Buzz
Steve Smith and Vital Information’s “Time Flies” Out Now
As we reported last month, drummer Steve Smith is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Vital Information with a new lineup, new album, and a tour. Now the record, “Time Flies,” is out now.
Bass of the Week: Iozzo Guitars Lambda IV
Agustin Iozzo is a guitar and bass builder based in Argentina that makes some amazing looking instruments. This Lambda IV in particular caught my eye on the Iozzo Guitars Instagram page, so I had to find out more.
Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade: “Rumble of the Diesel” (with Angelo Moore)
Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade is on tour, and we get a taste thanks to Youtuber BigDan. Fishbone’s Angelo Moore lays it down with the band on “Rumble of the Diesel.”
Avishai Cohen and Abraham Rodriguez, Jr. Release “Iroko”
The connection of bass and percussion is always an integral part of Latin music, and that’s precisely why the new album from Avishai Cohen and Abraham “Abe” Rodriguez, Jr. Check out “Iroko.”
Ampeg Announces Limited Edition Blue Micro-VR Stack
Ampeg has unveiled a new limited edition version of their Micro-VR Stack sporting a custom blue Tolex and black grille.
You Said Strange: Eastern Side
KEXP is a constant source of musical discovery for me. Here’s a video I enjoyed by You Said Strange. Martin Carrière handles the lead vocals and the bass on “Eastern Side.”
Tony Franklin Joins Lou Gramm for All-Star Band Tour
Former Foreigner vocalist Lou Gramm as announced a set of 2023 tour dates with an all-star band. The “fretless monster” himself, Tony Franklin, will be holding down the low end.
Fender Announces Made in Japan Limited International Color Series Basses
Fender has unveiled a new limited run of Made in Japan instruments. The International Color Series are described as “Vintage Fender vibes meets Made in Japan craftsmanship.” The series includes a Precision Bass and a Jazz Bass.
Black Hole Constellation: A ttempts (Bass Playthrough)
Black Hole Constellation’s Michal Jahoda sent us a video of him playing through his new single, “A ttempts.”
Kool & The Gang Announce New Album
R&B legends Kool & The Gang have been keeping the party going for nearly 60 years, and they’re not stopping. The band has announced a new album, “People Just Wanna Have Fun,” which is due out July 14th.
Victor Wooten and The Wooten Brothers Announce Fall Tour
The Wooten Brothers are about the head down under for a week’s worth of gigs in Australia. Before taking the flight, they’ve announced a new fall tour across the East Coast with the Rebirth Brass Band.
In Memoriam: Andy Rourke
The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 59 years old. Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr shared the sad news on social media.