian Erskine shared this video of Kai Eckhardt demonstrating a drone exercise, with moving chords and polyrhythms. Kai says it is a work in progress, with the goal of “[combining] the power of funk bass slap with the sophistication of jazz harmony, Indian tabla beatz and African trance.” Have a video to share? Send it to [email protected].
BassBrites USA Introduces Advanced String Cleaner
BassBrites USA has released their BassBrites Advanced String Cleaner, a cleaner made specifically for bass and designed to increase the life of the strings. Designed by bassist Daryl Weber, the BassBrites are small wipes treated with a special formula that seals and protects the strings from contaminants without harming the fretboard or bass. The company says the cleaner will extend...
Christian McBride Unveils Tracks from Upcoming Album
New tracks from Christian McBride’s upcoming big band record, The Good Feeling are available for streaming. Due September 27th, the album comes as the Christian McBride Big Band’s debut and will feature a mix of standards as well as the bassist’s original tunes arranged for the large ensemble. McBride fans will revel in the variety of songs picked from throughout...
Working with Drones – Introduction: Improving Intonation
One of the best ways I know to increase one’s intonational precision is to play against a held drone note. It is excellent not only for left hand finger spacing, shifting, but also for improving one’s aural pitch discrimination. You can create your own drone note using a looper, midi program, etc. or your metronome or tuner may have the...
Keb Mo with Vail Johnson: The Whole Enchilada, Live
Great bass doesn’t need to be flashy. Sometimes, it just needs to groove. Bassist Vail Johnson, who shared this video with us, does just that in this video. Performing live on Conan O’Brian’s show, here’s Keb Mo and his band performing “The Whole Enchilada”, from the just released album, The Reflection.
Rewind: Bootsy Documentary, Old School Teisco Bass, New Bas Gear and The Best Bass Videos of the Week
Last week, No Treble readers enjoyed the story of Bootsy Collins, via the TV One documentary, as well as meeting bassist Rebecca Johnson, our player in the spotlight. On the gear front, we got an inside look at May Custom Basses, a look back at and old school, 1965 Teisco bass, and a first look at new gear from ESP...
Megadeth Announces TH1RT3EN, with the Return of Dave Ellefson
Megadeth has announced their thirteenth album, TH1RT3EN, will be released on November 1, 2011 and will mark the return of bassist Dave Ellefson. Ellefson performed with the group from 1983 until 2002 and rejoining the band for live performances last year. The new album follows the 2009 release, Endgame. Guitarist Dave Mustaine says TH1RT3EN is “the culmination of my work...
The Jam! Happy 65th Birthday, Larry Graham
65 years ago today, Larry Graham, Jr. was born in Beaumont, Texas. From Sly & the Family Stone to Graham Central Station, and a whole lot of other projects, he’s credited with the invention of slap bass. Or as Larry calls it, “Thumpin’ and Pluckin’.” Larry is still bringing it… Here’s a clip of Graham Central Station performing “The Jam”...