Buzz
Buying Your First Double Bass (Upright Bass): Part 2
Now that we have had a short introduction into the various sizes and materials of double basses, we are ready to get our own upright bass. Here are a few thoughts on the final steps. Renting For those folks who aren’t ready to commit financially, renting can seem attractive. If you are just dipping your toes in the water, this...
Tower Of Power: What Is Hip? (Chicago 1977)
On this day in 1951, Rocco Prestia was born, and we thought we’d celebrate with this old school clip of Tower of Power. Here’s the band performing “What Is Hip?” in Chicago in 1977.
Kiyoshi Kitagawa on Kenny Barron Trio Release
The Kenny Barron Trio’s Book of Intuition was recorded in just two days in June 2015. The jazz trio features pianist Barron, drummer Johnathan Blake, and bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa. Both Blake and Kitagawa are longtime Barron bandmates. Blake has worked with the pianist for a decade, and Kitagawa, who is also known for his solo compositions as well as his...
Weekly Top 10: Left Hand Technique, New Bass Gear, Top Videos, Bass of the Week and More
This week’s top 10 list features a bonus top 10 list inside. With all the NAMM gear coverage continuing, there’s plenty of gear to browse here. Plus, the top videos, Damian’s excellent column on keeping your left hand relaxed… and more. Thanks for reading, commenting, watching and sharing. 1. Keeping Your Left Hand Relaxed: 11 Tips for Bass Players This...
Schecter Adds To Session Series With 8-String, 5-String, Fretless Models
Schecter expanded their Session Series of basses this year with an 8-string version of their Riot bass, a 5-string version of the Model-T, and a fretless version of the Stiletto. As a part of the series, each of the basses is built with a swamp ash body, hard rock maple neck, ebony side block inlays, and active EMG pickups and...
Snarky Puppy Featuring Chris Turner: Liquid Love
Snarky Puppy has been releasing videos around the release of their latest, Family Dinner, Vol. 2. The new album features the band performing with various vocalists and musicians during recording sessions in February 2015. In this clip, the band is joined by Chris Turner, on the tune “Liquid Love”. As always, Michael League handles the low end – and the...
Voivod Releases EP with Bassist “Rocky”
Canadian progressive metal band Voivod has released a five-track EP, Post Society. The recording is the band’s first with bassist Dominic “Rocky” Laroche, who stepped in after bassist Jean-Yves “Blacky” Thériault stepped away from his second stint with the band in 2014. The EP features two previously vinyl-only songs from the Voivod’s split 7″ EP’s with their Century Media label-mates...
Surine Basses Introduces The Lunara NTVII Bass
Luthier Scott Surine was showing his basses at the NAMM Show this year including a brand new model called the Lunara NTVII. The bass, which is Surine’s second single-cut design, features neck-through construction with a seven-piece Rock Maple and Walnut neck. The Lunara NTVII’s swamp ash body core is sandwiched between a Redwood burl top and back with black Sycamore...
Young Pandas: Down
We first featured Young Pandas back in October, with their “Suspended” video. Bassist Kyle Nagel sent us the latest by the band, and we’re really digging what this band is doing. “It’s one of my most proud bass moments that I’ve recorded,” Kyle said. “I’m playing my Lakland Hollowbody with Bartolini pickups and flatwound strings. Matt, our drummer who’s always...
Esperanza Spalding Releases Fifth Album
Bassist and Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding’s newest album, Emily’s D+Evolution has arrived. The album’s title refers to Spalding’s middle name, Emily. “. . . I’m using this fresh persona as my inner navigator. This project is about going back and reclaiming un-cultivated curiosity, and using it as a compass to move forward and expand. My hope for this group is...
Ninth Annual Rocky Mountain Bass Slam Announced
The Rocky Mountains will be shaking once again at the 9th Annual Rocky Mountain Bass Slam on May 15th, 2016. This year the Slam, held in Denver, will be headlined by bass legend Chuck Rainey and funkmeister Doug Johns along with local performers. “The Bass Slam will showcase the Colorado Bass Talent via several different formats: There will be solo...
Ibanez Introduces SR300E with Upgraded Electronics
Ibanez is stepping up their SR300 series with the SR300E basses, featuring upgraded pickups and electronics. The models, which come in four-, five-, and six-string versions, aim to bring a high quality of tone and control to a lower price point. The lineup centers around Ibanez’s new Powerspan dual coil pickups that have stainless steel poles to improve output, clarity,...