News - Page 164

Joe Bonamassa’s new side project The Sleep Eazys have released their debut album, called “Easy to Buy, Hard to Sell”. The instrumental group is comprised mostly of the guitarist’s touring band, including bassist Michael Rhodes.

Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten are continuing their outstanding series of bass webinars with a new Zoom hangout scheduled for Thursday, April 30th at 1pm Eastern, dubbed “Essential Skill-sets for Success.”

The duo What A Day has released their first full-length album, entitled “Open Spaces”. The group is comprised of bassist Jonathan Joly and vocalist Leah Gracie, who also mans the typewriter, calculator, telephone, and more to create percussion.

After forty years in the music business, Christian “Big New York” de Mesones has released his debut album, “They Call Me Big New York”. The ten-song collection draws on Latin, Funk, Soul, and R&B styles in original smooth jazz compositions.

The Strokes have returned with their sixth album that, given the current situation, is aptly entitled “The New Abnormal”. The group’s first new album in seven years is firmly in the band’s style though with a more laid back feel.

Guitar wizard Joe Satriani has returned with his 18th studio album, entitled “Shapeshifting.” Satch put together a core band for the album, which once again includes Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney.

Technical death metal band Obscura will have a nearly brand new lineup after Sebastian Lanser, Rafael Trujillo, and Linus Klausenitzer left the group. Klausenitzer also revealed that he, Lanser, and Trujillo have formed a new group.

Filmmaker Nick Wells has announced the followup to his popular bass documentary, “Beneath The Bass Line.” The sequel, “Turned Up To 11,” dives into some of the more outrageous gig stories and “Spinal Tap” moments from the world’s best bassists.

Kathy Valentine has just released a new memoir called “All I Ever Wanted.” The Go-Go’s bassist dives into her time with the band including all the ups and downs that go with it.

Last month, many fans were shocked when Journey members Ross Valory and Steve Smith were fired from the band for what a lawsuit called a “corporate coup d’etat.” Now the plot has thickened as Valory has countersued.

Today we’re so happy to share a piece of good news. Three months after a terrible bike accident that left him in a coma, Juan Alderete’s wife Anne has shared a very promising update on the bassist’s condition.

Hal Leonard has launched a new platform called Hal Leonard Digital Books, which the company says is “designed to provide musicians of all instruments and skill levels with a fully-interactive, multimedia experience” for hundreds of titles.