Buzz
Talking Technique: The Power of Slow
A little while ago, I finished the creation of a 20-week course which includes an extensive technique practice section. Students had requested videos similar to what you see in fitness videos – a way to just follow along with the video. And this became one consistent part of each week’s program: I recorded “Practice With Me” videos featuring a variety...
Planet MicroJam: Drunken Longing
I stumbled upon this video a while back and then re-discovered it later. Planet MicroJam is an interesting band with an equally interesting sound. Featuring Artie Sadtler on fretless bass, the band also includes David Fiuczynski on fretted and fretless guitar, Yazhi Guo on percussion, Freyja Garbett on microtonal keyboards, and Ayinde Webb on drums. Here’s their tune “Drunken Longing”.
Weekly Top 10: Developing a Solid Groove, New Transcription, Gear, Top Videos and More
Time to celebrate the reader favorites of the week on No Treble, including two great columns by Damian Erskine and Dr. D, some new bass gear, popular videos and more. Thanks for reading, watching, commenting and sharing. 1. Epiphone Unveils Limited Edition Korina Explorer Bass Epiphone has released a line of limited edition instruments featuring korina wood, including the Limited...
Iron Ether Updates Xerograph Deluxe Pedal
Iron Ether Electronics is continuing to redesign their pedals for 2016 with an updated version of the Xerograph Deluxe. The synthesizer-inspired stompbox now includes an expression attenuator knob for setting the sweep, top-mounted jacks, and a second footswitch dedicated to the envelope filter. “[The new] stomp switch activates/deactivates the envelope follower, allowing you to seamlessly move from envelope filter sounds...
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings: Road of Broken Hearted Men
We were saddened to learn of Sharon Jones passing on Friday. Here’s the powerhouse soul singer with her Dap-Kings performing Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “Road of Broken Hearted Men” live in Austin during NPR’s SXSW Showcase. Gabriel Roth, aka Bosco Mann lays down the low end in this 2010 performance. RIP, Ms. Jones.
Alter Bridge Announce 2017 North American Tour Dates
Alter Bridge will be bringing “The Last Hero” tour back to North America in 2017 after they wrap up their European trek this winter. The band will be starting in Mobile, Alabama on January 21st and working their way between the U.S. and Canada for a solid month. The Last Hero is the band’s fifth studio album. In our recent...
Eastwood Custom Shop Unveils the Classic 5 Bass
Eastwood will be introducing a five-string version of their Classic hollow body bass as part of their crowdfunding platform. The Classic 5 Bass will be built with a bound laminated maple body, maple top, and bound f-holes. Similar to the four-string, the fiver is fitted with a pair of EW-Retro humbuckers controlled with a 3-way switch. Its knobs are set...
Hugo Doyon-Karout: Playthrough of Beyond Creation’s “Neurotical Transmissions”
Hold on tight: Beyond Creation’s Hugo Doyon-Karout sent us this playthrough for Beyond Creation’s “Neurotical Transmissions”, and it’s a killer. The bassist tears through the track on his six-string fretless with blistering tapping lines. Check that right-hand technique, too!
Sting Releases “57th and 9th”, Announces World Tour
Sting has returned with his first rock-oriented album in thirteen years. 57th and 9th came together in an impulsively over a few weeks earlier this year and ranges in topic from Syrian refugees (“Inshallah”) to climate change (“One Fine Day”) to the loss of musical heroes (“50,000”). “There’s a child in all of us that looks at cultural icons and...
Gear Review: Orange 4-Stroke Bass Amp and OCB410 Cabinet
The latest amp offering from Orange, 4-Stroke 300W Bass Amp paired with their OCB410 Bass Cabinet is a sweet combination bassist wanting an all analog Class A/B amp for both clean sounding or bit of edge. This a rock bassist rig without a doubt, but it really delivers on versatility. The 4-Stroke has a different pre-amp than its’ OBC series...
The Funky Knuckles: Me Too
The Funky Knuckles are back with a new video. And it starts out just right with a nice groove by Wes Stephenson. The song, “Me Too,” is from their latest album, .
Stanley Clarke Brings Tour Back to U.S., Teases New Album
After spending the year in Europe and Asia, Stanley Clarke has announced he will bringing his band back to the U.S. for a tour in December. The bass legend will be joined by Beka Gochiashvili on piano, Cameron Graves on keys, and Michael Mitchell on drums. Clarke’s seven-date run will focus on Florida and Georgia, starting at the Ponte Vedra...