Buzz

Reader Spotlight: Stuart Clayton

Meet Stuart Clayton, our player in the spotlight for November 17, 2009. Bio: I have been a pro bassist for about eight years. During that time I have had six instructional books published with Sanctuary Publishing and worked for Bass Guitar Magazine (UK) since its first issue. I am currently the bassist with Carl Palmer’s Band (of Emerson Lake and...

The Left Hand Contrary to what many of us expect when we hop on over from Electric, effective and reliable left hand technique can be one of our more formidable challenges as a switcher. We will be learning a new way to use our left hand on an instrument that seems so similar to one we already know, but is...

As we previously covered, Mr. Big hit the road for a reunion tour this year. The original four members of Mr. Big joined forces again, including bassist Billy Sheehan, vocalist Eric Martin, guitarist Paul Gilbert and drummer Pat Torpey. A new DVD, Budokan: Reunion Tour 2009 is now out. Here’s a preview:

Jazz bassist Lindsey Horner, who has played with artists such as Greg Osby, Bill Frisell, and Bobby Previte, is in the process of recording his next project, Undiscovered Country. The unique part about this recording is that he is working through the business model supplied by ArtistShare, which allows for fans to participate in and watch the creative process by...

Richard Bona has a new solo album out, ten years after his first solo release, Scenes From My Life. The Ten Shades of Blues showcases Bona’s diverse and rich musical background, with noticeable touches of jazz, bluegrass, and European pop. This is an album that should defy expectations. One tune in particular, “Shiva Mantra” has an obvious Indian flavor, embedded...

When we hear the word “line” in the context of “bass line” or “melody line” we tend to think in terms of scales and/or chord tones as we are learning theory. This is good. There is a further level of thought about lines that has to do with the notes not in the scales or chords; the use of non-chord,...

Our friend and bassist Evan Marien shared this video with us, and we had to pay it forward. This performance of “Blockbuster” by the NDR Big Band features James Genus on bass. This has tons of great low end goodness, including some nice bass trombone work.

In case you missed them, here are the most popular features from last week on No Treble. Lessons Jon Burr: Right-hand technique for upright bass: pizzicato Evan Kepner: Why Overtones Matter Features Phil Wain’s review of Vijay Iyer Trio’s Historicity Player Spotlight: Anthony Crawford John Paul Jones speaks on “Them Crooked Vultures” Hulk Hogan: bass player for hire Gear Watch...

Paul McCartney is releasing a new album/video set, recorded last summer for the kick off of the new Citi Field, 45 years after the Beatles played there, at the former Shea Stadium. Good Evening New York City features 33 tracks from the Beatles and Wings catalogs, and McCartney’s solo career. Here’s a preview: Complete track list: 1. Drive My Car...

Bassist Simone Vignola started with electric and finger style guitar at the age of seven, before switching to the bass at the age of 12. In this video, Simone uses his varied musical background to perform his original composition, “Love Song”. Simone was the winner of the EuroBassDay Contest in 2008. You can download the track for free (donations accepted)...

The Bass “Strummit” bass workshop has been announced. The workshop, led by the Mountain Heart bassist Jason Moore and assisted by Sandy Ridge bass man Mike Conner, will cover skill levels from beginner to advanced. The event will be held on January 2, 2010, in Roanoke, Virginia. The class size will be capped to just 20 students to allow the...

Ever worried about the life left in the batteries for your active pickups or your favorite effects pedal just before a gig? Keith McMillen Instruments has introduced the Batt-O-Meter, a battery tester designed for musicians to solve that problem. The tester, which plugs into a 1/4″ jack input, can be used to check the voltage of your battery and even...