Buzz
Ask Damian Erskine: Farewell (For Now)
For over a decade, Damian Erskine has published his “Ask Damian Erskine” column every week. That’s 533 columns. After that impressive run, Damian has decided to take a break. We can’t thank him enough for his contributions over the years.
Vulfpeck: Back Pocket (Live at Madison Square Garden)
In October, Vulfpeck packed Madison Square Garden for a concert. The band has just announced a live album from the show, and a video to go along with it. Joe Dart shows another side on this, helping with the vocals in this intro of “Back Pocket.”
Tim Lefebvre and Ego Mondo Release “End of Daze”
Bassist Tim Lefebvre has released a new album, “End of Daze,” with his latest group, Ego Mondo. The band is a trio project with drummer Gary Novak and keyboardist Scott Kinsey that channels rock, hip hop, and jazz vibes.
Bass Transcription: Bass Arrangement of Victor Jara’s “El Derecho de Vivir en Paz”
The recent protests in Chile inspired Marcelo Cordova to take on “El Derecho de Vivir en Paz” (“The Right to Live in Peace”), a hymn composed by Víctor Jara that Marcelo says “unites all Chileans.” Marcelo turned it into a solo bass piece. Here’s his transcription.
Mabuta: “She” (Live in Cape Town)
South Africa’s Mabuta just dropped a live video for their new song, “She,” and it’s sure to get you grooving. The song kicks off with a chordal bass line by bandleader Shane Cooper before the horns come in with a laid back melody.
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.