Buzz
Phil Lesh Announces Summer Tour Dates
Grateful Dead founder Phil Lesh has unveiled a string of summer dates with his band Phil Lesh and Friends. The legendary bassist will have a host of special guests during his concerts, which will focus on the West Coast before heading east.
Homegrown: An Interview with Ben Carr
Ben Carr, aka Carrtoons, is a bassist and producer who channels old-school vibes into modern grooves. His wildly popular Instagram provides glimpses into his sound, and the bassist has now released a new solo album, “Homegrown”. We caught up with Ben to get the scoop.
Mohini Dey, Gino Banks, and Mark Hartsuch: Crack Drill
Mohini Dey joined saxophonist Mark Hartsuch and drummer Gino Banks to record Hartsuch’s tune, “Crack Drill”, and it is amazing. The interplay of the trio and the odd-time nature of the song is so cool.
The Zappa Band, Featuring Scott Thunes, Announces June Tour
The Zappa Band will be back on the road with a headlining tour in June. The band consists of Frank Zappa band alumni Mike Keneally and Ray White, Robert Martin, and Scott Thunes. They’re joined by Joe Travers and Jamie Kime.
The Brown’stone: Playing The Blues Using Ghost Notes
This week in The Brown’stone on No Treble, Rich Brown is taking the ghost notes concept he talked about in a previous lesson, applying it to The Blues.
Steve Lawson: For Rick Turner
We were sad to report on the news of Rick Turner’s passing. Our friend Steve Lawson had a special relationship with Turner, including getting a bass made by the luthier. Steve recorded this tribute to Turner after learning the news.
Krist Novoselic Releases “3rd Secret” with Fellow Grunge Heroes
Krist Novoselic is completely off social media. As such, he was great a keeping his newest album and band a surprise. 3rd Secret includes Jillian Raye, Kim Thayil, Matt Cameron, Bubba Dupree, and Jennifer Johnson.
Harley Benton Launches JJ Basses
Harley Benton has unveiled a new set of basses with the JJ Series. The four-string JJ-450P and five-string JJ-550P each come in four finishes: blue, natural, white, and sunburst.
Lusi il Lupo: Brain (with Gregg Bissonette, Carl Verheyen, and Valter Vincenti)
Our friend Mike Matthews sent us this video by bassist Lusi il Lupo, who is joined by drummer Gregg Bissonette and guitarists Carl Verheyen and Valter Vincenti. The band grooves hard, and Lusi throws down an amazing solo on “Brain”.
In Memoriam: Rick Turner
A legendary luthier has left us as Rick Turner, whose work with Alebmic revolutionized the bass world, has passed away. He was 78 years old. The news was shared by his children Ethan and June.
Bass of the Week: Offbeat Guitars “Priscilla” Bass
This week we’re checking out the “Priscilla” bass by Offbeat Guitars, which comes in an Evening Tide Teal finish over its distressed pine body. The cool factor is pumped up even more with a solid brass pickguard and dome knobs.
Ellen Alaverdyan and Friends: The Ocean
Ellen Alaverdyan joined together with Yoyoka on drums, Mateo Mannasmith on guitar, and Eva on vocals for a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “The Ocean”. They definitely got the led out on this one!