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Promoting Yourself as a Bassist
Q: I’m currently playing for a punk band that has pretty good local success in that genre, however, having done this for a while I know no band lasts forever and I would like to aim higher. I would also like to get my name out as a bassist available for side projects, lessons, etc. I made a separate Facebook...
Mike Stern Band: KT
The Mike Stern Band always seems to feature an impressive lineup, and this one is no exception. In this clip, the band performs “KT” at the Blue Note Milano on November 4th, 2015. The group this time features Stern on guitar, Janek Gwizdala on bass, Randy Brecker on trumpet and Steve Smith on drums.
Biffy Clyro Tries to Top Itself on Latest Album
Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro has released its seventh studio album, Ellipsis. The album comes three years after the group’s previous high-water mark, 2013’s Opposites, a fairly epic album that the band wasn’t necessarily certain that it could pull off, according to a band interview in DIY magazine. “We’ve got a benchmark,” bassist/vocalist James Johnston said. “We have to be...
Reader Spotlight: Lazarus Michaelides
Meet Lazarus Michaelides, a bassist living and working in London on a variety of musical related projects. Lazarus’ story caught our eye for his appreciation for everything happening in the world of bass, while keeping it “simple” in his playing. Lazarus is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight. Here’s his story… Bio: Lazarus Michaelides is a freelance Bass...
Top 10: The Most Watched Bass Videos (June 2016)
We love the top 10 lists, especially since they’re based on reader responses to the things we post here. Here are the top 10 No Treble reader favorite bass videos for the month of June. Lots of great bass here, worth celebrating once again. Thanks for watching, commenting and sharing! 1. Jeff Berlin, Scott Henderson and Billy Cobham: Stratus Jeff...
Sound Struggle: Rise
When Sound Struggle’s new video hit my radar, it blew me away. Their song “Rise” starts out in a way that makes you think you know what the song is all about. Then something pretty epic happens. Then it changes again, and then it really gets epic. Anchored by bassist Joe Calderone, here’s the band in a performance backed by...
Miroslav Vitous Returns to Weather Report’s Music with New Album
Weather Report founding bassist Miroslav Vitous is revisiting his old band’s work on his latest album, Music of Weather Report. Czech bassist Vitous assembled a sextet to play the music of the famed fusion band, which he left in 1973. (His replacement was Alfonso Johnson, who was in turn, replaced by Jaco Pastorius). The result is a set shimmering with...
Bass of the Week: R. Hyde Guitars Long Scale Nuvo
After releasing the prototype last year, Ryan Hyde of R. Hyde Guitars has created a new full-sized version of the Nuvo. The sleek and seductive revamp is our bass of the week. Hyde built the new Nuvo with a full 34-inch scale and added a few improvements to the design. “This new version features a fully adjustable bridge,” the luthier...
Getting Started: A Beginner’s Guide to Improvising a Bass Line
Whether you are a beginning bassist, or an accomplished musician who is simply accustomed to reading written music, it can be daunting when first asked to improvise a bass line. Some people stumble, others freeze. Some think they need to be well versed in college level theory. However, there is no reason to fear even if you know only a...
Anthony Vitti & Tom Appleton: Forgotten Groove Yard #15
Here’s episode #15 of Anthony Vitti‘s Groove Yard, with Tom Appleman joining Vitti for what they call a “little Acid Jazz duo”. Dig it!
Chevelle Releases 8th Studio Album
Chevelle’s latest album, The North Corridor, marks a bit of a departure for the band. “I think this record was designed in a way to be more aggressive and more fun to play onstage, and that’s just going off the reactions we see from our perspective. You can tell when a crowd is into what you’re doing—I think that drove...
Weekly Top 10: Beautiful Practice, Solving Finger Pain, Rhonda Smith Podcast, New Bass Gear, Videos and More
Time for another round of the weekly top 10, where we celebrate the most reader favorite stories, how-to’s, videos and more. Thanks as always for reading, watching, commenting and sharing. 1. Talking Technique: Beautiful Practice This lesson is called “Beautiful Practice” for a reason. Our exercise this week creates a lush harmony and texture all while working out our theory...