Buzz
Gear Watch: A/DA Reissue Flanger
A/DA has released their Reissue Flanger, which is a throwback to their original pedal that began shipping in 1980. The pedal retains the same Sweep Range, Speed, Enhance, Manual delay range, Even/Odd harmonics switch, and Threshold controls as the original, but now includes True-Bypass switching. The chassis, featuring heavy-duty casting and a cold-rolled steel bottom cover plate, was even created...
Divinity Roxx Bass Solo
Divinity Roxx, who got her big break touring with Victor Wooten, shows off her bass skills on The Beyoncé Experience – Live! DVD by playing through a medley of classic hip-hop and R&B tunes, wrapping up with some solo bass and stage antics. Divinity is the musical director for Beyonce’s band, Suga Mama.
Alexander T Kent Leaves Say Anything
After six years with the band, bassist Alexander T Kent announced he is leaving the ranks of Say Anything. The departure was “as amicable as a split could possibly be,” says the band, as Kent has chosen to move on. “There are no hard feelings and there was no altercation,” Kent explains. “I have just decided to start the next...
Nikki Sixx Finishes New Book, “This is Gonna Hurt”
Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx has finished writing his second book, titled This is Gonna Hurt, which he plans to release on March 22, 2011. The hardback will be a mix of a photo book and journal, with stories and interviews accompanying the photos to provide background and insight into the Sixx’s work and emotions. His side project, Sixx: A.M.,...
Dream Theater’s John Myung on Band’s Future and “Greatest Bassist” Title
Dream Theater’s John Myung was interviewed by MusicRadar.com after being voted “Greatest Bassist of All Time” in their online poll. In response to the title, the bassist exclaimed, “…I, in no way, feel that it’s true in the sense of the title of the award, because there’s so many great players all over the world who contribute amazing music. So,...
Bobby Vega Bass Solo
Here’s a clip featuring some beautiful and funky playing by San Francisco native Bobby Vega (with one sweet bass). Bobby has played with top names on the West Coast, including Tower of Power, Jerry Garcia, and Booker T.
David Ellefson’s Megadeth Bass Amp Being Auctioned for Charity
A bass amp played by Dave Ellefson on numerous Megadeth tours is being auctioned on eBay, with all proceeds being donated to the American Cancer Society. The Hartke HyDrive 112C combo amp, which is signed by every member of Megadeth, was used backstage for rehearsals and warm-ups on the Rust in Peace 20th anniversary tour, the Big Four tour, the...
Marco Mendoza Releases “Casa Mendoza”
Metal bass veteran Marco Mendoza has released his second solo album, Casa Mendoza, through Mascot Records. The 13-track release is a mix of originals with some covers mixed in, all in a rock style with Latin flavor mixed in. Mendoza has an impressive resume that includes playing with White Snake, Ted Nugent, and Thin Lizzy, with whom he will be...
Ask Damian Erskine: Becoming a Well Rounded Player
Q: Through the years I have often heard the term “well rounded player”. I have been wondering what makes a “well rounded player” in your opinion? A: Well, I would imagine that any well rounded player has more than just a few tricks up their sleeve, but is instead both versatile and flexible in their abilities and approach. This concept...
Stu Hamm: “Going to California” Live Solo Bass Performance
Stu Hamm’s take on the Led Zeppelin classic, “Going to California.” [Editor’s note: check out our transcription of this performance.]
Corea/McBride/Blade Trio to Tour North America
After coming off a tour with Chick Corea’s Freedom Band, bassist extraordinaire Christian McBride is once again hitting the road with Corea in a trio that is rounded out by drummer Brian Blade. The tour stretches from September to November and spans the U.S. and Canada before they head to Japan in December. The trio grew together as they were...
Reader Spotlight: Skip Taylor
Meet Skip Taylor, a bassist from Slidell, Louisiana, and our player in the spotlight for September 28, 2010. Bio: Skip Taylor is a seasoned bass player, producer and writer with a impressive list of accomplishments. Being from the South, I played a lot of southern rock and funk. A student of Larry Graham and Bootsy, I established my own band...