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Jaco Remembered, and Looking Ahead
It was 20 years ago on September 21st that Jaco passed away. Personally, with the amount of his music that is yet still being presented, as well as countless videos and DVD’s, it sure doesn’t feel that long ago to me. For the record, I got to meet Jaco in New York at 50 Grand, Mike Sterns club, in the mid 80’s. It was obviously toward the end of his career, but he was having a good day, and after spending some time with him, I can honestly say that I found him to be quite a special human being beyond his “bass legend” status. Beyond that, his playing that evening, acknowledging that at that point in his life he was not always consistent, was nothing less than brilliant.
It would be easy for me to continue on speaking of the many accolades this man has coming, but I’m choosing not to, for its already been said with love and great respect by much greater voices in the industry than my own.
What I’d like to present to you out of respect for the man and his legacy, is a look ahead. I’ve come with a question that I’ve presented to some of our staff members (some players of great stature in their own right I’m proud to say) to ponder, and respond for all to hear.
Kind of amazing—putting the focus of the question towards looking at what we’re hearing as of late, I marvel at how easy it is to use Jaco as a serious reference point in this matter 20 years later. Damn, that’s some impact.
Also in this issue you will find a review of a recent Jaco compilation CD I would recommend taking a look at, as well as a video clips in our new column “Recommended Videos”, and I hope keeping the focus of this article to “looking ahead”, is something he’d give a thumbs up to.
What player (or players) would you recommend giving a listen to, that in the spirit of Jaco and the innovation he brought to us, is on the same path in your opinion as far as stretching the boundaries yet again of this instrument, and focusing on exploring the possibilities of its continued evolution? This is what our writers had to say…
Alain Caron…
Here are three bass players that I find quite different and innovative with a different approach of the bass guitar. Carlos Benavent from Spain, Dominique DiPiazza from France and also from France, Hadrien Feraud, a young and upcoming player.
Michael Manring…
It seems to me this is a radically different time culturally from when Jaco was coming up, so drawing parallels can be a bit problematic. What I see out there now is a rich community of bassists who are working hard to contribute to the growth and creative breadth of the instrument. It’s a big and varied list and I’m always afraid I’ll leave out too many good folks if I try to enumerate, but I’m sure you’ll find many of the names in the pages of publications like this one. I had the good fortune to get to know Jaco when he was alive and I think if he were still around, he’d feel honored to be one of the voices in that community.
David Dyson… The players that come to mind right away are Richard Bona, Gary Willis, Guellermo Vadala, & Marcus Miller. The reason I picked these cats (though there are others as well) is because though you can clearly hear Jaco’s influence, they’ve each taken the bass to another level in one way or another.
Doug Johns…
The first musician that came to mind was Victor Wooten, not for his obvious “From another world” technique, but for his spirit.
In the bass guitar history few have really taken the turn from the main road as Jaco, James Jamerson, Eddie Gomez, and Stanley Clarke have. That’s were I think Victor is still continuing that tradition of spinning your head around from his approach.
Although not a bass player I believe Gonzalo Rubacaba possesses that same spirit that Jaco has; you can hear it in his playing.
Nathan East…
In answer to your question, I would have to say Pino Paladino!
Billy Dickens…
When I think about players who are continuing the legacy of Jaco, I find I could come up with quite a few players who in their own way are contributing to the evolution of this instrument, but the players that came up for me right away, with all due respect to many others, are Alain Caron, Gary Willis and Victor Wooten.
Ray Riendeau…
Hopefully there is a little of Jaco in all of us, I have not met a bass player yet not effected by his legacy. There is long list of players that fall into what I consider to be the title of the “evolution” of the bass. To keep my answer somewhat short I will talk about one of my personal favorites.
The first bass player I thought of when I read the question is Michael Manring. In my opinion Michael has and is redefining the instrument as a whole and with the same artistic integrity, musicality and excitement that Jaco did. Hearing Michael and Jaco play reminds us that the ultimate goal is music. When I hear them I don’t think of bass playing I am always struck by their musicality, it just happens to be on the bass.
Unfortunately I never got to see Jaco live but I’m certain that he would invoke the same feelings I get whenever I see Michael perform. There is such a sense of adventure and excitement each and every time I see Michael play. You forget about how technical or virtuosic the actual playing is and get lost in how beautiful the music is…that’s the point right? To me this is the essence of any great musician no matter what instrument they use.
At a recent clinic I did with Michael someone asked him about Jaco. Michael was a little overwhelmed for a moment and it was obvious what an impact Jaco had made on him. It was interesting to hear that Michael actually was so enamored with Jaco that he followed him around New York and even stated that he wanted to be him. At one point Jaco conveyed to Michael that he needed his own identity as a musician (words of wisdom for us all).
