Buzz
Fishbone: Kung Fu Grip, Live on KEXP
Sometimes you just need some raw, unfiltered energy, and you can always get it from a little Fishbone. Here’s a blazing clip of the band playing “Kung Fu Grip” on KEXP in late 2016. Bassist Norwood Fisher tears through the song with his signature slap style and some insane double-thumbing.
Sons of Apollo – with Billy Sheehan – Announce World Tour, New Video
Ever since we first featured the band back in October, we’ve been psyched about Sons of Apollo. The supergroup is made up of Mike Portnoy, Derek Sherinian, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Jeff Scott Soto, and the amazing bass work of Billy Sheehan. They released their debut, Psychotic Symphony, last year and now they’ve announced an international tour. The outing will start...
Dusky Electronics Unveils the Mandorla Boost Pedal
Dusky Electronics has expanded their lineup with the Mandorla, a boost pedal inspired by vintage boost pedals from the ’60s. The pedal is designed to work well on guitar, bass, and keyboard while offering control over the bass frequencies with a “meat” knob. “The concept for the Mandorla is to play to the inherent, delicious nonlinearity of the MOSFET transistor...
The Perfect Setup: An Interview with Jason Brown
A proper setup on your bass can make a world of difference in the way it responds to your playing. That’s why it’s so important to have gurus like Jason Brown around to figure out exactly what every bass needs. Brown is not only a luthier that specializes in the double bass, he’s a seasoned player that has three decades...
Stuart Clayton: Bass Lick of the Week #7 – Slap Bass Groove
Stuart Clayton is having a busy year. Each week, he’s posting a “Bass Lick of the Week.” In this seventh episode, Stuart turns his attention to slap bass. “This week’s exercise is a slap bass groove that will allow you to focus on fretting hand slaps and popping double stops. It was performed on a GB Guitars Rumour 4-string,” Stuart...
Bob Hardy Anchors Franz Ferdinand’s Latest, “Always Ascending”
Scottish indie rock band Franz Ferdinand has returned with their fifth studio album, Always Ascending. The album, anchored by bassist Bob Hardy, is the first to feature their newest member Julian Corrie, who took the place of Nick McCarthy. Always Ascending offers a fresh feel thanks in part to the lineup change as well as the band taking their time...
GoGo Tuners Introduces Portable, Rechargeable Power Supply
GoGo Tuners has unveiled the Drop Spot, a USB rechargeable 9V lithium battery power supply for pedals. The portable device is capable of powering multiple pedals, pedalboards, and high current effects by offering 9V, 700ma power. The company’s slogan of “Green you’re in and Red you’re out” applies to the Drop Spot as well. Indicator lights go from green to...
What Should I Play At Soundcheck?
Q: What should I play at soundcheck? I always feel like I should be impressive or something when the sound tech says “okay, let’s hear the bass,” But maybe just pulsing on the open E string is enough? What’s your soundcheck agenda? A: This is the perfect opportunity for me to: a) make a suggestion as to the best use...
Sons Of Apollo: Alive
Sons Of Apollo has released their latest video featuring music from their album, Psychotic Symphony. “Alive” starts out with a mellow beginning before the band kicks it into gear. And once again, Billy Sheehan is sporting his Attitude double neck bass.
Sonny Rollins Trio’s “Way Out West” Reissued in Deluxe Box Set
Ray Brown was a master jazz bassist that could carry entire songs, with or without chordal instruments. One of his most notable recordings of the latter situation has just been reissued on vinyl for its 60th anniversary. Sonny Rollins’s Way Out West features the trio Brown on bass, Rollins on sax, and Shelly Manne on drums. It was taken from...
Wilson Effects Updates the Freaker Wah
Wilson Effects has updated their Freaker Wah with the Freaker Wah V2, which they explain offers more flexibility in addition to some updates to the circuit. Equally useful on bass and guitar, the unit is based on the vintage circuit used by Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler. The dual-filter synth wah offers a wide range of frequency sweeps...
Blackstar Amplification Launches Unity Bass Combo Series
Blackstar Amplification has gotten into the bass game with the Unity Series, their first ever line of bass amps. Models in the range span power ranges from 30 watts to 500 watts in combo amp packages. Each has a preamp equipped with a 4-band EQ as well as three preamp voicings: Classic, Modern, or Flat. They also have a response...