Buzz
FEA Labs Unveils Photon Fuzz II Pedal
FEA Labs has updated their flexible Photon Fuzz pedal with a second version. The Photon Fuzz II includes the original pedal’s tones with added functionality. Made for both bass and guitar, the pedal is named due to a component in the circuit that utilizes infrared light to control the FET used in the fuzz. Its drive and bite controls work...
Touché: An Interview with Federico Malaman
If you’ve ever looked for great bassists online, chances are you’ve watched a clip of Federico Malaman. The Italian bassist has gained a solid following on Facebook and YouTube with videos that blend quirky humor and amazing bass playing. Whether he was covering Michael Jackson or collaborating on original songs, his magnetic persona makes for a fun watching experience. Now...
Audun Ramo: Hendrix’s “Manic Depression” Upright Slap Cover
Jimi Hendrix’s “Manic Depression” has one of the coolest bass and guitar lines ever. Here’s an awesome version of it by bassist Audun Ramo, who adds some upright slap to the mix.
Best of 2016: Top 10 Bass Columns
No Treble columns are designed to inspire. Of the dozens (and dozens) of columns over the course of 2016, these are the top 10 reader favorites. Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing. 1. Bass Players to Know: Justin Meldal-Johnsen Ryan Madora first discovered Justin Meldal-Johnsen thanks to Beck. In this “Bass Players to Know” column, she shared the story (and...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Announces 2017 Inductees
Every year, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s class of inductees tends draws the ire of music fans around the world, but this year’s list seems to be a good fit. The group leans heavy on classic rock with folk, grunge, and rap to round it out. 2017’s inductees include Electric Light Orchestra, Yes, Journey, Joan Baez, Pearl Jam,...
How To Apply Your Transcriptions
Q: Can you give an example of how I might explore using the things I’ve transcribed in some way? I’ve been transcribing a lot this year (as a music student), but I’m not sure how to apply it or get anything from it. A: I spent years transcribing tunes, solos, melodies and bass lines before I ever really figured out...
Josh Cohen: Let it Snow / Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Josh Cohen is helping us get into the holiday spirit with an excellent medley of two tunes: “Let it Snow” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Happy holidays!
At The Drive-In Release New Music, Announce 2017 Tour Dates
Sixteen years after their last release, At The Drive-In announced they have an album of all new material coming out. Even more exciting is the fact that they will be taking their show on the road. The band, fronted by Omar Rodríguez-López and anchored by bassist Paul Hinojos, will perform a handful of dates focusing on the East Coast as...
Reader Spotlight: Eric “EQ” Young
Meet bassist Eric “EQ” Young, who as a high school student saw Larry Graham perform, and the rest is history. Eric spends his time performing for ConFunkShun and working as a solo artist. He’s this week’s reader in the spotlight. Here’s his story… Bio: Singer, songwriter and virtuoso bass player Eric “EQ” Young couldn’t be happier with how the year...
Bass Transcription: Walter Becker’s Bass Line on Steely Dan’s “Gaucho”
This month I chose the self-titled track from Steely Dan’s 1981 record, as a focus of study. I had never heard this group before, though my friends told me all the time there are a lot of good studio musicians on the band’s records. I never was interested in their music until recently when I found this record at a...
Julie Slick: Adrian Belew Power Trio “E” Bass Playthrough
Back in October, Julie Slick’s playthrough of the Adrian Belew Power Trio’s “B3” blew us away. Now she’s posted an even crazier video for the song “e”. Slick plays seemingly impossible lines with ease while her friend Ben paints his room (and her). Prepare to have your face melted. Video by Ben Hallman.
Bob Marley and the Wailers “Live!” Album Reissued
Bob Marley’s historic Live! album has been reissued in a three-LP set with never-before-released music. The original album, released in December 1975, was compiled from the second of two performances at the Lyceum Theatre in London on July 17 and 18, 1975. Driven by the genius bass lines of Aston “Family Man” Barrett, the band’s period captured on the recordings...