News - Page 109

Hawktail has returned with a third album, “Place of Growth.” The record is described as their most conceptual, leading listeners on a journey through the natural world. The acoustic quartet’s beautiful tones and melodies will certainly lead to multiple listens.

In July, Steve Lawson shared the hard news that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Now, three musicians are teaming up for a livestream fundraiser to support their friend.

Early last year, longtime Nightwish bassist Marko Hietala made the decision to leave the band. The group soon tapped Jukka Koskinen to fill his role, naming him as their session player. Now they’ve made his place in their ranks official.

Ron Carter shared a fantastic bit of news in his latest email blast. A new documentary film on the bass icon’s life and music is set to premiere on October 21st.

David Ellefson appears to be one of the hardest working bassists in rock and metal. He’s unveiled two new projects in the past year, and now he’s unveiled a third. The former Megadeth bassist has teamed up with Jeff Scott Soto to release an album.

The unreal improvisational trio of Wayne Krantz, Keith Carlock, and Tim Lefebvre will be at it again with a U.S. tour in September. The trio’s slogan for the outing is “Outrageous Times Require Outrageous Acts.”

Jane’s Addiction has a surprise for you, or maybe two. The band is apparently working on new music after they posted a recent clip from the studio. That clip included former member Eric Avery tearing it up on the bass.

Neil Swainson has returned with a new quintet album called “Fire In The West,” which marks his first album as a leader since 1987. The bassist created a great band for the 10-song collection and says the chemistry was evident.

After 32 years, Bass Player Magazine has announced the end of its print edition. The end of an era comes not as a result of readership or quality but the rising costs around the world.

Soften the Glare has just released their second EP, appropriately called “Soften the Glare II.” The three-song collection sees the trio, anchored by Mudvayne’s Ryan Martinie, brought on Jamie King to produce the effort.

Janek Gwizdala has released another instructional book for bassists, this time focusing on altered harmony. “Bass Player’s Guide to Altered Chords & Scales” is, in fact, more than a book. It includes 60 backing tracks and 100 videos.

Jeff Beck has unveiled a United States tour this fall in support of his new album, “18,” which is a collaboration with Johnny Depp. Along for the ride will be bassist Rhonda Smith, who has been in Beck’s group for over a decade.