News - Page 323

Finding Beatles albums in mono on vinyl is kind of like getting a copy of the original version of Star Wars on VHS — it’s something that allows you to relive a great experience, just the way you remember it. But, finding both has been extremely difficult for years. Although a CD set of mono mixes of The Beatles’ albums...

Chiodos has filled out their lineup after announcing that drummer Derrick Frost and founding bassist Matt Goddard left the band to pursue personal interests. The group, who are on tour in support of their latest album DEVIL, have added drummer Thomas Pridgen (Mars Volta, Suicidal Tendencies) and bassist Joe Troy (RX Bandits) to the fold. “Derrick Frost and Matt Goddard...

Ever since Paul Gray’s death in 2010, Slipknot fans have been wondering how the band would replace such an integral member. Their subsequent tours have included former guitarist Donnie Steele on bass, but with a new album and tour coming up the band is rumored to have stopped working with him. Although Slipknot has been secretive about their new bassist...

Snarky Puppy is hitting the road for a massive world tour that will cover North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe through the end of the year. The band, anchored by bassist Michael League, will be performing in support of their latest album, We Like it Here, which came out in February. The tour will thoroughly cover the East Coast and...

We’ve been waiting for this. Robert Trujillo is hosting a “work-in-progress screening” of his Jaco documentary next month at the Mill Valley Film Festival. The film, which has been in production since 2012, is described as one capturing “the story of his restless, indestructible spirit” of Jaco Pastorius. The event is part of MVFF Artists in Residence series, with members...

The live sound of keyboardist Chick Corea’s trio with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade is what the group’s 3 CD set, , is all about. Recorded around the world as the trio toured, the live triple set features the group in performances recorded in Washington, D.C., and Oakland, CA; in Spain, Switzerland and Austria; and in Slovenia, Turkey...

Robert Plant reevaluates his British roots on . With the band, the Sensational Shape Shifters, featuring longtime Bristol, England-based electric and upright bassist Billy Fuller, Plant has created music somewhat inspired by the landscape in which he called home during childhood and the beginnings of a long and storied career. The former Led Zeppelin frontman’s work with the Sensational Shape...

Swedish metal band In Flames has released its 11th studio album, . The group, which features Peter Iwers on bass, is known for its evolution from its melodic death metal beginnings to a sound that in recent years, has incorporated more alternative and metalcore elements. Siren Charms is available on , and as a digital download ( and ). Hear...

Love 1950s’-style “cool” jazz? You’re in good company. Renowned bassist Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson) and his famed keyboardist brother Pete (Miles Davis, Gil Evans, Jaco Pastorius, Wayne Shorter) have always adored it, too, and now the pair have recorded their first album together as a duo, because of their affection for it. As Tony, who also plays cello...

Andy McKee, a jazz bassist nominated for two Grammys for his work with the Mingus Big Band, has authored a book to help others improve their playing. is designed for bassists of all skill levels, offering insight on a wide swath of topics, from improvising, soloing and practicing to instrument care, performance, and right-and-left-hand technique. McKee is also the author...

Let a bassist break down why Big Star was so important. The bassist, by the way, is R.E.M.’s Mike Mills, who penned liner notes for the reissues of two of the power pop trailblazers/originators’ albums — its 1972 debut, and its 1974 followup . Big Star was a band “who made records that sounded like rock and roll bands should...

The author of Billboard Books’ best-selling The Musician’s Handbook has some more advice to offer. This time, Bobby Borg, who has a long career as a musician, educator and author, is turning his eye and pen to going DIY with . Published as part of Hal Leonard Corp.’s Music Pro Series of guides and CDs, the book shares how innovative...