Buzz
Lemmy Reveals How He Started Playing Bass
In a recent interview with the Quietus, Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister revealed how he got his start on bass. Though he was originally a guitar player, a chance opportunity came up with the band Hawkwind after their bassist no-showed. ”I was mediocre at guitar,” Lemmy explained. “I couldn’t play lead to save my life, or yours. I went for a...
Gear Watch: Pigtronix Keymaster Impedance Matching Effects DI
Originally introduced at Summer NAMM, Pigtronix has officially introduced a new impedance matching, effects mixing direct box. The Keymaster is designed to route any sound source, including XLR mic, line level or instruments into effects via two bypass loops. The device optimizes the mixed effects signal of the amplifier, mixing console or DAW. The loops can be switched between series...
Fretboard Knowledge
Q: I have wanted to really get to know the fretboard inside out for a long time but have always struggled with visualizing a scale or the notes of a chord over the full range of my instrument. So I often find I’m playing in the same familiar patterns and am not really able to move freely over the fretboard....
Jamiroquai: Love Foolosophy (Live)
I only have two words for this video: Funk Ay. This is Jamiroquai performing “Love Foolosophy” live at Abbey Road. Paul Turner is the bassist laying down the funky lines.
Jerry Jemmott To Tour With Gregg Allman Band
The Gregg Allman band is hitting the road for a Winter 2010/2011 tour that runs up and down the east coast, with bassist Jerry Jemmott. The group is making the trek in support of Allman’s upcoming album, Low Country Blues. The album, which actually features bassist Dennis Crouch, is a collection of cover songs by famous bluesmen, including Muddy Waters,...
Reader Spotlight: Brandon Puckett
Meet Brandon Puckett, a bassist from Linton, Indiana, and our player in the spotlight for December 14, 2010. Bio: I grew up in a small town in Southern Indiana, where at the age of 10 started playing bass. We didn’t have a lot to do living out in a rural area, so also having the luxury of a guitarist and...
Gear Watch: Overton’s New Bass Amp Series Preview
Overton Amps will be making their debut at the 2011 NAMM Show, with the introduction of their new product line of bass amplifiers. Included in the line is company’s new Featherweight bass amp series, OB series bass cabinets and Tremor compact bass combos. Housed in red anodized, single rackspace head units, the Featherweight series features a studio quality compressor, semi-parametric...
Flea: Funk, Punk, Rock, Slap, Interview
Taken from a VHS tape released in 1999, here’s Flea with River Phoenix, discussing the techniques and influences behind the bassist’s unique style. Funk, punk, rock, super fast slap (and slower versions)… it is all here.
Protocol: A Guide to the Collegiate Audition Process for Double Bass
Carl Fischer Music has released a new reference guide for college-bound bassists. Protocol: A Guide to the Collegiate Audition Process for Double Bass, compiled and edited by Larry Clark, Daniel Schmidt and Joel DiBartolo covers everything an upright bassist needs to shine in a university audition setting. The book covers the most frequently requested requirements from colleges and universities, covering...
Stu Hamm Releases “Just Outside of Normal”
Stu Hamm has just released a new solo album, entitled Just Outside of Normal. The album, which is his first studio album in ten years, is a somewhat eclectic mix of songs ranging from a rock to classical to swing. There’s even a polka! Hamm recruited an all-star cast of musicians to back him up including Joe Satriani, Robert Fripp,...
The Lowdown with Dr. D.: “Heavy” Bows
Here’s a question I received recently from Miguel G., and one I hear often: Q: Someone told me you use a super-heavy bow. Is this true? Can you tell me what this is all about? A: This is a very expansive subject, but here’s a bit of an introduction to the topic. It is true that my bow is heavier...
Esperanza Spalding: “Mela” Live
This San Sebastian show, originally broadcast on Spanish TV, features Esperanza Spalding and her band performing “Mela”. The tune was originally recorded for the 2008 release, Esperanza. Part 1: Part 2: