News - Page 167

As the world deals with the massive impact of COVID-19, we’ve been extremely worried about the impact it is having on the bass playing community. We came up with an idea we hope will help.

Former Dillinger Escape Plan bassist Liam Wilson’s band Azusa has announced they’ll be following up their debut, “Heavy Yoke,” with a new album called “Loop of Yesterdays.” Here’s a preview, with the track “Kill/Destroy.”

Hunstmen have released a new album called “Mandala of Fear,” which is described as “storytelling through metal dynamically melded with elements of folk and country.” The Chicago-based quintet features the bass work of bassist Marc Stranger-Najjar.

In a spot of good news, the latest piece of U.S. legislation surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic includes language to provide financial relief to music workers.

If you’re looking for some inspiring bass material to watch during your quarantine, director Reto Caduff has you covered. His 2009 documentary, “Charlie Haden: Rambling Boy,” is available for free streaming via Vimeo until April 5th.

Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats have released “Citizens of Boomtown,” which marks their first album in 36 years. Bassist Pete Briquette, who dishes out some dirty tone on the album, also produced the record.

Musicians everywhere are hurting as the COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt to nearly all gigs. Now, the Recording Academy is asking for everyone to contact Congress to get them to include relief for musicians.

After a devastating bicycle accident in January, Juan Alderete was left in a coma. His old Racer X bandmates have released a never-before-heard studio track from their “Technical Difficulties” sessions in 1999 to help support Juan’s recovery efforts.

Jazz icons Kenny Barron and Dave Holland have teamed up with Johnathan Blake for a debut trio recording called “Without Deception.” Barron and Holland have worked together for nearly three decades but released their first duo album five years ago.

Tower of Power celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2018 with “Soul Side of Town.” Though it was a partial victory lap for the band, they’re clearly not done as they’ve just released a new album called “Step Up,” recorded during the same session.

Body Count has returned with a crushing new album called “Carnivore,” which is described as the band’s “most melodically hardcore and lyrically articulate” album to date.

After being released as part of Record Store Day in November, a remastered vinyl version of Colonel Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade’s “Live Frogs” is now widely available. The package includes both sets one and two on green splatter vinyl.