Buzz
Rudy Sarzo Solo with Blue Oyster Cult
Here is a fan-shot video from a Blue Oyster Cult performance where they let veteran rocker Rudy Sarzo really shine. Rudy hits pretty much every era of his career, jamming with the band to tunes from Quiet Riot, White Snake and Ozzy, before taking a little Stanley Clarke-inspired solo.
Squarepusher Announces New Project
Tom Jenkinson, the iconic electronic music bassist also known as Squarepusher, has announced a new project in the works with the French label Ed Banger. The album, Shobaleader One, will be released August 30, 2010. Squarepusher is going to release a new single titled “Cryptic Motion” at the end of the month. The new album is a follow up to...
Gear Watch: T-Rex Tonebug Phaser and Chorus/Flanger
T-Rex Engineering has added a Phaser and Chorus/Flanger to their Tonebug line of effects pedals. The Tonebug Phaser features a mode switch to go between a Modern and Vintage sound, as well Rate and Depth controls. The Chorus/Flanger also has a mode switch, but chooses between the chorus and flanging effects. It also has both a Rate and Depth knob...
Successful Rehearsals
Q: Do You have any advice for how to lead a successful rehearsal? A: I assume you’re asking specifically about leading an efficient and productive rehearsal. What I would suggest is to map out your game plan beforehand: Make a list of the tunes you want to work on Make a sub-category of specific things in each song that may...
Stan Sargeant and Juan Nelson Live Jam
Here’s a great video from bassists Stan Sargeant and Juan Nelson. The bass duo is jamming at the Ernie Ball Music Man booth during Bass Player Live in 2009. Stan is playing a Bongo 6, upside down and left-handed. Juan is on a Sterling 5.
Doug Webb Releases “Midnight”, with Stanley Clarke
Saxophonist Doug Webb has released his latest, Midnight, with an all-star supporting cast including Stanley Clarke on bass, Larry Goldings on piano and Gerry Gibbs on drums. Webb’s career includes over 500 recordings and he’s played with Brian Bromberg, Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, Quincy Jones and countless others. He’s also recorded for hundreds of movies and TV shows, including fifteen...
Reader Spotlight: Ian Pettersson
Meet Ian Pettersson, an electric and upright bassist from Dublin, Ireland. Ian is our player in the spotlight for August 17, 2010. Bio: Married with one child and three Basses. Started playing bass at 16 and have been hooked ever since. Adam Clayton was my bass hero and I spent hours on end locked in my bedroom listening to The...
A Review of Esperanza Spalding’s “Chamber Music Society”
Esperanza Spalding‘s Chamber Music Society is a unique and beautiful record by a brilliant musician. Not what some might have expected, it’s fusion of jazz and chamber music with Brazilian overtones. Esperanza is known as a fine bassist – and she is that – but she is also a wonderful singer and a composer with a great musical mind. The...
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...