Buzz
M Basses Unveils Mp Series Basses
M Basses has announced their Mp-4 an Mp-5 models, a new set of hand made basses inspired by vintage designs. Standard features for the line include a swamp ash or alder body, a 34” scale maple neck, and an Indian rosewood fingerboard with 20 or 21 frets for the 4- and 5-string versions, respectively. In keeping with the classic vibe,...
Grace Under Pressure
This week’s column is inspired by a conversation I had with someone on a recent tour. Everyone in this story will remain nameless, so as not to get anyone into trouble. The “someone” is one of the best guitarists I’ve known, and he’s a stand up guy. He’s played with just about everyone who you can imagine over the past...
Shame, Shame, Shame: Live Cover with MarloweDK
MarloweDK, aka Thomas Risell, is more commonly found teaching in his videos. So it is a nice treat to see him laying it down in a live performance. Here, Thomas is performing the Shirley & Company tune “Shame, Shame, Shame”, in what he calls a “relaxed gig.” Thomas adds, “Almost no guitar on this I’m afraid, microphone in the ‘bass...
Bryan Beller Releases Thanks In Advance: The Official Bass Transcription Book
Bryan Beller has released Thanks In Advance: The Official Bass Transcription Book, with completely accurate details of the bass lines, fingerings, and techniques he used on his second solo album. Beller employed the work of Stevie Glasgow for the actual transcription work, then worked with him to edit it to be 100% accurate. He also included notes about each song,...
Reader Spotlight: Brian Wilkerson
Meet Brian Wilkerson, a bassist from the San Francisco bay area and our player in the spotlight for May 24, 2011. Bio: I have been playing the bass professionally for the past 10 years and I love it! I have recorded, toured and performed with numerous bands of various styles across the San Francisco bay area and the United States....
Interview With Ryan Madora: Thoughts on Playing without a Drummer
Last week, while enjoying a video from a television show featuring the duo of Ryan Madora on bass and Don Evans on guitar (see below), it reminded me of other playing situations where drummers were not present. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to hear first hand from Ryan on how playing without a drummer has impacted her experience as...
Stu Hamm with Greg Howe and Dennis Chambers: Kick It All Over
Stu Hamm just wrapped up a short Russian tour with guitarist Greg Howe and drummer Dennis Chambers and shared this video of Howe’s tune, “Kick It All Over.” The clip shows the amazing prowess of each musician, with Hamm taking a tasty solo starting around the 2:16 mark.
Lava Cable Introduces Para-Strap VII
Lava Cable is getting into the world of accessories, starting with their Para-Strap VII. Adjustable from 44 to 55 inches, the strap was designed by a paratrooper and is built for durability and comfort. The strap is made of two-inch Type 24 military parachute webbing with 22 inches of 1/4” thick padding covered by two-inch tubular nylon. Either end is...
Steve Lawson Releases “11 Reasons Why 3 Is Greater Than Everything”
Bassist Steve Lawson has released his first solo studio album in 6 years, entitled 11 Reasons Why 3 Is Greater Than Everything. Recorded between October 2010 and April 2011, “11 Reasons” is full of ambient as well as melodic music that the bassist describes as a “film in 11 discreet acts.” Lawson once again puts his looping expertise to good...
More Approaches to Jazz Tunes
I’ve talked in the past about delving into a new tune using what I call “The Treatment.” It’s a flexible yet organized way to become more fluent on a tune, especially if it is new to you. Sometimes, however, we are looking to delve even more deeply into a tune, or perhaps we find ourselves falling into a musical rut....
Greg Bagley Solo Bass: Flight of Neptune
Greg Bagley, a bassist from Seattle, wrote this original tune, entitled “Flight of Neptune”. Greg is playing his Ken Lawrence bass in this video, and included a slideshow at the end of this video with the original recording of the tune playing over it.
Rewind: Custom Shop, Bass Player Health, New Flecktones, and the Best Bass Videos and Gear of the Week
Here are the most read, most popular stories and features on No Treble for the week of May 15 – 21. 1. Ain’t No Sunshine: John Mayer Trio Live with Pino Palladino Recorded during the 2010 Crossroads Festival, here’s the John Mayer Trio performing the Bill Wither’s classic, “Ain’t No Sunshine”. Pino Palladino really lays down a nice groove, along...