Buzz
2016 Reader Favorites – #5: Leland Sklar
What can you say about Leland Sklar that hasn’t already been said? The man just brings it in everything he does. We featured some killer videos this year of Mr. Sklar from throughout his career, and once again, our “Stories Behind the Songs” and Groove episode from the archives continued to be huge hits. 1. James Taylor with Leland Sklar:...
2016 Reader Favorites – #6: Michael League
Michael League brought the bass goodness in 2016, as he always does. Snarky Puppy released “Family Dinner, Vol. 2” in February, followed by their 11th album, Culcha Vulcha on April 29th. Later, Michael joined the legendary David Crosby for his new album and tour. 1. Snarky Puppy, Featuring Susana Baca and Charlie Hunter: Molino Molero Snarky Puppy recorded their upcoming...
2016 Reader Favorites – #7: Tal Wilkenfeld
Tal Wilkenfeld is no stranger to the annual Reader Favorites list. In 2016, Tal shared some of the music she’s working on for her new album, plus opened for The Who on their tour. This brought new attention to some of the Tal features in our archive too, which all added up to placing her at #7 on the 2016...
2016 Reader Favorites – #8: Federico Malaman
We’ve said it before – we’re not sure Federico Malaman is from this planet. But despite his incredible musicianship, Federico is one of the nicest (and most humble) people we’ve met. Thanks to some killer videos – and our own interview with him – Federico makes this year’s No Treble reader favorites list. 1. Federico Malaman: I Love You, Giant...
2016 Reader Favorites – #9: Joe Dart
Joe Dart continued to impress us all in 2016. Vulfpeck released The Beautiful Game in October, and the band followed that with some impressive videos – including a big hit in “Dean Town.” No surprise Joe once again landed on the annual top 10 reader favorites list. 1. Vulfpeck: Dean Town It is always a good day at No Treble...
2016 Reader Favorites – #10: Esperanza Spalding
2016 was a big year for Esperanza Spalding, who released her fifth album, Emily’s D+Evolution. “I knew it was loud, and I knew it was electric. I knew when it wasn’t done, and I knew when it was. Beyond that, there wasn’t much of a plan,” Spalding told NPR about the new record. “I sought out those musicians, and talked...
Weekly Top 10: Groove a Day, Best of 2016, Top Bass Videos and Gear, and More
We celebrate the start of the year with the top 10 reader favorites from the last week of 2016. Enjoy, and happy new year! 1. No Treble’s Best of 2016 We’re celebrating the best of No Treble for 2016, based on readership. Check out the most popular features, lessons, videos, bassists and more… 2. Gary Willis Launches Groove A Day...
Morley Announces Limited Edition Cliff Burton Tribute Power Fuzz Wah
Morley has announced a new limited edition of the Cliff Burton Tribute Power Fuzz Wah. The pedal, which has independent fuzz and wah effects, will come in a chrome finish similar to the original Tel-Ray Morley model. It will be limited to 500 units with some of those being signed by the late Metallica bassist’s father, Ray Burton. The mirror...
Michel “Labex” Labaki: PTSD
Bassist Michel “Labex” Labaki mixed his musical skills with his Masters in Music Therapy to create a song and video calling attention to post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD. “Shot in an asylum, the video shows a girl who is constantly haunting the minds of a group of musicians, reflecting the torment of patients affected by Post-traumatic Stress Disorder,”...
In Memoriam: Remembering the Bassists We Lost in 2016
2016 was a hard year for losses in entertainment, and it was no different for the bass community. Too many legends and lesser-known heroes of the bass passed away this year, but their memories will live on through the music they made and the lives they touched. Join us as we remember the lives and legacies of the bass players...
Ryan Martinie and Soften The Glare Ready Debut Album
Former Mudvayne bassist Ryan Martinie’s new band Soften the Glare is in the studio recording their debut album. Slated for a March release date, the band is currently crowdfunding the album through Pledge Music with rewards ranging from the album to a Skype conversation with Martinie all the way up to Executive Producer credit for the album. Soften the Glare...
Leonid & Friends: 25 or 6 to 4
Bassist Leonid Vorobyev and his band Leonid & Friends loves Chicago. So they decided to do a tribute “one of the greatest bands in the world” with this cover of “25 or 6 to 4.” And they nailed it.