Buzz

Marvin Isley, bassist of the popular ‘70s and ‘80s funk group the Isley Brothers, has passed away June 6 in Chicago, Illinois. He was 56. Isley was not the first bassist for the group, (he later joined when he was old enough), founded by brothers O’Kelly, Rudolph, and Ronald. It was during this period that the Isleys had released their...

Check out this creatively edited video of Markus Strasser playing a short bass solo dedicated to Victor Wooten.

1. Player News: Robert Trujillo Helps Pastorius Family Reclaim Jaco’s “Bass of Doom” After a long and frustrating legal battle, Jaco Pastorius’ family have finally regained ownership of his legendary “Bass of Doom”, thanks to Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo. 2. New Release: Rush: Clockwork Angels Sneak Preview Rush has announced its next studio album, Clockwork Angels will release in 2011,...

Keyboardist Jeff Lorber was among the musicians in the late 1970’s to join the musical movement known as jazz fusion. Lorber later dropped the “fusion” label from his name, because the movement “evolved into what is currently known as contemporary jazz.” With the release of Now Is The Time, the label is back and with a new line up including...

The following video features Edo Castro taking the song “Remembering” by Johnse Holt, and arranging and performing it as a solo bass loop tune.

Larry Hartke announced on his Facebook page that bassist John Conte has “joined the Hartke family of players.” Conte will be using Hartke LH-series amplifiers as well as Hartke speakers. John Conte has worked with an astounding amount of musicians, ranging from Levon Helm to David Bowie and Mary J. Blige. Most recently, he recorded with Southside Johnny and the...

Designer Joe Naylor has introduced the “Heads Up Strap”, a new guitar/bass strap made to keep heavy instrument necks from sinking down into an unplayable position, even with hands off. It works by adding three lead weights in a Velcro pocket to the body end of the strap. The weight is adjustable simply by adding or removing the weights to...

Mick Karn Diagnosed with Cancer

Bassist Mick Karn has been diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer, according to a post on his official web site. “Mick is currently in a positive mood and undergoing further tests and treatment,” the post continues. “His family and friends are close with him, supporting him in practical ways, and surrounding him with their love, friendship and care.” The family...

Jeff Beck Tour: Rhonda Smith Live Bass Solo/People Get Ready

Here’s a great look at the new Jeff Beck band line-up with Rhonda Smith. This performance was filmed at the Tokyo International Hall in Tokyo on April 13, 2010. Narada Michael Walden is on drums and Jason Rebello is on keys.

Jeff Berlin and his Players School of Music has announced a “One Week Intensive Music Program” will take place in September. The event is open to bassists, guitarists, keyboardists and drummers of all skill levels. “I’ve said so many negative things about so much of music education, that my reputation is riding upon the very improvement that I promise to...

David Pajo Joins Interpol

We previously reported that bassist Carlos D. left the band Interpol, and now the band has announced David Pajo will be stepping up as his replacement. Pajo previously played in the band Slint and was also part of Zwan with Billy Corgan. With the addition on Pajo released the news that their upcoming album in September will be self-titled Interpol....

With the new addition of bassist Nicole Fiorentino, the Smashing Pumpkins have announced a summer tour of the U.S. with plans to visit South America and Australia later this year. Frontman Billy Corgan promises the music will be “a balance of classics, a few obscure ones, and new Teargarden material.” The band is also planning on invite select fans to...