Buzz
Tesla’s Brian Wheat Releases Memoir, “Son of a Milkman”
Tesla bassist and co-founder Brian Wheat has just released a new memoir. “Son of a Milkman: My Crazy Life with Tesla”, written with Chris Epting, details the highs and lows of Wheat’s life.
Fender Unveils Limited Edition Boxer Series Precision Bass
Fender wrapped up 2020 with the introduction of the limited edition Boxer Series. Made in Japan, the lineup includes a Precision Bass model that comes in Sherwood Green Metallic or Torino Red.
Gonzalo Grau & La Clave Secreta: Don’t You Worry About A Thing
Gonzalo Grau & La Clave Secreta have released a new video with a timba version of Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry About A Thing”. Panagiotis Andreou anchors the groove with incredible finesse that adds to the song’s danceability.
In Memoriam: Eugene Wright
Another giant of the bass has left us. Eugene Wright, whose playing anchored the great Dave Brubeck Quartet, passed away on December 30, 2020. He was 97 years old.
2020 Reader Favorite Bassists – #1: Juliaplaysgroove
We made it to #1. This one may surprise you, but there’s a very cool story here. The 2020 Reader Favorite Bassist is Juliaplaysgroove, thanks in large part to our interview with her in 2020.
2020 Reader Favorite Bassists – #2: Leland Sklar
Leland Sklar brought us joy this year during the shutdown, with a run of videos where he shared the back story on so many songs from his career. And if that wasn’t enough, he released a new album with The Immediate Family and published a new book.
2020 Reader Favorite Bassists – #3: Joe Dart
Joe Dart has been a consistent favorite over the years, and 2020 was no different. Between his work with Vulfpeck, The Fearless Flyers, and Theo Katzman – as well as Ernie Ball Music Man reintroducing his signature bass – readers responded big.
2020 Reader Favorite Bassists – #4: Tony Levin
Tony Levin had big things in the works this year before the shutdown. But that didn't stop the bassist from announcing a new book, a new Liquid Tension Experiment album, and more. Tony takes the #4 slot on this year’s “Reader Favorite Bassists” list.
2020 Reader Favorite Bassists – #5: Rebecca Johnson
This year, we finally got to hear Rebecca Johnson’s story, thanks to our interview with her. That, plus a steady dose of videos throughout 2020 placed her at #5 on the “2020 Reader Favorite Bassists” list.
2020 Reader Favorite Bassists – #6: Thundercat
Thundercat released his fourth album this year, had his bass featured as Bass of the Week, and entertained us with videos that show off not only his incredible musicianship but also his humor. He makes the “Reader Favorite” list at #6.
2020 Reader Favorite Bassists – #7: MonoNeon
We first met MonoNeon at the 2010 NAMM Show. We didn’t know a lot about him or his music at the time, but once that changed, we were fans for life. MonoNeon had a busy year in 2020, and readers responded. That put him at #7 on this year’s list.
2020 Reader Favorite Bassists – #8: Les Claypool
As with many of us, Les Claypool had big plans for 2020 but was forced to adjust. Readers were excited to hear about his “A Tribute to Kings” tour, which thankfully is now planned for 2021. Add in some videos, and a Fearless Flying Frog Brigade reissue, and Les lands on this year's list.