Buzz
Ron Carter Releases New Record With Houston Person
Legendary bassist Ron Carter and saxophonist Houston Person have collaborated for more than 25 years, and their latest release aptly describes their musical relationship: Chemistry. Carter is known for his prolific recording — he’s appeared on more than 1,100 jazz sessions – his time in the Miles Davis Quintet, and his compositions, as well as for his extensive work with...
Bass Gear Roundup: The Top Gear Stories in June 2016
It’s the beginning of the month, which means it is time for us to look back at the popular gear stories we ran last month. Here are the top 10 No Treble reader favorite stories from June, 2016. Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing. And sorry for the GAS. 1. Fender Limited Edition American Standard “PJ” Bass Fender’s Magnificent Seven...
Cigir Kazimoglu: U Can’t Hold No Groove
Cigir Kazimoglu sent us this video of him performing Victor Wooten’s most excellent tune, “U Can’t Hold No Groove.” The video even caught the eye of Vic on Facebook, who said “Very nice! I like it!” That should say it all.
Budgie Three-Album Set Released
Welsh hard rockers Budgie were often thought of as something of a cross between Rush and Black Sabbath. However, the trio, led by bassist/vocalist Burke Shelley, never hit it as big. But, in later years, bands Metallica, Iron Maiden and Megadeth cited the group as an influence. For fans, or people who haven’t yet encountered the group, particularly in its...
Boss Introduces Free Mobile Tuner App
Boss has expanded their tuner line into the digital realm with a new mobile tuner app. Available as a free download for iOS and Android, the app takes on the familiar look of the company’s TU-3 pedal tuner and features a 21-segment meter and note display. Arrow indicators show when a note is in tune, flat, or sharp. The app...
In Memoriam: Rob Wasserman
Bassist Rob Wasserman, who played alongside some of the world’s greatest musicians, has passed away from an undisclosed illness. He was 64 years old. Wasserman began as a violinist, switching to bass as a teenager. He studied bass at the San Francisco Conservatory as well as composition with John Adams. His early career included stints with Van Morrison, Oingo Boingo...
Diego Tarantino: Better Days Ahead
Diego Tarantino shared this video with us, where he took the Pat Metheny tune “Better Days Ahead” and turned it into a lead bass arrangement. A few things struck me about this performance: Diego’s smooth playing, how much fun he is having, and how one of the greatest albums is on display behind him.
Aubrey Harris Releases Debut Mini-EP
Longtime No Treble readers will probably recognize the name of Aubrey Harris. When we first shared one of her videos, she was just 13 years old and went by the name BassGirl5809. She was inspired to pick up the instrument after watching Tal Wilkenfeld play. Now she’s studying at the Berklee College of Music and has released her debut self-titled...
Amptweaker Introduces Bass Jr Distortion Pedal Series
After years of requests, Amptweaker recently added a Dry Low knob to their TightMetal and TightRock pedals. Now the feature is available in a new bass friendly range called the Amptweaker Bass Jr Distortion Series. Each of the models share most of the features of their guitar counterparts but with the new Dry Low knob to help maintain the bottom...
Soloing When The Band Drops Out
Q: I’ve been reading through your No Treble columns and had a question pop into my head. I’ve been asked to play more solos recently at a lot of different gigs from jazz to R&B. I find that half (or more) of the time, when it comes to the bass solo, everyone stops playing except for the drummer. How do...
Peekaboom: Send My Love (To Your New Lover)
Simone Masina shared his latest video with us, featuring his duo with Angelica Lubian known as Peekaboom. “This is our new cover, the brand new hit from Adele,” he shared. “I had this idea in my head to make a cover using the double bass as a multi-percussion kit… so we did it!”
The Avett Brothers Release “True Sadness”
The Avett Brothers have released their ninth studio album, True Sadness. The record is the first studio release in three years from the Americana stalwarts, and one that draws on a host of influences, according to the band led by brothers Seth and Scott Avett, including Queen, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Jimmie Rodgers, Tom Petty, Nine Inch Nails, Gillian Welch, Aretha...