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Michael Hedges with Michael Manring: Orphan From Baltimore (1980’s)

Here’s some vintage Michael Manring for you! This is a clip from the early ’80’s featuring long-time Manring collaborator and friend, the late Michael Hedges on acoustic guitar. The performance took place at the New Varsity Theater in Palo Alto, California.

Ben Allison’s Newport Festival Performance Released Online

Audio from bassist/composer Ben Allison’s entire set from the 2010 CareFusion Newport Jazz Festival is available for free online streaming through NPR Music. The show kicks off with a great bass solo intro to Allison’s composition “Green Al,” from his latest record, Think Free. The band includes Shane Endsley on trumpet, Jenny Scheinman on violin, Steve Cardenas on guitar and...

Gear Watch: MTD Kingston CRB and Saratoga Basses

MTD Kingston has released their new CRB and Saratoga basses, which will be shipping within the next month. The new models are Mike Tobias’ take on classic P and J-style basses, with his own twist. Both Models are available in 4 and 5-string versions, have 34″ scale necks, and have carved Basswood bodies. They also mimic classic elders by utilizing...

“Godfather of the Bass” Robert Wilson Passes at 53

Robert Wilson, affectionately known as the “Godfather of the Bass,” passed away last night at the age of 53. Wilson was the bassist for the funk pioneering Gap Band, which also included his two brothers, Ronnie and Charlie. The group was in its prime in the late ’70s through the mid-’80s, with hits such as “I Don’t Believe You Want...

Bass Extremes (Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey): Stan The Man

Bass Extremes, consisting of bassists Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten, put out a couple of CD’s in the late 90’s and early 00’s. Before that there was this video featuring live performances and instructional material, from Bass Extremes Live: Steve Bailey & Victor Wooten. One of my favorite tunes from the video is this tribute to Stanley Clarke called “Stan...

Here are the most read, most popular stories and features on No Treble for the week of August 8 – 14, 2010. 1. Video: Billy Sheehan Shredding 2. The Lowdown With Dr. D: Technique Series: Minimum Finger Pressure 3. Sheet Music: Alfred Releases the Bass Line Encyclopedia 4. Sponsor: BOSS Wants Your Bass for the “Loop Station World Championship” Contest...

MGMT Want a Collaboration with Paul McCartney

In a recent interview with Spinner.com, MGMT discussed their hopes of collaborating with Paul McCartney. “We did play a show with him last summer at NY Park, which was really cool. But nothing has really come of the collaboration part of it. We still would really like to do that. We like Paul McCartney’s songwriting abilities… his musical sensibilities. His...

Bryan Beller Wows Students at Virginia Bass Forum

The Virginia Bass Forum saw the return of the multi-talented bassist Bryan Beller to Forte Music Studios in June. Participants who attended Bryan’s first Bass Forum clinic in August 2009 learned the value of being a versatile bass player. The Forum, now in its second year of events, is a monthly gathering for bassists featuring either bass clinics, performances, or...

Les McCann Trio with Leroy Vinnegar: Vakushna

Will shared this video with me, and I had to pay it forward. Here’s the Les McCann Trio with Leroy Vinnegar on bass and Ron Jefferson on drums, performing the tune “Vakushna”. That’s some walk!

Doug Wimbish Announces Wim-Bash 2010

Doug Wimbish has announced his 6th annual Wim-Bash, a day long musical event that builds up to Doug performing in three of his groups: Little Axe, Tack>>Head, and Living Colour. The show also includes 12 bands leading up to the “Soundsystem” himself. Wim-Bash 2010 takes place August 28 at Sully’s Pub in Hartford, CT from 1PM to 3AM. Tickets are...

Herbie Hancock: “Chameleon” Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2010, with Tal Wilkenfeld

Here’s a pretty good video of Herbie Hancock’s newest line-up, shot from a member of the audience at the Montreux Jazz Festival last month. The band is performing a classic from Herbie’s extensive library, “Chameleon”, with Tal Wilkenfeld holding down the low end and even helping Herbie with some equipment issues.

Andy Rourke Leaves Freebass

Andy Rourke, the bassist formerly with the Smiths, has left Freebass, the bass super group he formed in 2005. The band also includes New Order bassist Peter Hook and The Stone Roses/Primal Fear bassist Gary “Mani” Mounfield According to a post on the band’s website, Rourke will not tour with the group, who planned to hit the road in support...