Buzz
Self-Employed Music Industry Workers to be Covered in Stimulus Package
In a spot of good news, the latest piece of U.S. legislation surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic includes language to provide financial relief to music workers.
Survivor: An Interview with Benny Turner
Benny Turner’s story is the story of the blues. The younger brother of blues guitar legend Freddie King, Turner grew up in rural Texas during the wake of the Great Depression. Now he’s published a great memoir. We caught up with him to get the scoop.
Shane Cooper: Learn To Levitate
We’re all dealing with the pandemic lockdowns in different ways, and thankfully that’s creating a lot of great music. Shane Cooper sent us his latest video for “Learn To Levitate,” which features some awesome electric bass work amid an ambient groove.
Charlie Haden Documentary Streaming For Free Until April 5
If you’re looking for some inspiring bass material to watch during your quarantine, director Reto Caduff has you covered. His 2009 documentary, “Charlie Haden: Rambling Boy,” is available for free streaming via Vimeo until April 5th.
G&L Unveils 40th-Anniversary SB-1 Bass
G&L is continuing its 40th-anniversary celebrations by introducing a limited edition version of their SB-1 bass. Originally launched in 1982, the company describes the SB-1 as “the magic of Leo [Fender’s] own reinterpretation of a classic design.”
Leland Sklar: “Against All Odds” Playthrough
Leland Sklar is making the most of this time of social distancing and giving back to the bass playing community. In this video, the bass legend shows us the bass line on the Phil Collins tune, “Against All Odds.”
The Boomtown Rats Return with “Citizens of Boomtown”
Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats have released “Citizens of Boomtown,” which marks their first album in 36 years. Bassist Pete Briquette, who dishes out some dirty tone on the album, also produced the record.
Sonata Marketing Now Shipping Modern Vintage Basses
Sonata Marketing has launched a new line of instruments called the Modern Vintage Series, which includes two basses: the MVJ4 and the MVP4.
The Main Squeeze: Little Bit
We can always count on The Main Squeeze to deliver. In this video for “Little Bit,” the band (which once again includes Rob Walker on bass) combines some great videography and music.
Contact Congress for Musician Relief
Musicians everywhere are hurting as the COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt to nearly all gigs. Now, the Recording Academy is asking for everyone to contact Congress to get them to include relief for musicians.
Racer X Releases New Song to Support Juan Alderete’s Recovery
After a devastating bicycle accident in January, Juan Alderete was left in a coma. His old Racer X bandmates have released a never-before-heard studio track from their “Technical Difficulties” sessions in 1999 to help support Juan’s recovery efforts.
Bass of the Week: Wintergatan’s Cyber Bass
Wintergatan is a Swedish band that focuses on engineering and innovation to create their music. One of their main creations is the Marble Machine X. The machine previously had a violin-style bass guitar, but they’ve just upgraded it to what they call the “Cyber Bass.”