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Bass Videos With Mark von Bergen : The Latest Bass Music Video Finds: Women Bass Players Part 1

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Meet Mark von Bergen –

The latest issue of DownBeat lists what it considers to be the most important guitarists of all time. Among the 75 listed was but one female: jazz and blues artist Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Are woman similarly under-represented among the top bassists? We think the answer is “no.” Not only are there some major talents just emerging, but female bassists have played a large role in shaping jazz and pop music for some time. In this column, we will explore the women who have had a significant impact on the worlds of jazz and funk. In our next column, we will take a look at some of the most important women bassists in rock.

One of the rising stars in all of jazz is 23-year-old Esperanza Spalding, who not only plays wonderful upright bass but also sings so beautifully that her voice has been featured on tour and on recordings with artists such as Stanley Clarke and Herbie Hancock. David Letterman called her the coolest guest he had ever had on his show. Here is she is being interviewed and performing with her group on the TV show, “The Second Cup Cafe.”

Kim Clarke rose to prominence in the 80s as bassist in the seminal avant-funk band, Defunkt. She has played on 22 albums with the band but has also played electric and acoustic bass with everyone from Lionel Hampton to Queen Latifah. In this video, she lays down a slap solo back in 1981 with Defunkt.

Another women who has been prominent for some time is Meshell Ndegeocello. She is a superb deep pocket stylist and an accomplished singer-songwriter with seven highly acclaimed recordings under her own name. In this video, she demonstrates her ability to propel a thick funk groove.

Tal Wilkenfeld seemed to appear out of nowhere in 2006 and has in a few short years made a name for herself touring with Jeff Beck and Chick Corea–impressive for a 22-year-old from Australia. She first startled a large audience at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival in 2007 backing Jeff Beck. Here she performs at a clinic at Bass Day 2006.

Anyone who has had the treat of seeing Rhonda Smith perform with Prince knows that she is fully capable of handling the bass duties with the Purple One, often stealing the spotlight with her funky accompaniment and stage presence. This video features her performing with Prince as he chants, “Go Rhonda Go.”

Bass Player Health

Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz

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Dr Randal Kertz - Bass Player Health - Oct 2022

Preparing for Performance…

This month we discuss how to prepare for a performance and easy strategies that go a long way.

Dr. Randall Kertz is the author of The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health. Click here to get your copy today!

The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention & Better Health

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Bass Videos

Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes

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Interview With Bassist Erick Jesus Coomes

Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes…

It is always great to meet a super busy bassist who simply exudes a love for music and his instrument. Erick “Jesus” Coomes fits this description exactly. Hailing from Southern California, “Jesus” co-founded and plays bass for Lettuce and has found his groove playing with numerous other musicians.

Join us as we hear of his musical journey, how he gets his sound, his ongoing projects, and his plans for the future.

Photo, Bob Forte

Visit Online

www.lettucefunk.com
IG @jesuscsuperstar
FB@jesuscoomes
FB @lettucefunk

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Bass Videos

Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians

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WORKING-CLASS ZEROS With Steve Rosati and Shawn Cav

Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians

These stories from the front are with real-life, day-to-day musicians who deal with work life and gigging and how they make it work out. Each month, topics may include… the kind of gigs you get, the money, dealing with less-than-ideal rooms, as well as the gear you need to get the job done… and the list goes on from there.” – Steve the Bass Guy and Shawn Cav

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Bass Videos

Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison

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Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison

Ian Allison Bassist extreme

Most recently Ian has spent the last seven years touring nationally as part of Eric Hutchinson and The Believers, sharing stages with acts like Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Rachel Platten, Matt Nathanson, Phillip Phillips, and Cory Wong playing venues such as Radio City Music Hall, The Staples Center and The Xcel Center in St. Paul, MN.

I had a chance to meet up with him at the Sellersville Theater in Eastern Pennsylvania to catch up on everything bass. Visit online at ianmartinallison.com/

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Bass Videos

New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II

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New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II

Spector Launches Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II…

Spector Musical Instruments expands their celebrated Woodstock Custom Collection with the Volume II series – a breathtaking series of 12 handcrafted, one-of-a-kind bass guitars, each one masterfully designed by members of the Spector team. Crafted in the Spector USA Custom Shop in Woodstock, New York, these works of art go beyond musical instruments and expand the boundaries of Spector Bass design.

Spector’s iconic design lays the foundation for the Volume II collection. Each bass showcases a unique vision, including the selection of tonewoods, electronics, captivating finishes, and intricate design details. The collection highlights Spector’s commitment to craftsmanship and artistry and the individual people and stories that make up the team.

“The Woodstock Custom Collection was such a huge success, and we had so much fun with it that we couldn’t wait to do it again,” said John Stippell, Director – Korg Bass Division. “With Volume II, we’re expanding on everything we learned from the first collection, as well as pushing our design and Custom Shop team even further. These basses are a testament to the inspiring talent, creativity, and skill of every person on the Spector team. I’m excited for all of these basses and love how they tell the unique stories of all involved.”

Visit online at spectorbass.com/

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