Buzz
Tim Starace: “La Villa Strangiato” Bass/Keys/Pedals Cover
When I watched this video by Tim Starace, I thought to myself that he’s making his music room double as a home gym. Here he is playing bass, keyboards, and pedals on “La Villa Strangiato.”
Janek Gwizdala Publishes “Bass Player’s Guide to Altered Chords & Scales”
Janek Gwizdala has released another instructional book for bassists, this time focusing on altered harmony. “Bass Player’s Guide to Altered Chords & Scales” is, in fact, more than a book. It includes 60 backing tracks and 100 videos.
Walrus Audio Introduces the Mira Optical Compressor Pedal
Walrus Audio has introduced the Mira Optical Compressor, which they say offers “plenty of sustain, attack, and release that can be blended in to taste.” On top of typical compressor controls, it has a push-button high pass filter in the side chain.
Herbie Hancock and an All-Star Band: Hang Up Your Hang Ups (Live)
The amount of talent on a single stage in this video is mind-blowing. This clip comes from the 2014 Global Concert in Osaka, Japan, with Herbie Hancock backed by a supergroup (including Marcus Miller) on a performance of “Hang Up Your Hang Ups.”
Jeff Beck Announces Tour with Rhonda Smith
Jeff Beck has unveiled a United States tour this fall in support of his new album, “18,” which is a collaboration with Johnny Depp. Along for the ride will be bassist Rhonda Smith, who has been in Beck’s group for over a decade.
Bass of the Week: Drake Custom Basses Battani Bass
Andrew Drake of Drake Custom Basses shared one of his latest builds, a stunning semi-hollow bass with lots of cool features.
Ellen Alaverdyan: Summer Jam
Ellen Alaverdyan has a new video out, and this one features an original tune by her dad, Hovak. They’re joined by Murzo on keyboards, 13-year-old Alisaxie Xiaotong on drums, and 17-year-old Noah-Benedikt Hahn on sax to perform “Summer Jam.”
Seymour Duncan Announces the Heavy Weather Pickup Set
Seymour Duncan has unveiled a new set of bass pickups called the Heavy Weather set. The pair of single coils is described as a slightly brighter take on early ’60s jazz bass tone.
Nordstrand Audio Announces CatPups Pickups
After launching the Acinonyx (aka Cat Bass) in 2020, Nordstrand Audio is now offering the model’s pickups on their own. The CatPups are vintage-styled in their sound and style.
Paul Thompson: Climbing “Ain’t No Mountain” with James Jamerson
I could watch videos by Paul Thompson (aka pdbass) all day. The way he breaks down music is remarkable. In this clip, Thompson breaks down versions of “Ain't No Mountain High Enough,” and the incredible work of James Jamerson.
Cort Unveils GB-Modern Series Basses
Cort has once again expanded their bass lineup with a pair of new models called the GB-Modern 4 and GB-Modern 5. They call the four and five-string basses a blend of “timeless design and modernized features.”
Zander Zon: Kinetic (Revisited)
Zander Zon has been revisiting his back catalog with new videos, and I’ve been enjoying it. From his second album, “Saturn Return,” here’s the song, “Kinetic.”