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Haken Releases “Affinity”
Progressive metal band Haken has released its fourth full-length studio album, Affinity. While bassist Conner Green appeared on the band’s 2014 EP Restoration, Affinity marks his first album effort with the band. Green took over bass duties with Thomas MacLean’s 2013 departure from the group. The Prog Report has already given the album high marks, calling the track “The Architect”...
Weekly Top 10: Talking Style, Bass Gear Roundup, Tony Levin Podcast, Popular Bass Videos and More
The week always ends on a positive note around here, because we get to celebrate the best of the best from the world of bass. Here are the top 10 reader favorite stories, columns, videos and more. Thanks as always for reading, watching, commenting and sharing. 1. Prince with Larry Graham: Motherless Child Like countless others, we were devastated to...
Fodera Unveils Imperial Mini-MG Bass
Fodera and Matthew Garrison have teamed up once again to introduce the Imperial Mini-MG. The headless and compact design was created with portability and playability in mind. “With the recent change in instrument travel regulations, there has been an increasing need for a bass guitar that combines portability without sacrificing tone or playability,” Fodera shares. “With these needs in mind,...
David Piggott and Kayla Malik: Fix You
David Piggott teaches music at his studio, Piggott Music. One of his students is Kayla Malik. They recently recorded their own bass and vocals arrangement of Coldplay’s “Fix You”. David said this was the first time he heard Kayla sing. “Because everyone has lost something in their life… I hope you enjoy this [arrangement],” David shared.
Bruce Foxton Builds on Recently Revitalized Solo Career on Latest Album
Three years after releasing his first solo record in three decades, Back in the Room, former bassist for The Jam and Stiff Little Fingers Bruce Foxton has released Smash the Clock. Smash the Clock was recorded at the studio owned by his former bandmate in The Jam, Paul Weller, who contributes guitar and piano parts to the album (Weller also...
Eastwood Guitars Recreates Devo “Be Stiff” Bass Guitar
Devo was known for outlandish instruments, and Eastwood Guitars has a knack for bringing retro oddities back to life. That’s why they’re planning on remaking Jerry Casale’s “Be Stiff” bass from the Freedom of Choice tour in 1979 and 1980. The original bass was concocted around a Gibson EB-3 neck and parts Casale had around. “Neither Bob [Casale] nor Jerry...
Sex Pistols: Anarchy In The UK, 1976
When it comes to raw energy, the Sex Pistols are hard to beat. Today we’re throwing it back to a 1976 performance of the punk anthem “Anarchy in the UK” that features Glen Matlock and his vicious bass tone.
Red Hot Chili Peppers Announce New Album, Release Single
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have announced their 11th studio album, The Getaway, will be available everywhere on June 17th. The album will be Flea and the gang’s first new album since 2011’s I’m With You. Besides unveiling the track list and artwork, they’ve announced a full summer’s worth of festival appearances and the first single from the album, entitled...
Barefaced Audio Introduces Four10 Bass Cabinet
Barefaced Audio has added a 4×10? bass cabinet to their lineup, aptly named the Four10. Rated at up to 1000 watts, the company says their take on the classic speaker configuration ups the game with their custom drivers and Hybrid Resonator enclosure design. “The characteristics of most 10″ speakers require a smaller sealed cab or a very large ported cab,”...
Bass Transcription: Bob West’s Bass Line on Odetta’s “Hit or Miss”
Something I notice when listening to inexperienced bassists is that they often tend to line up all of their technical ideas, one after another, when creating a bass line. It’s similar to a chef using all their spices to make just one dish. Most of us will learn with experience that less is not only more but you can reinvent...
David Bowie: Ashes To Ashes (Live)
Dishwalla bassist Scot Alexander sent me this video saying, “With all the David Bowie stuff still going on, just thought I’d send this your way… It’s SO good. Mark Plati takes over bass and Gail Ann [Dorsey switches to] guitar. The bass is really hot in the mix and his little melodic licks are on point!” While we always love...
Previously Unreleased Bad Company Performances Available on Live Set
The bass work of the late Boz Burrell can be heard on a two-CD live set of Bad Company performances recorded in 1977 and 1979. Simply titled Bad Company: Live in Concert 1977 & 1979, the set captures the band’s original lineup as it supported the Burnin’ Sky and Desolation Angels albums, respectively, from original 24-track tapes. Vocalist Paul Rodgers...