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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...
Level 42 Compilation Set Released
A new compilation album from English band Level 42, fronted by Mark King, known for his slap-and-pop bass playing style, is available. Collected features all the band’s singles, including 1980s hits like “Lessons in Love” and “Something About You,” as well as 11 12-inch remixes. Collected is available in the U.S. as an set. Collected Track List: Disc 1: Sandstorm...
Bass of the Week: Meridian Guitars Jazz Evolution Carbon
Since its introduction in 1960, there have been many bass models inspired by the Fender Jazz. This week we’re checking out an exceptional Italian riff on the classic with the Meridian Guitars Jazz Evolution Carbon. The bass features an ash body with a charcoal burst color and polyurethane satin finish. Its neck is made from maple that was harvested 30...
Talking Technique: Groove Creation Workout
Want a formula to create grooves over a chord progression? We’ve got you covered in this lesson with an exercise that bolsters our technique while building grooves with triads. We’ll tackle a I-vi-IV-V chord progression using a formula that has two main ingredients: triad notes and rhythm. The triad notes are already laid out for us, but we can pick...