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Christian McBride Plays “Havona”

Today’s featured video features Christian McBride playing electric bass on Jaco Pastorius’ “Havona”. Originally a two-parter video, Part 1 has been lost into the ether. But that’s okay, part 2 is killer: McBride originally recorded “Havona” on his Sci-Fi album.

Marshall Amplification’s MB series now includes eight featured models: four combo amps, one head and three cabinets. The new amps join the existing MB15 and MB30 models. Each amp features two independent, foot-switchable channels: Classic and Modern (a footswitch is supplied with each model). The Modern channel offers a crispness and crystal clarity that is ideal for slap and other...

Tony Campos (Static-X, Asesino) will be showing off his new Fernandes signature five-string bass on Friday at the NAMM show. If you’re lucky enough to know the right people, you can see him (and the bass) today at 1:30, at the Fernandes booth, 5960.

Fender has announced two bass models in their new Fender Road Worn series. These are replicas of their classic basses from 50s and 60s, scruffed up to look like the real thing. The Fender Road Worn 1950s Precision Bass is made with a one-piece maple neck, an alder body, and traditional split single-coil pickup. The wide P-Bass neck has 20...

Ampeg has released a miniature version of the SVT amplifier, known as the Micro-VR Head. It’s perfect for small venues and recording studios where the original version would be overkill. With the classic Ampeg looks in a small case, it’s adorable, but at about $300, it’s no toy. The head has a true Ampeg preamp with 200 watts of power....

Guitar maker Alvarez is showing off some fantastic stuff at NAMM. Among the highlights, the first ever bass addition to the Artist line. Natural and black finish basses start at $750, and will be available starting in March. Check them out at NAMM, booth 5676.

Rotosound’s Winter NAMM special guests include Billy Sheehan, Duff McKagan, James Lomenzo, Doug Ardito, Matt Snell, Warren DeMartini, Walter Trout, Carlos Cavazo and Robbie Crane will all make appearances. Schedule: James Lomenzo: Friday 1/16 at 2pm Duff McKagan & Doug Ardito: Saturday 1/17 at 12pm RATT: Saturday 1/17 at 2pm Billy Sheehan & Matt Snell: Saturday 1/17 at 4pm Walter...

Stanley Clarke has announced a few tour dates for 2009: Jan 15: Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA (Ticketmaster) Jan 16-17: Anthology in San Diego, CA Apr 24: Denton, TX (Venue TBA) Apr 26: Austin, TX (Venue TBA)

Tal Wilkenfeld: Live Bass Solo

Here’s Tal Wilkenfeld again, this time playing an awesome solo while performing with Jeff Beck, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Jason Rebello:

Victor Wooten and JD Blair are reuniting for a tour beginning in March. 3/12/09: Pick-Staiger Concert Hall in Evanston, IL 3/13/09: Pageant in St. Louis, MO 3/14/09: Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI 3/15/09: House of Blues in Cleveland, OH 3/16/09: Ark in Ann Arbor, MI 3/18/09: Handlebar in Greenville, SC 3/19/09: Legends@ Appalachian State in Boone, NC 3/20/09: Variety...

Indie label Iconoclassic Records is reissuing Weather Report’s fifth studio album, Tale Spinnin’. Released in 1975, the album features amazing bass work by Alphonso Johnson, who was later replaced by Jaco Pastorius after Johnson left to form a band with Billy Cobham and George Duke. The album received the Jazz Album of the Year award, from Down Beat magazine’s 40th...

The first CAB album in five years has been released. Theatre de Marionettes features Bunny Brunel, Tony MacAlpine, Virgil Donati, Patrice Rushen, Brian Auger and special guest appearances by Chick Corea and Michel Polnareff. Tracks: 1. The Prankster 2. Katputli 3. The Sultan of Brunel 4. Purple Mars 5. The Ventriloquist 6. Just Do It 7. Rain 8. The Pub...