News - Page 242

Seven seems to be a lucky number for Esperanza Spalding. In a new 77-second video, the bassist announced her new project, entitled Exposure, which will be written and recorded during a 77-hour Facebook Live stream in September. The finished product will be limited to 7,777 CDs. Spalding announced the innovative new album in this video: “Once the cameras start rolling,...

After releasing a long-awaited studio album last year, Violent Femmes have returned with a follow-up live album. Two Mics & The Truth: Unplugged & Unhinged In America captures the band over the past year at sessions for radio stations across the country. Anchored by bassist Brian Ritchie, the album is filled with songs from their entire catalog, including past hits...

The music world was shocked in January when Tower of Power bassist Marc Van Wageningen and drummer David Garibaldi were struck by a train on their way to a gig at Yoshi’s Night Club in Oakland, California. Thankfully, they both survived, though Van Wageningen (aka Marc VW) was put in the hospital in serious condition. One week after the accident,...

London-based music producer Gaudi has tapped a wealth of bassists for his latest album, entitled Magnetic. Drawing inspiration from the RareNoise Records catalog, the composer blends electronica, rock, jazz, and ambient music for a tapestry of sounds. “It is not a departure from the Gaudi we know and love,” a press release states, “however, Magnetic is a celebration of bass...

If you missed King Crimson’s mighty “double quartet formation” earlier this year, you’re in luck. The iconic prog-rock band has unveiled tour dates for the fall that will cover the East Coast and Midwest with a special Texas concert in the mix. “The new dates see the group performing in some states and cities that have not been visited in...

Mr. Big is back with a new album, entitled Defying Gravity. Their ninth album features the band’s original lineup of Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan, and Pat Torpey as well as further drum work by Matt Starr. It is also the return of them working with producer Kevin Elson. While the album includes a song called “1992” that recounts...

The Wood Brothers have been hard at work this summer with the Tedeschi Trucks Band for their Wheels of Soul Tour. Now the trio, anchored by bass guru Chris Wood, has announced their tour plans for the fall with dates in October and November. The trek kicks off after another supporting gig with the Tedeschi Truck Band at the Beacon...

Tough news to report: moe. has announced an indefinite hiatus after bassist Rob Derhak was diagnosed with cancer. The band made a statement on their Facebook page: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, moe. will be going on indefinite hiatus effective August 1st, 2017,” they wrote. “We will play our remaining 2 shows in July (7/21 PlayStation Theater, 7/28 The Huckleberry Jam),...

Get ready: Victor Wooten has announced he will be releasing a new solo album this fall. TRYPNOTYX will be available on September 5th and will be his first solo record since 2012. The bass guru will is joined by his latest trio featuring monster drummer Dennis Chambers and saxophonist Bob Franceschini. Guest artists will include vocalist Varijashree Venugopal and “voicetrumentalist”...

It’s official: the original lineup of the Dixie Dregs will be reuniting for a tour in 2018. Rumors of the legendary band’s reunion have been swirling since 2015, but it was made official in a video that Rod Morgenstein made for Rock, Roots, & Blues – Live. Original Dregs bassist Andy West will be taking part in the reunion and...

If you’ve ever been in a band, you know the hardest part is managing it. If that’s something you’ve been struggling with, Stephen Marcone and David Philp have some advice in the new sixth edition of their book, Managing Your Band – Artist Management: The Ultimate Responsibility. The 344-page book is aimed at helping DIY musicians and personal managers to...

It’s hard to talk about the giants of bass without bringing up Donald “Duck” Dunn. As a session bassist for Stax-Volt, he laid down the groove to hits by Booker T. & the MGs, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, Eddie Floyd, Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, and more. Many will also remember him as the bassist for the Blues...