Buzz
Custom Shop: Swope Guitars
In this month’s “Custom Shop” column, Jake Serek goes behind the scenes on Chris Swope’s life and work. Chris started out as an apprentice at Mass Street Music before working with Roger Sadowsky, then on to his own shop, Swope Guitars.
Eric Clapton, Featuring Nathan East: Can’t Find My Way Home
In 2015, Eric Clapton celebrated his 70th birthday with a tour. In this clip, recorded at Royal Albert Hall, Nathan East kicks things off with a fantastic intro, before taking on the lead vocals while throwing down some tasty bass lines.
Hadrien Feraud To Tour With Oz Noy Trio
Guitarist Oz Noy has announced a new round of tour dates in support of his latest album, “Booga Looga Loo.” Always accompanied by monster players, Noy has enlisted drummer Dave Weckl and bassist Hadrien Feraud for the new leg.
Kirk Whalum Releases “Humanité”
Kirk Whalum has released a new album called “Humanité,” which sees the Grammy-winning saxophonist and vocalist collaborating with artists from around the world. This includes Barry Likumahuwa, Marcus Miller, Jackie Clark, Braylon Lacy, Idy, and Mark Jaimes on bass.
Playing Bass with a Drumming Background
This week’s “Ask” column focuses on an interesting question for Damian, and his focus on drums early on before switching to bass. The question included other bits, including thinking rhythmically, harmonically, melodically, and more.
Zander Zon vs. Charles Berthoud: Bass Battle
Earlier this week, we featured a “Bass Battle” video between Davie504 and Charles Berthoud. Now Zander Zon has thrown his hat in the ring, with an awesome (and hilarious) video he created with Berthoud.
Ex-Incubus Bassist Dirk Lance Announces New Band, East of June
Former Incubus bassist Alex “Dirk Lance” Katunich has released a new song with his new band called East of June. The group is a trio filled out by vocalist Emily Rath and guitarist Kyle Mortensen.
Ernie Ball Music Man Unveils Ball Family Reserve Fretless StingRay
Ernie Ball Music Man revealed the latest in their monthly Ball Family Reserve series, including a Fretless StingRay. The bass comes in a Vintage Sierra Burst, but the most attention-grabbing aspect is its highly figured roasted maple neck and fingerboard.
Elton John: “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” (Dee Murray’s Isolated Bass)
I recently went on a search for videos of Dee Murray (which, unfortunately, are hard to find). This clip came with the claim that this is Murray’s isolated bass on Elton John’s “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting.”
Tommy Igoe & The Buddy Rich Big Band (with Will Lee): The Chicken
Back in 2013, Tommy Igoe performed with The Buddy Rich Big Band. In this clip, they perform Pee Wee Ellis’ tune, “The Chicken.” Will Lee lays down some seriously great bass on this one.
In Memoriam: Erik Scott
Erik Scott has passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was 71 years old. The news was shared on his official Facebook page by his wife, Mickie Scott.
Solo Bass Night Series Launching This November
Ariane Cap and Josh Cohen have teamed up to create Solo Bass Night, a performance series that features and promotes solo bass music. The concerts have their roots from an event nearly 15 years ago.