Buzz
Tool Releases New Album, Announces North American Tour
It’s finally here. Fear Inoculum is Tool’s first album in 13 years, and it does not disappoint. As if that wasn’t enough good news, Tool announced a round of North American tour dates for the fall.
Havok Announces Fall Tour
Havok, featuring monster bassist Nick Schendzielos, has announced a fall tour. The outing will kick off in their home state of Colorado on October 15th before heading south and into Mexico.
Darryl Anders and AgapéSoul: Kite
Last year, Darryl Anders and his band AgapéSoul released their second album, “Conversations.” The album kicks off with this track, “Kite,” which includes perfect bass tone from Anders and a vocal performance from Zoe Ellis that feels like ear candy.
Robert Randolph & The Family Band Release “Brighter Days”
Robert Randolph & the Family Band are back with a new album called “Brighter Days.” Randolph’s band is aptly named: each member is a relative of his. That includes bassist Danyel Morgan, who helps to deepen the groove with blues, gospel, and R&B lines.
Leland Sklar and The Immediate Family Enter the Studio, Announce Tour Dates
The Immediate Family is a band made up of L.A.’s most sought after session players, including Leland Sklar. The band has announced they’re going into the studio for the own album, and have some tour dates set as well.
Fender Unveils New Player Series Bass Colors
Fender has introduced two new colors to their Player Series: Silver and Capri Orange. The new hues apply to the entire mid-priced, made-in-Mexico line including the Fender Player Precision, Player Jazz Bass, and the Player Jaguar Bass.
Rush: Anthem (1975)
Thursday’s are for throwbacks, and we can’t think of a better way to participate than sharing some epic, old-school Rush. Recorded in 1975, here’s the band performing “Anthem,” with Geddy Lee rocking the Ric.
11th Annual Rocky Mountain Bass Slam Announced
If you hear a rumbling in the Rockies, it can mean only one thing: The Rocky Mountain Bass Slam is back for its 11th year. The event will feature Chuck Rainey, Doug Johns, and many others.
TC Electronic Introduces the Hall of Fame 2×4 Reverb Pedal
TC Electronic has expanded its line of pedals with the Hall of Fame 2×4 Reverb. The pedal builds on their existing Hall of Fame pedal with four pressure-sensitive footswitches that let you quickly change presets.
What Do You Want To See Happen For the Future of Bass Playing?
Damian almost skipped this week’s “Ask” question... but then he decided to go for it, thinking this could actually ignite some really interesting conversations. The question is this: “What Do You Want To See Happen For the Future of Bass Playing?”
Rebecca Johnson Band: Car Wash
Rebecca Johnson sent me this video, and I was glad she did. Earlier this month, Rebecca took the stage with her band and laid down some serious funk on Rose Royce’s “Car Wash.” Dig that tone!
Phil Lesh Cancels Performances Due to Surgery
Former Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh has been forced to cancel his upcoming festival appearances due to a medical issue.