News

Geddy Lee will be partaking in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s Gala Concert on February 18th, along with a load of other guests. “The Show Must Go On: Stories of Resilience” is described as “no ordinary Virtual Gala Concert”.

The 8-Bit Big Band has released their third album, “Backwards Compatible”, which continues the group’s approach of reimagining video game music for jazz orchestra.

After 20 years in the band, Marko Hietala has left the ranks of Nightwish. The bassist and co-vocalist, who joined the symphonic metal outfit in 2001, made a statement through the group’s social media.

The pandemic has been hard on music all around. Jane Ira Bloom and Mark Helias played together for years but suddenly could not create together. But, they had resolve to continue their craft. The result is a new album called “Some Kind of Tomorrow.”

The International Society of Bassists has announced a special edition of their ISB Center Stage series of online interviews. On January 16th, jazz bass legend Dave Holland will be speaking with luthier and inventor David Gage.

Renowned bass educator Anthony Wellington will be holding a special virtual clinic on Monday, January 11th. Entitled “The Best Ears Are Fast Ears,” the session will leave you with improved aural recognition and response time.

Pierluigi Balducci is starting the year with two new releases. First up is the new edition of his bass method book, “Contemporary Electric Bass” Vols. 1-2. Balducci has also released his first ever solo bass album.

The dynamic duo of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare started their careers together in the early 1970s in Kingston. Now, the legendary reggae rhythm section has dropped a new album, “Red Hills Road”.

Peter Hook & The Light will be streaming a previously unseen concert film on January 15th. “Peter Hook & The Light – Live In Mexico City” is a full two-hour show from their sold out 2014 show. The one-off stream will benefit the band’s touring crew.

Adam Nitti’s music always amazes us, but this time he’s surprised us, as well. His new album, “The World is Loud”, sees the bassist forging a new path with an aggressive prog-rock style in place of his earlier fusion work.

The David Bowie tribute, “A Bowie Celebration”, had its tour cut short last year due to the pandemic. Now they’ve scheduled a streaming event with appearances by Chris Chaney, Tony Levin, Tim Lefebvre, Gail Ann Dorsey, Carmine Rojas, and Tony Visconti.

Mononeon is getting the year started on the right foot with the release of “Banana Peel on Capitol Hill”, an album he describes as “comedy, allegory, and funk in a 25-minute package.”