Buzz
Victor Wooten and Dane Alderson Jam
Following their bass clinics at Thump Music’s event last year, Victor Wooten and Dane Alderson took the stage to jam. Eventually, the duo gets to their version of “The Chicken”. Thanks to Alejandro Perez, who sent us videos of Dane.
Red Hot Chili Peppers Announce UK Tour Dates
Though North American dates are still TBA, Red Hot Chili Peppers fans across the pond will be glad to know that the funk-rock quartet has announced a ten date trek of the UK and Ireland. Set for November, the full-fledged tour will be their first in the area since 2006. Anchored by bassist Flea, the group will start in Dublin...
SD Curlee Brand Revived With New Bass Guitar
The S.D. Curlee bass, made popular in the 1970’s, has been reborn at the hands of Birdsong Guitars’ Scott Beckwith. Once described as the “poor man’s Alembic,” the S.D. Curlee brand went under in 1982 after business decisions that led to key members leaving. The new SD Curlee Classic is a new take on the original Randy Dritz design, featuring...
An Interview with Adam Nitti
Rounding out our interviews from the Gerald Veasley Bass Boot Camp is our conversation with Adam Nitti. Based in Nashville, the bassist and educator has run the gamut of the music industry, from session work to touring to producing to teaching and more. His credits include working with artists like the Dave Weckl Band, Steven Curtis Chapman, Susan Tedeschi, Mandisa,...
Led Zeppelin: “Communication Breakdown” and “Dazed And Confused” (Live, 1969)
Recorded live for Denmark Radio in 1969, here are the boys from Led Zeppelin performing “Communication Breakdown” and “Dazed and Confused”. John Paul Jones and John Bonham really get things rocking around the five-minute mark.
Stick Men and Adrian Belew Power Trio Unite for “2 of a Perfect Trio” Tour
Tony Levin and the Stick Men will be teaming up with the Adrian Belew Power Trio for the “2 of a Perfect Trio” tour this Fall, which will make its way from coast to coast and into Canada between September and October. Combined, the group features three King Crimson members and the tour name is a play on Crimson’s album...
ESP Unveils LTD J-Series Basses at Summer NAMM 2011
For Summer NAMM 2011, ESP Guitars has unveiled the LTD J series basses, including the J-204 and J-205 models. Built for quality while “remaining within a budget,” the basses are designed with a classic style. The J-204 and J-205 (4- and 5-string, respectively) feature alder bodies, maple necks, and rosewood fingerboards. The old school look is rounded out with retro...
Selecting a Direct Box
Q: I’m looking to upgrade my setup a little… shrink down my 4×10 cab to a equal power 2×10 and maybe buy a DI box for a live PA setting and a studio recording setting. In looking through the number of DI boxes, it’s hard to see what exactly makes a pedal a “Direct Box” as I’ve seen many so-called...
Rick Reese with the John Sutton Band: Steal My Kisses
When bassist Rick Reese wants to lay it down, he means it. Rick sent us this video of The John Sutton Band performing a live cover of Ben Harper’s “Steal My Kisses” (which features one of my favorite bassists ever on the original, Juan Nelson). Check out Rick’s “floor bass solo” in the middle of the tune. Rick can stand...
Paul McCartney’s “The Family Way” Remastered and Re-Released
In 1966, the music of Paul McCartney was featured as a soundtrack to the film, The Family Way, directed by Roy Boulting and starring Hayley Mills. The film’s soundtrack was released in January, 1967, with the title The George Martin Orchestra, The Family Way (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), and won the Ivor Novello Award the same year. George Martin produced...
Reader Spotlight: Peter “Janus” Zarate
Meet Peter “Janus” Zarate, a bassist from San Jose, California who counts a “old top hat with modified goggles” as part of his gear. Peter is our player in the spotlight for July 26, 2011. Bio: I’m a San Francisco Bay Area native and left-handed bassist with a penchant for the peculiar and the macabre. I’m also a lover of...
Old School: 1966 Fender Precision Bass
Chuck Hoffman shares his 1966 Fender Precision bass, one he bought about seven years ago, and credits as the source of his love for bass today. The 1966 Fender Precision was the first of the CBS-era of Fender basses, with 1965 being considered a transition year after Leo Fender sold his company to CBS. 1966 also brought in the new,...