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If You Can Conceive It, You Can Achieve It

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When I received the news of the recent death of Joe Zawinul age 75, I was shocked and shaken, to say the least. It had been a long time since Joe and I had spoken. I along with many others had been awe inspired by Joe’s work with Jaco Pastorius and Wayne Shorter in the band, Weather Report.

I always had a singular desire to play with the Weather Report band. But, the opportunity never presented itself. However, I had the distinct pleasure of working with both Joe and Jaco separately and in different venues. I worked with Joe at the World-class Attraction, the Salt Mine of Wieliczka, near Krakow, Poland.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) encourage international peace and universal respect through collaboration of the nations of the world. A concert was held for UNESCO in the unique setting of the subterranean Wieliczka Salt Mine, which had begun to take on water. The participating musicians took time out from their respective tours to participate in a benefit concert for UNESCO, during the summer of 1995. The proceeds of the concert were directed to restorative initiatives in the mine.

This location provided extraordinary acoustics. Imagine that setting coupled with Joe’s outstanding performance. The event evoked a surreal experience for all of those in attendance. When the concert began, Joe was incredible. The awesome display showed his true jazz and jazz fusion chops. He utilized nine keyboards set up with a remote strap-on keyboard, which generated a unique unexpected and exceptional sound.

My colleague, drummer Ernie Adams and recording artist Carlos Johnson were also a part of that remarkable performance. Ernie is currently playing, writing and producing many different styles of music and preparing for a world tour in 2008 with a major Japanese pop artist. His collaborations have included, among many others, Stanley Turrentine, Dianne Reeves, Ramsey Lewis, and most recently 9 years with Al DiMeola. Ernie vividly recalls Joe’s solo that evening. His solo during a groove that was reminiscent of an up-tempo Weather Report piece, was a beautiful and intricate modal barrage of 16th notes. As he and I reminisced, Ernie reflected upon how Joe continuously smiled at me while he executed his amazing solo.

The dreamlike experience was enhanced even more because during the concert I was provided my first opportunity to perform a bass solo. During my solo, I did a fast run down the bass and hit the lowest chord appropriate for that particular piece. This stroke blew out the electricity in the Salt Mine auditorium. Although the lights were out, the drums and percussions continued playing. The only lights that could be seen were the red lights on my Smith Jackson six string bass, and the lights on the miner’s helmets, as they went about the work of getting the electricity restored in the auditorium. Joe Zawinul, the icon, the idol, the star, the role-model graciously gave honor and recognition to all participants in the concert.

I had my first experience with Jaco Pastorius when I attended a performance at the Ivanhoe Theater in Chicago, Illinois. The show presented Herbie Hancock and the Head Hunters, featuring Jaco Pastorius on bass. This event was a life changing encounter for me because I had absolutely no understanding of jazz or bass soloing. BMM Editor, Jake Kot was also there that same evening, and we’ve talked many times on how we both walked away knowing things were going to seriously change for the both of us after seeing Jaco for the first time.

It was my privilege to be introduced to Jaco after the show. He was still wearing his bass strapped around his neck when we met. Consumed with curiosity regarding the sounds emitted when he played his instrument, I asked if I might briefly examine his instrument hoping that I might produce similar sounds. Jaco was very congenial and granted my request. My attempt at playing his bass did not, I repeat, did not produce the same sounds that Jaco created. I questioned him regarding the different sounds we generated while playing the exact same instrument. He replied, “It’s all in the hands.”

My second encounter with Jaco occurred in New York City, where I did a Bass Clinic for Harkey Guild. Jaco, bassists Darryl Jones and Jerry Peak, and I participated in the clinic at the Jazz Center. Jaco was in his dressing room with Larry Harkey and Ron Lorman, while I was on stage doing my sound check. Suddenly, Jaco appeared on the stage with me. We performed a spontaneous duet. I played the bass while he played the drums for approximately half an hour. Afterwards, Jaco shared with me that he had never in his life heard bass playing like mine. He then quickly countered, “But, I am still the greatest bass player in the world.” I laughed and agreed with him stating, “You know, you’re right.”

The impact of my experiences with Joe Zawinul and Jaco Pastorius is immeasurable. In reality I never fulfilled my wish to play with the Weather Report band. Instead, through fate and good fortune, I was given the opportunity to join forces and team up with two members of the band who personified the very essence of the jazz phenomenon.

