Buzz
Ernie Ball Music Man Reintroduces Joe Dart Signature Bass
After unveiling a limited run of the instrument last year, Ernie Ball Music Man has brought back the Joe Dart Signature Bass. The instrument is based on a Classic Sterling lightweight ash body with a natural finish.
D’Angelo: “Lady” with Ali Shaheed, Spanky, Saadiq, and Questlove
Back in 1997, D’Angelo made an appearance on the Chris Rock Show on Valentine’s Day, along with Ali Shaheed, Spanky, Saadiq, and Questlove. They tore it up on D’Angelo’s hit song, “Lady.”
Orlando le Fleming Releases “Get It Together” Instructional Book
Jazz bassist Orlando le Fleming has released a new instructional book to help you get in shape for the new year. Designed for both electric and double bass, “Get It Together” focuses on “time and sound priorities for the jazz bass player.”
Bass of the Week: Polaris Basses Shorty “Mango”
This week we’re checking out an exotic number from Australia’s Polaris Basses. This Shorty model is dubbed the “Mango” due to its striking mango top covering a sapele body.
Zander Zon: With or Without You (Pandora’s Bass, Season 1 Finale)
Zander Zon wrapped up the first “season” of his Pandora’s Bass series with this video and arrangement of U2’s “With or Without You.”
MonoNeon Releases “Toxic Wasteland 2 The Hills”
MonoNeon kicked the new year off right by releasing a fresh album called “Toxic Wasteland 2 The Hills.” The eight-song collection continues the bassist’s unreal sense of groove and melody. It also has a loose theme of self-care.
Phil Lesh Announces “Surprise 80th Birthday Party” Concerts
Grateful Dead founder Phil Lesh will be celebrating his 80th birthday this year. The Lockn’ Festival has already announced they’ll be honoring him in June, but now Lesh himself has unveiled a string of dates leading up to his birthday.
Yussef Dayes and Alfa Mist: Love Is The Message
Yussef Dayes and Alfa Mist is a very cool band. Rocco Palladino (Pino’s son) is the bassist, and I’m guessing he’s had some amazing bass lessons over the years. Here they are again, performing Dayes’ “Love Is The Message.”
Free Nationals Release Debut Album
The Free Nationals have gained notoriety as Anderson .Paak’s live band, but now they’ve struck out with an album of their own. Anchored by Kelsey Gonzalez, the album includes .Paak, the late Mac Miller, Daniel Caeser, Kali Uchis, and more.
Ananashead Effects Introduces the Main Fuzz Pedal
Ananashead Effects has announced the Main Fuzz, a pedal based on the vintage Fuzz Face circuit. It’s available in three versions: silicon, germanium, or a hybrid of the two.
Jason Raso: Vienna Swing
Jason Raso sent us this video, and I immediately watched it, thinking, “this has a great Weather Report vibe!” Then I read the note: “Respectfully dedicated to Joe Zawinul and the music of Weather Report.”
Bass Bash 2020 Set for January 16-17
Each year, the Winter NAMM Show brings the top industry talent to Anaheim, California. That includes bassists, who all flock to the Bass Bash. This year the event returns on January 16th and 17th with one of its best lineups yet.