Skip to main content

Buzz

Gear Watch: jamLink Internet Audio Interface

MusicianLink has released the jamLink, an audio interface that uses the internet to allow musicians to play in sync from different locations, no matter how far apart they are. The jamLink works with pretty much any instrument or microphone that has a 1/4” output, so you can plug in and jam with guitarists, singers, or other bassists across the country...

Them Crooked Vultures planning second album

Well, that didn’t take long. Them Crooked Vultures have announced that they are planning a new album, even though their debut album was released only earlier this month. The first album has been a huge success and the members have stated that they feel as though they are just now building steam. Bassist John Paul Jones says, “We all know...

Lesson: Accents, Dynamics and Balance

We’ve probably heard the word “dynamic” used to describe the work of musicians from time to time. It’s a compliment. Dynamic equals ‘interesting.’Changes in energy and intensity communicate feeling and add contrast to performance, and can add a sense of momentum and “swing.” Music without dynamics is dull; it sounds mechanical; without the injection of human energy, it might as...

Jack Bruce and Mick Taylor: Keep It Down

Jack Bruce and Mick Taylor: Keep It Down

After leaving the Rolling Stones, guitarist Mick Taylor briefly joined up with bassist Jack Bruce. They performed at the Old Grey Whistle Test in 1975, and here is some of the magic: Jack and Mick are joined by Carla Bley on Hammond organ and synthesizers, Ronnie Leahy on piano and synthesizer and Bruce Gary on drums.

Rewind: Our most popular features last week

In case you missed them, here our the most popular features from last week on No Treble. Columns and features Jon Burr posted his latest bass lesson on Melodic Line Construction. This one is on “Oppositionality” Donovan Stokes wraps up his latest Lowdown with Dr. D. series, with part 3 of 3 of Making the Switch from Electric to Upright...

Dean Brown, Dennis Chambers, Will Lee: DB III

Dean Brown, Dennis Chambers, Will Lee: DB III

Will Lee, bassist for NBC’s “Late Night With David Letterman”, has recently worked with guitarist Dean Brown and drummer Dennis Chambers on a new album titled . The album was recorded over three nights in Tokyo’s Cotton Club, with funky performances by the power trio. Lee, being known for his work with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Spyro Gyra, and...

Wing and a Prayer: Jeff Andrews live bass solo

Wing and a Prayer: Jeff Andrews live bass solo

Here’s a nice Sunday afternoon video, featuring bassist Jeff Andrews and the Mike Stern Trio in 1995. The tune is “Wing and a Prayer”.

Chuck Sher: Foundation Exercises for Bass

Chuck Sher has released Foundation Exercises for Bass, a new method book for beginner bassists looking to learn how to create bass parts through the intermediate level. The 87-page book offers a well thought-out, foundational approach, helping conceptualize many overlooked aspects of playing, such as time and feel. Foundation Exercises for Bass covers: The basic scales and chords used in...

King Crimson: Lizard 40th Anniversary Edition

King Crimson’s Lizard is turning 40. In celebration, the band is releasing a new and expanded reissue of the 1970 album on January 12, 2010 (preorder). Steven Wilson remastered the CD in 5.1 Surround Sound from the original studio masters and the mix and release is approved by guitarist Robert Fripp. Three extra tracks are included, plus a DVD-A featuring...

Chris Minh Doky: “September” live

Today’s video features bassist Chris Minh Doky performing “September”, from his album The Nomad Diaries. Chris is performing on his Yamaha Silent bass. Enjoy!

Name Freekbass’s new group and win guest tickets to their shows

The ever-funky Freekbass has formed a new project with DJ Logic and keyboardist Steve Molitz after the trio had a jam session over the summer in PA’s Church of Universal Love and Music. The group has yet to give themselves a name, and is asking fans to tweet their ideas for band names at DJ Logic’s or Freekbass’s Twitter pages....

Les Claypool “Hits The Slopes” in February 2010

Les Claypool has new concert dates for the U.S. in February, 2010: 2/12: Aspen, CO, at Belly Up Tavern 2/13: Boulder, CO, at Fox Theatre 2/14: Denver, CO, at Ogden Theatre 2/16: Tucson, AZ, at Rialto Theatre 2/17: Flagstaff, AZ, at Orpheum Theater 2/19: Montbleu Theatre, at Lake Tahoe, CA 2/20: Eugene, OR, at McDonald Theatre Advanced tickets are available....