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Jimi Hendrix’s Full Band of Gypsys Debut Concerts Now Available
Jimi Hendrix debuted The Band of Gypsys with four shows over New Year’s Eve 1969 and New Year’s Day 1970. All of the performances were recorded, and all of them are now available in a new box set, “Songs For Groovy Children: The Fillmore East Concerts.”
Bass of the Week: Sugi Guitars NB5 Dream Catcher 33 Bass
When you look at this bass, you might suspect it was built in the Southwest due to its design and turquoise coloring. However, the NB5 Dream Catcher 33 is a custom bass made by Japan’s Sugi Guitars.
Bootsy Collins: 1993 Band Rehearsal
Here’s a great clip recorded during a 1993 rehearsal with Bootsy Collins and his band. It is cool to see Bootsy directing the group and playing his funky lines. Check out his reaction around the 4:05 mark to Bernie Worrell’s epic clavinet run.
Late-Era Grateful Dead Songs Compiled for “Ready or Not”
The Grateful Dead began working on a new studio album in 1992 that never came to fruition. They broke up after the death of Jerry Garcia in 1995, ending any new studio albums from the group. Now a live album, “Ready or Not,” imagines what could have been.
Janek Gwizdala Publishes “Bass Player’s Guide to Looping”
Looping has become a staple for many bass players. From practice to performance, bassists have been gotten more and more creative with the craft. Now Janek Gwizdala is sharing his deep knowledge of looping with a new book, “Bass Player’s Guide to Looping.”
Ohio Players: “Skin Tight” on TopPop
This is one of those funk songs that is just so fun to play. “Skin Tight” was a hit in 1974 and it holds up thanks to the bass line by Marshall “Rock” Jones. Here’s a clip taken from the Dutch TV show TopPop.
Bass Gear Roundup: The Top Gear Stories in November 2019
Many of the gear stories we shared over the month of November got a ton of views. Here are your top 10 favorite bass gear stories we shared last month.
Xotic Announces Bass RC Booster V2 Pedal
Xotic has updated part of their pedal lineup with the Bass RC Booster V2. The unit is described as “a super transparent boost pedal designed to add clarity and definition to your bass tone.”
Scott Devine: The 20 Best Bass Lines of All Time
Scott Devine of Scott’s Bass Lessons put together this video back in March, which covers what he considers the best 20 best bass lines of all time.
CITES Ends Rosewood Restrictions for Musical Instruments
Two years after setting restrictions on the international trade of rosewood, the Conference on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (aka CITES) has set exemptions for finished musical instruments, parts, and accessories.
The Lightbulb Moment: The Lesson Agreement
Many people question the validity of music lessons. Are they worth it? Why do they cost [enter amount]? And what’s the point of having a teacher when you can learn on your own? That’s the topic of Ryan’s latest “Lightbulb Moment” column.
Saab Guitar Project: Police
This new video just hit my radar, and I’m glad it did. Here’s The Saab Guitar Project, featuring Douglas Saab, Nathan East, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Greg Phillinganes performing the tune, “Police.”