Buzz
New Release: Brandi Disterheft’s “Second Side”
Jazz bassist Brani Disterheft just released her second album Second Side. Brandi took a singer/songwriter approach to her second album, where “one can hear (though not overtly) the influence of early period Joni Mitchell… and of Brazilian pop sensation Milton Nascimento.” “She has the same lope or rhythmic pulse as my bass player, Ray Brown,” Oscar Peterson said of Disterheft....
Ask Damian Erskine: Target Notes
Q: Can you suggest any exercises to help me to internalize the notion of targets when playing over chord changes and work them into my playing ? A: Definitely. Although I’ve never tried to develop an exercise to practice this concept, It’s something I’ve just always done when trying to solo… especially when I feel like I’m floundering a little...
Marcus Miller: Early Years GRP Performance
Here’s a rare video gem of Marcus Miller performing a solo at the GRP All Stars Live in Japan. The performance took place in 1980.
Mike Inez talks about Alice in Chains’ new release
Bassist Mike Inez, from Alice in Chains, was interviewed recently by WMMR’s Matt Cord. The video is now available on YouTube: Alice in Chains is currently preparing for the upcoming release of their newest album, Black Gives Way to Blue. The music video for “Check My Brain”, the first official single released from Black Gives Way to Blue aired on...
Gear Watch: Fuzzhugger Great Wall V2
Fuzzhugger(fx) has released the second version of their Great Wall fuzz pedal. The Great Wall V2 delivers a huge wall of fuzz-pumping bass sound features a smaller enclosure with multiple hand-painted varieties. The Great Wall features three controls giving you the flexibility to dial in any combination of fuzz with a consistently strong bass response and matching balance qualities. The...
Reader Spotlight: Steve Uccello
Meet bassist Steve Uccello, our player in the spotlight for September 15th, 2009. Bio: Steve Uccello is an Upright and Electric Bassist, multi-instrumentalist and composer. He’s a versatile musician who authentically approaches each style he plays. Steve has self-produced two solo albums, the recently released SYMMETRIA, an instrumental bass-centric journey comprised of 14 songs, and the 2006 release, Polar Vision,...
Alessio Tori: “In France They Kiss on Main Street” Playalong
Alessio Tori, aka ato71, has quite a few bass playalong videos on his channel, and they’re all killer. Here’s Alessio taking on one of the biggies… Jaco’s killer line from Joni Mitchell’s live Shadows & Light performance of “In France They Kiss on Main Street”. Alessio shares, “Maybe I dared too much but this is such a fantastic line… I...
Mimi Jones: A New Day
Bassist Mimi Jones‘s debut album, A New Day, releases today. The album is a great mix of genres and features Jones on bass and vocals, Miki Hayama on piano, wurlitzer and keys, Marvin Sewell on guitar, Marcus Gilmore on drums, and special guests Ambrose Akinmusire on trumpet and Lucianna Padmore on drums. Be sure to check out our early review...
Steve Lawson and Michael Manring live at Don Quixotes
Over the weekend, bassist Steve Lawson posted about a live performance he recorded with Michael Manring. 3 Live improvisations was recorded from the audience at Don Quixotes in Felton, Santa Cruz, California in January, 2008. It knocked me out. Steve is playing a fretless 6-string bass, and Michael is playing his 4-string basses, with looping. Steve and Michael’s next duo...
How to Learn Tunes Quickly
One of my Facebook friends raised the subject of remembering tunes, which led me to another thought: how do we learn tunes quickly? A seasoned bass player might not even know the tune you’re hearing him play. I used to go watch Bob Cranshaw play obscure tunes all night with Jimmy Rowles – nobody, I mean NOBODY knew all these...
Marco Rodi: Live solo performance
Today’s video showcases the playing of Marco Rodi, a solo bassist from Montreal. The video shows various segments of a 35-minute live performance. You can get more information on Rodi from his web site or friend him on Facebook and Twitter.
Rewind: Practicing Chord Changes, Ask Damian, A Beginner’s Guide to Radio Airplay, Ray’s Raves, and a review of John Patitucci’s latest
In case you missed it, here are some of the most popular features from last week (September 6th through 12th). Jon Burr latest lesson covers the all important task of practicing chord changes. Damian Erskine answers a reader on the topic of a light vs. a hard touch. Evan Kepner provides a beginner’s guide to getting radio airplay. Bassist Darren...