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Ron Carter on Trombonist Turre’s Latest
Legendary jazz double bassist Ron Carter remains busy as he approaches 80, playing on trombonist Steve Turre’s latest, Colors for the Masters. The album has already netted a glowing review at All About Jazz, which called it one of Turre’s “best releases in years.” It also acknowledges the iconic bassist, noting “if you can’t pick out a Ron Carter bass...
Contest: Win a “Lords of the Low End” Bass Gear Prize Pack from La Bella, Sadowsky, Kala, SimS, Xotic and Hipshot
Update: Thanks to everyone who entered! We’re thrilled to announce the winners: Austin S. (1st prize), Anthony C. (2nd prize) and Jeff D. (third prize). A huge thanks to Sadowsky, Kala, Hipshot, Xotic, SimS Pickups and La Bella. Be sure to check out the Lords of the Low End event. Kala Brand Music, Sadowsky, SimS Pickups, Xotic Guitars, Hipshot, La...
Groove – Episode #21: Tim Lefebvre
There are bass players who are able to cross musical genres, but few do it as well as Tim Lefebvre. His playing consistently demonstrates an uncanny ability to adapt to a wide range of different styles. It may well be the exact reason why David Bowie chose Tim to play on his final studio album, Blackstar, which was released two...
Michael Manring Playing Two Basses at Once
I’m convinced that Michael Manring’s brain works differently than everyone else’s. His ideas are always so unique and his execution of them are jaw-dropping. Back in 1991, Manring was featured on the Spanish television program Musica NA to talk about his playing and compositions. This clip starts out with the bassist explaining his thought process on playing two basses at...
Derrick Hodge Releases Second Solo Album
Grammy award-winning bassist Derrick Hodge, who has worked with Terence Blanchard, Robert Glasper, Jill Scott and Maxwell, has released his sophomore solo album, appropriately titled, The Second. Hodge played the majority of the instruments on the album, which he not only composed, but also produced. “I wanted to create something that exposed myself artistically, with a heartbeat for the people....
Thundercat Debuts New Song
If you’ve been fiending for some new Thundercat, you’re in luck. The bass virtuoso has just dropped a new single called “Bus in These Streets”, and it’s got all the quirky-yet-catchy aspects he’s known for. The song’s bouncy bass line holds the groove while chimes give the song a happy-go-lucky vibe. Thundercat’s lyrics, however, are a commentary on the effect...
Learning Lots of Songs Quickly
Q: I have a dep gig in 5 days and need to learn 23 songs. Any tips? I’m quite a good reader and have all the songs transcribed so I can probably read the music as I play but it’s for a rock gig and wouldn’t look particularly cool. A: For those who don’t know what a “dep gig” is...
Descendents: Testosterone
Punk icons The Descendents recently released their seventh studio album, Hypercaffium Spazzinate, and it’s got all the fervor they’re known for. That includes the blistering bass work of Karl Alvarez. Watch the band get down on their latest live video for “Testosterone”. The song is short but sweet with a killer bass run at the 28-second mark.
De La Soul Releases First Record in Four Years
Hip hop trio De La Soul has released its ninth full-length album and the Anonymous Nobody… It’s the first album in four years for the veteran group, whose creative power is still formidable, according to a review of the album in Spin, which says, “Every note of Nobody feels driven by the ingenuity of three artists for whom creative spirit...
Reader Spotlight: Benjamin Race
Meet Benjamin Race, a musician and producer living in the UK and doing some pretty stellar work in his music career. Sounds like Benjamin got a good start in life, with a father who served as inspiration – and one with impeccable musical tastes (if you ask us). Benjamin in this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight. Here’s his...
Warwick Introduces Rex Brown Signature Basses
Rex Brown has teamed up with Warwick for a new signature bass that will be available in the company’s top shelf custom shop line as well as the more affordable Rockbass Artist line. Both versions are based off the Reverso neck-through model, which features a distinct offset body with an extended upper horn. The Rockbass Artist Line Rex Brown 4...
Chris DeAngelis: Bass Arrangement of Radiohead’s “Sit Down. Stand Up. (Snakes & Ladders)”
Chris DeAngelis is the super talented bassist for Kung Fu and The Breakfast, but he also makes time to create insanely good solo covers (which he calls the HoodRat Sessions) in his spare time. Case in point: this clip of his take on Radiohead’s “Sit Down. Stand Up. (Snakes and Ladders)”. “HoodRat Sessions continues with a tribute to the best...