Buzz

Bassist Richard Bona will give a series of concerts to help raise funds for a pediatric ward in his home country of Cameroon. According to a published report, the fundraising event should allow for the building to begin immediately, with the ward supported by missionaries of the Protestant Church and the Lions Club. Bona’s participation follows a visit by former...

We’re starting a new video lesson series by Jon Burr today. This week’s lesson focuses on fundamental technical approaches: balance, approaching the whole fingerboard, staying clear of the body of the bass, playing by sound and feel rather than visual cues; energy vectors in the hand. Be sure to check out Jon’s book, The Untold Secret to Melodic Bass, available...

In 2002, the WDR Big Band’s “Latin Rhythms” performance at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall featured two bassists on the Paquito D’Rivera composition “Basstronaut”. The tune features two bassists: John Goldsby on double bass and Oscar Stagnaro on the electric. Big surprise… we love it. The performance also features Paquito D’Rivera (clarinet), Claudio Roditi (trumpet), Pernell Santurino (percussion), Mark Walker (drums),...

Here are the most popular stories from No Treble last week. Columns & Features Jon Burr‘s lesson on Oppositional structures in melodic construction: Imaginary Chords Evan Kepner‘s latest column is on How To Copyright Your Music Ask Damian Erskine: Learning to Feel Our exclusive interview with David Pastorius: It’s not what you think Our Player Spotlight is Paul Adams Videos:...

Eric Clapton is kicking off a new tour, beginning in February 2010 in Pittsburgh, PA. The band he’s put together looks pretty stellar, including Willie Weeks on bass, Steve Gadd on drums, Chris Stainton and Walt Richmond on keyboards, and Michelle John and Sharon White as backing vocalists. Special guest Roger Daltrey will kick off the show. U.S. tour dates:...

One year after the passing of Charles Mingus, the Mingus Dynasty band took the stage at Montreux. This performance of “Better Get It In Your Soul” features too bassists, starting with Mike Richmond and his opening solo, and also featuring bassist Aladár Pege. The rest of the band includes Randy Brecker on trumpet, Joe Farrell on saxophone, Jimmy Knepper on...

Megadeth bassist James Lomenzo has just signed on as an endorsing artist for Vigier Guitar. Lomenzo’s bass of choice is the Vigier 5 string Passion bass, which he’s using on Megadeth’s current world tour. Check out Vigier’s web site for more.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of In the Court of the Crimson King, King Crimson is releasing two new formats of the album. The limited edition, enhanced box set version is a six-disc set (five CDs and one DVD), and includes a ton: The 2009 new stereo mix by Steven Wilson and Robert Fripp The original master edition released...

Here’s a terrific recording of the Oscar Peterson Quartet, performing “Samba Petit” at the Münchner klaviersommer, in 1994. Even better, it includes a solo by Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen.

The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) has teamed up with Musicman and Bass Guitar Magazine to announce the launch of the 2010 bass scholarships program. The ICMP offers a one year Higher Diploma bass bass course. The winner will receive a fully funded scholarship, worth £5,250, and the runner-up will receive a partially funded scholarship, worth £2,625. The winner...

Bassist Tony Levin is enjoying a rare break from touring, but it won’t last long. He’s just announced a new set of dates for his various musical endeavors in 2010. HoBoLeMa (Alan Holdsworth, Terry Bozzio, Levin and Pat Mastelotto) Jan 2,3: Seattle / Triple Door Jan 4: Portland / Aladdin Theater Jan 6: Santa Cruz / Kuumbwa Jazz Jan 8,...

Jaco Pastorius Birthday 2009: Invitation

Family and friends of Jaco Pastorius held their annual birthday party for him at the A1A Dive Bar in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on December 5th. The band included Jaco’s twin sons, bassist Felix Pastorius and drummer, Julius Pastorius. Here’s a couple of videos from the performance. What starts out as warming up quickly turns into a killer performance of Jaco’s...