Buzz
François Moutin and Kavita Shah Team Up for “Interplay”
The duo of a double bass and voice is one of the most powerful musical configurations. That’s clear on the new album, Interplay, by François Moutin and Kavita Shah. Sometimes intimate and sometimes exuberant, the 11-song collection ranges from jazz classics like “La Vie en Rose” to modern instrumental tunes like Dafnis Prieto’s “Blah Blah”. “There’s a nakedness to playing...
Ibanez Unveils the BTB845V Bass
Back in 2015, Ibanez introduced a five-string bass to their Bass Workshop Series they called the Volo. The bass featured a shorter 33-inch scale and was tuned E to C for a higher range. Now Ibanez has brought the model back as the BTB845V. The spirit of Volo lives on through the new bass has a few differences in materials....
Staying Motivated Without Playing Opportunities
Q: I read your column for years, but I don’t know if you have answered this already: I have been playing bass for many years and, due to circumstances beyond my control, I cannot find people in my hometown to play (long story, small Greek city). I am taking some jazz theory lessons (via Skype), but I am stuck in...
Talking Heads: Psycho Killer, Live 1978
This video popped up in my Facebook feed, and it brought back some great memories. Back in 1978, the Talking Heads performed on the British television music show “Old Grey Whistle Test.” Here’s the clip of “Psycho Killer” from that broadcast, with Tina Weymouth holding it down.
Sons of Apollo Release “Alive/Tengo Vida” EP
Sons of Apollo are gearing up for their world tour with a special EP release of their single, “Alive.” The album contains six versions of the song including the original track, a radio edit, an acoustic rendition, plus each of those versions in Spanish, which retitles the track to “Tengo Vida.” “It was discussed we should do a Spanish language...
Dmitry Lisenko Releases “Percussive Acoustic Bass” Video Course
Dmitry Lisenko has been wowing No Treble readers for the past few years with his impressive acoustic bass guitar playing. Now he’s sharing his technique in a new video course called Percussive Fingerstyle on Acoustic Bass. The bassist’s unique style of playing incorporates lots of percussion on the body of the bass to fill out the song. “By understanding the...
ESP Introduces Flamed Maple LTD B-204 and LTD B-205 Basses
ESP updated their LTD line this year with upgraded versions of their most popular basses. The LTD B-204FM and LTD B-205FM take the flagship models and add a flamed maple top in translucent See Thru Red and See Thru Blue finishes. Other new features include an improved control layout and a new fingerboard wood: roasted jatoba. Each model is built...
Andrea Balasso: Baba Club
Andrea Balasso sent me this video of a tune that appears on his new album, Time To Leave. We’re digging this! What a groove. The tune also features Marco Andrighetto on drums and Giovanni Forestan on sax.
Smashing Pumpkins Tour to Feature Jack Bates
After announcing that D’Arcy Wretzky would not be joining the upcoming “Shiny and Oh So Bright” reunion tour, the Smashing Pumpkins have announced the bass player for the outing. Original members Billy Corgan, Jeff Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin, as well as Jeff Schroeder, will be joined by bassist Jack Bates. Fans will know Bates as the son of Joy Division/New...
Johnny Cox Releases New Instructional Book, “Improve Your Groove”
Johnny Cox has released a new instructional book called Improve Your Groove: The Essential Guide to Mastering Time and Feel on Bass Guitar. The new book focuses on playing in the pocket with topics including cracking the code of rhythm and groove, building your internal clock, Konnakol vocal counting, and more. The book has five complete songs to practice with...
Bass of the Week: Veillette Guitars Acoustic Bass Guitar
This week we’re checking out builder Joe Veillette’s Acoustic bass guitar model. Available in a variety of woods, the Acoustic was designed to bring the same depth of tone from their acoustic guitars to the bass. “With a 17″ wide and 5.5″ deep body, the Acoustic Bass has the airspace to deliver a true fundamental with depth and authority. A...
Lissie: Best Days
Earlier this year, Lissie visited The Current’s studios in advance of her new album, , which released in March. Here’s the singer/songwriter with her band performing “Best Days,” from the record. Megan Mahoney lays down a tasty bass line on the tune.