As told to Dr. Yolanda D. Wallace and J.K. Dickens

Bass Videos

Interview With K3 Sisters Band

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Interview With K3 Sisters Band

K3 Sisters Band Interview…

It is very rare when I talk to a band where all the members play bass. The K3 Sisters Band is a perfect example of a group where Kaylen, Kelsey and Kristen Kassab are all multi-instrumentalists and take turns playing bass.

Hailing from Texas, these three sisters have been playing music since they were very young and have amassed an amazing amount of original music,  music videos, streaming concerts, podcasts, and content that has taken numerous social media platforms by storm. On TikTok alone, they have over 2.5 million followers and more than a billion views.

Join me as we hear the story of their musical journey, how they get their sound, and the fundamental principles behind these prolific musicians.

Here is the K3 Sisters Band!

Photo, Bruce Ray Productions

Follow Online:

k3sistersband.com/
TikTok
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook 

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Bass Player Health

What is a Pinched Nerve? with Dr. Randy Kertz

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Dr Randal Kertz - Bass Player Health - Oct 2022

What is a Pinched Nerve?

In this month’s video, we will cover how to tell if you have a pinched nerve and when to seek professional help.

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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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram

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TOP 10 Basses of the week

Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…

Click to follow Bass Musician on Instagram @bassmusicianmag

FEATURED @colibriguitars @adamovicbasses @brooksbassguitars @lecomptebass @mgbassguitars @mauriziouberbasses @jcrluthier @biarnel @officialibanezguitars @chris_seldon_guitars

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Gear News

New Gear:  Ashdown ORIGINAL-EVO-C112T-300

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New Gear:  Ashdown ORIGINAL-EVO-C112T-300

Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
 
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.

Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
 
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.

Designed to accommodate global touring, the Original-EVO-C112T features auto-protect voltage support and an adaptive temperature-controlled fan for optimal performance in any environment.
 
In summary, the Original-EVO-C112T is a game-changing amplifier that combines power, portability, and precision. It’s a testament to innovation and quality in the world of bass amplification, deserving attention from musicians looking to take their music to the next level.

Product Specification-

Power Output: 300 Watts
Power Requirement: 115-230 Volts
Speaker Configuration: 1 x 12” + Horn
High Instrument Input: Impedance 3.9m Ohms, Input range 150mV – 20mV p-p
Low Instrument Input: Impedance -1M Ohms, Input range 150mV to 10V p-p
Line Input: Impedance 10k Ohms, Input range 300mV – 40V p-p
DI Output: 600 Ohm balance / Level -20dBu nominal
Minimum Impedance: 4 Ohm
Headphone Output: Yes and safe for silent practice
EQ: Bass +/-15dB @ 100Hz, Lo Mid +/-15dB @ 220Hz, Middle +/-15dB @ 660Hz, Hi Mid +/-15 dB @1.5kHz, Treble +/-15dB @ 7kHz
Effects Send: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Effects Return: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Dimensions (H x W x D in mm): 470 x 606 x 381
Weight: 13.5kg

For more info please visit www.ashdownmusic.com

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Gear News

Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary

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30th Anniversary Limited Edition SansAmp Bass Driver DI

Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary…

The SansAmp Bass Driver DI has been an arsenal staple for players and studios almost since the day it was introduced in 1994. To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Tech 21 is issuing a limited edition with an anodized precision-machined aluminum billet housing and all metal knobs.

This all-analog multi-function, multi-application pedal dials up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and all in between. There are three different outputs to drive power amps, recording desks, PA mixers, or simply enhance your current rig. Controls include Presence for definition and upper harmonic content; Blend to combine the ratio of direct signal and SansAmp circuitry; and active 3-band EQ with 12dB of cut or boost.

The 100% analog SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology encompasses the entire signal chain, from pre-amp to power amp to speaker simulation. An integral part of the circuitry, the individually-tailored SansAmp speaker simulation will complement any type of bass speaker cabinet system.

It is rare an electronic music-related product can withstand such a test of time. The SansAmp Bass Driver has been used for every kind of music style from death metal to commercial jingles, in countless studios, and on tours around the globe. In fact, many mammoth stage rigs you see are actually driven by a SansAmp nestled behind the backline. It has defied the odds and to this day, SansAmp remains the standard of the industry.

Anticipated Availability:  May/June 2024

For more information, visit online at tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/bass-driver-30/

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