Buzz
Ty Dolla $ign with Thundercat: Tribute To Mac Miller
Today is the one-year anniversary of Mac Miller’s popular Tiny Desk Concert. It was a great episode, with one of Miller’s frequent collaborators, Thundercat. Last week, Ty Dolla $ign recorded this tribute to Miller with Thundercat, Cory Henry, and others.
James Genus Anchors New Album by Robben Ford and Bill Evans
Guitarist Robben Ford and saxophonist Bill Evans teamed up to record a new album, “The Sun Room.” The duo, which has often worked together over the years, recruited drummer Keith Carlock and bassist James Genus to round out the record.
Foxgear Announces the Ballade Chorus Pedal
Foxgear has expanded their pedal lineup with the Ballade, a chorus pedal that revives the sound of the ’80s.
Improving Finger Strength to Avoid Injury?
This week, a reader asks Damian for advice on how to strengthen the muscles in my fingers to help avoid injury. Damian puts together a great roundup in this column on player health.
Zander Zon: “Cello Suite No. 1” and “Canon”
Zander Zon is back with a video he describes as the “2 GREATEST EVER classical pieces... but played on electric bass.” Those pieces include Bach’s “Cello Suite No. 1” and Pachelbel’s “Canon.” As always, he nails it.
Garry Tallent Releases Second Solo Album, “More Like Me”
Back in 2016, longtime Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band bassist Garry Tallent struck out on his own with his first-ever solo album, “Break Time.” Now he’s keeping the momentum up with his second album, entitled “More Like Me.”
Reader Spotlight: Ronnie Brannan
Meet Ronnie Brannan, who started out on tuba before spotting a bass in his school’s jazz band. “I was drawn to everything about it as soon as it came into my consciousness,” he said. Since then, he’s been doing his thing on the bass. Here’s his story...
Ibanez Introduces Two New Fretless BTB Models
Ibanez has expanded their BTB line with two new fretless basses: the five-string BTB845F and the six-string BTB846F.
Cory Wong: Lunchtime (with Sonny T)
Cory Wong is putting out a lot of great music lately, thanks to his new album, “Motivational Music for the Syncopated Soul.” In this clip, Sonny Thompson (aka Sonny T) tears it up – including some incredible solos – on the track “Lunchtime.”
Volbeat Releases “Rewind, Replay, Rebound”
Volbeat has returned with their seventh album, called “Rewind, Replay, Rebound.” It’s the first studio release from the Danish rock band to feature their new lineup with Kaspar Boye Larsen on bass, who officially joined the group in 2016.
Bass of the Week: Eastwood Guitars Airline Pocket Bass
BASS OF THE WEEK: Eastwood Guitars has a knack for recreating vintage basses in a modern format while retaining all their glorious mojo. That’s evident in their take on the Airline Pocket Bass, which was introduced two years ago.
Talking Technique: The “Alternator” Right Hand Exercise
In this new episode of “Talking Technique,” Ari is giving us the ultimate challenge for our right hand technique. Can you alternate your index and middle fingers throughout this demanding plucking exercise?