Buzz
New Documentary Focuses on the Legends of Double Bass in Jazz
Nick Wells is following up his documentary “Beneath the Bassline” with a new film focusing on jazz. “Walking the Changes: Legends of Double Bass in Jazz” explores the evolution of the double bass in jazz including its beginnings and pivotal moments.
Ray Ross Introduces 5-String Saddle-Less Bass Bridge
AP International is now shipping a five-string version of the Ray Ross Bass Bridge. Designed by inventor and luthier Aaron Ross, the bridge utilizes a saddle-less design that instead employs a tone pin that keeps the string straight from bridge to nut.
Theo Katzman: You Could Be President
Theo Katzman has a new album coming. “Modern Johnny Sings: Songs in the Age of Vibe” will once again feature his Vulfpeck bandmate, Joe Dart. Here’s an early preview of the album, with the video for “You Could Be President.”
SonoTone Introduces Vintage Series Bass Strings
SonoTone has unveiled a new line of strings called the Vintage Series. Each set is created to “replicate the strings of yesteryear.”
Tech 21 Unveils the Steve Harris SH1 Signature SansAmp
Tech 21 has added a new pedal to its signature product line with the Steve Harris SH1 Signature SansAmp. The Iron Maiden bassist worked with the company to come up with a solution for touring with his side project, British Lion.
Joshua Young & Ben Kersh: What a Wonderful World
Bassist Joshua Young and drummer Ben Kersh recently shared this video, which knocked me out. “Our bass and drums cover of this classic standard!” they shared. Joshua displays some amazing technique on this one.
The Darkness Returns with “Easter is Cancelled”
The Darkness has returned with “Easter Is Cancelled.” The record “examines the role of the musician in the barbarous culture of the world today...” That’s summed up in the opening track, which features Frankie Poullain riding the low notes on his Thunderbird.
Talking Technique: Chromatic Acrobatics #3
In this episode, Ari covers another chromatic workout. These chromatic lines are really fun to play, and they’re also a great technique workout for both our right and left hands. Not only that, they’re basically the musical application of permutation exercises.
Tower of Power: Boys From The Bay
Back in 2008, Tower of Power celebrated its 40th anniversary. Taken from their 40th Anniversary DVD, here’s Rocco Prestia and the band laying down the East Bay grease on “Boys From The Bay.”
Chris Lightcap Releases “SuperBigmouth”
After releasing music with his bands Bigmouth and Superette, bassist Chris Lightcap has combined the efforts into a group called SuperBigmouth. As such the group includes two tenor saxophones, keyboard, two guitars, bass, and two drumkits.
Xotic Effects Introduces New Volume Pedals
Xotic Effects has unveiled a new line of volume pedals with two options. The XVP-250K comes in gold metallic and has a 250K pot for passive instruments while the XVP-25K comes in Hammertone red and has a 25K pot for active instruments.
How to Stay Healthy When Touring
Damian Erskine lost 72 pounds since the beginning of the year, and he did it over a time of lots of touring. A reader noticed and asked Damian to cover “How to Stay Healthy When Touring” in this new “Ask” column.