Buzz
John Davis and Janek Gwizdala Team Up for Bass Duo Album
The double bass meets the electric bass in a new album from John Davis and Janek Gwizdala, aptly entitled Bass Duo. The six-song album features the bassists in an inspired state that was captured in a rush. “Recorded live to tape (yes real tape) in under an hour, this album brings together two long-time bass playing friends and collaborators in...
Fender Adds New Color To Mod Shop Basses
Fender’s Mod Shop has expanded their option offerings for the Fall. The online instrument configurator has added a new limited edition color for 2017 Mystic Aztec Gold. It’s available on both their Precision and Jazz basses. Users begin the Mod Shop experience by picking their instrument then choosing colors, pickguards, pickups, hardware, and more. It was introduced last year and...
Bokanté: Roudesann
Every time Bokanté shares a new video, I drop what I’m doing to check it out. And they never disappoint. Here’s the latest from their album, Strange Circles, entitled “Roudesann.” The song was written by Michael League and vocalist Malika Tirolien. Michael pulls double duty on the tune, with bass and baritone guitar. Check out his sick solo later in...
Whose Hat Is This? Announces East Coast Tour
Earlier this year, Tim Lefebvre and his rhythm section mates from the Tedeschi Trucks Band blew us away with an inspired free improv performance live in Washington, D.C. Whose Hat Is This?, which is filled out by saxophonist Kebbi Williams (Outkast), and drummers JJ Johnson (John Mayer) and Tyler “Falcon” Greenwell (Col. Bruce Hampton), went on to release an equally...
Rhonda Smith Anchors Jeff Beck’s Live at the Hollywood Bowl
Fans of blues and rock will want to check out Jeff Beck’s latest DVD, Live at the Hollywood Bowl. Recorded in the summer of 2016, the live concert featured songs from the guitar god’s entire career, as far back as The Yardbirds right up to his latest release, Loud Hailer. It also features a plethora of special guest artists including...
The Lightbulb Moment: Creative Space
Every now and then, you may get lucky enough to do a gig or to jam with players in a truly creative and inspired way. You get to play in the greatest sense of the word, and better yet, you get to be your best musical self. You feel a sense of camaraderie with your fellow musicians and you walk...
Sons Of Apollo: Lost in Oblivion
Sons Of Apollo are back with another video from their album, Psychotic Symphony, which once again features the double-neck theatrics of Billy Sheehan and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, along with Mike Portnoy, Derek Sherinian, and Jeff Scott Soto. Here’s the track, “Lost in Oblivion.” was released on October 20th.
In Memoriam: Jack Conrad
Jack Conrad, who played bass for The Doors and wrote songs for many artists, has passed away from a massive heart attack. He was 69 years old. Conrad’s diverse musical career started in the ’60s. He recorded for the Petula Clark album I Know A Place in 1965 and started writing songs. He collaborated with Paul Williams for his albums...
Massive FX Introduces the Hypnotik Fuzz Pedal
Massive FX Pedals has released the Hypnotik Fuzz, a hand-wired super heavy fuzz that is suited for both bass and guitar. The unit has knobs for Master Volume and Fuzz Level as well as a two-position switch that toggles between two modes. Classic Fuzz mode is described as a vintage tone with a thinner, “trebly” sound. The second mode is...
Groove – Episode #35: Steve Bailey
Here’s a little known personal fact about me: Steve Bailey’s 2007 album, So Low… Solo, is one my favorite instrumental music discs of all time. Beyond his stunning mastery of the six-string fretless bass, the composition and arrangements on this album are captivating. It’s still on high rotation in my weekly playlist. With that, Steve is more commonly known as...
Matt La Maida: Superstition
Matt La Maida messaged me with a new, killer bass arrangement he worked out. This time around, Matt takes on Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” with lots of bass goodness and other effects. Matt says he has a transcription coming, so be on the lookout for it here. In the meantime, check out Matt’s popular cover of “Ziggy Stardust” from the archives.
Weezer Mixes The Beach Boys and The Clash on New Album, “Pacific Daydream”
The new Weezer album was supposed to be a darker, moodier counterpoint to their last self-titled record referred to as The White Album. However, when the band got together a different mood presented itself. Pacific Daydream is their 11th album and shows a new tonal character for the group. “I’m going to say [it sounds] somewhere between The Beach Boys...