This is why I picked Michael for my answer. He took from Jaco the best gifts of all, his sense of passion, integrity and exploration of music itself and because of that redefined how we have previously viewed the role of the bass and what can be done the instrument. Michael continues to amaze me and I cherish any chance I get to hear him perform.
Mark Wright…
Michael Manring: Alternate tunings & haunting melodies
Jeff Schmidt: Alternate tunings & chords, combining multiple techniques at one time
Bill Dickens: Chords & jazz melodies
Victor Wooten: Taking slapping & tapping to new unheard of levels
Todd Johnson…
Michael Manring is off the charts in my opinion… the same for Gary Willis… obviously Victor Wooten…
Adam Nitti… Dominique DiPiazza – Probably the most melodic player of our time. Incredible blend of chops and harmonic sensitivity.
Damian Erskine…
MAN!!!! What a tough question. A great one, though!
I would have to suggest a few different people to encapsulate a few of the different things that made Jaco so important.
Pure musicality and soul in his playing – Otiel Burbridge and Rich Brown are two of the most soulful bass players and melodic soloists I’ve heard in sometime. I just can’t get enough of these guys. You always feel like your listening to MUSIC when they play. Not chops or licks.
Technical proficiency – Hadrien Feroud or Dominic DiPiazza (as well as Richard Bona) have all definitely taken the instrument to new heights in regards to technical facility. These guys are on another plane.
New directions in approach – Victor Wooten. Nuff said. He has taken bass to new levels for a whole new generation of people who had no idea you could do that with a bass!
And I think that THAT is why Jaco was so important. He was the guy who brought ALL of those things together. I honestly couldn’t think of one guy who encapsulated EVERYTHING that Jaco did for the instrument in contemporary terms. There are certainly a HUGE numbers of bassists that I absolutely love and might even prefer to Jaco right now, but NONE of them would exist, as they do today, without Jaco’s presence in their development or the development of the instrument in general. Now THAT is a major impact!
Al Caldwell…
Richard Bona reflects the melodic sensibilities that Jaco inflamed in us all. Jaco sang the lick in Birdland. He was beyond a bassist. He was a complete musician and I feel the same about Richard. His solo CD’s are not filled with pyro-laced feats. They reflect his gift to transpose thought into tonality. We have many Jaco clones, but so few bold painters. There’s some kid in his or her room who loves music more than fame. They are tomorrow’s inspiration. Paint with broad strokes, Stay true to your heart and never play to impress us… play for yourself. We will find you!!!
Positive Grid launches Spark 2, the next evolution of their cutting-edge smart guitar practice amplifiers and Bluetooth® speakers.
Engineered for acoustic, electric guitar, and bass, Spark 2 delivers an immersive practice and playing experience. Enjoy detailed sound and an all-new upgraded speaker design powered by Positive Grid’s exclusive Sonic IQ Computational Audio technology. With an onboard creative looper, optional battery power, and intuitive AI features for tone exploration and practice, Spark 2 is the gateway to a musical experience that goes beyond expectations.
Proprietary Audio and Advanced Technology
Spark 2 represents a leap forward in amplifier design. It integrates a new DSP amp modeling engine with double the processing power, and at 50 Watts, it packs 25% more volume than the original. Positive Grid’s proprietary Sonic IQ Computational Audio delivers incredibly detailed and dynamic sound. New HD amp models, enhanced by multi-band dynamic range compression and virtual bass augmentation, redefine the sonic landscape.
Equipped with two premium FRFR speakers and reflex ports, Spark 2 offers wide stereo imaging and broader frequency response, ensuring refined bass and clear, immersive sound.
Built-In Creative Looper
Spark 2’s built-in Groove Looper features hundreds of hyper-realistic drum tracks. From basic loops to multi-layered soundscapes or the ultimate jam session, this intuitive tool inspires endless creativity. Onboard amp controls provide quick, on-the-go looping functionality.
AI-Powered Tone and Smart Jam
Spark AI revolutionizes tone exploration. Describe any desired tone in the Spark app – from practical to outlandish – and Spark AI will suggest tones to audition or download. The more it’s used, the smarter it gets, delivering the perfect sound.
Additional smart features make it easy to practice, learn new songs and improve playing skills. Smart Jam listens to the user’s playing style and generates accompanying bass and drum parts, while Auto Chords analyzes any song streamed and displays the guitar chords in real time, to make learning and practicing new songs easier than ever.
Enhanced Hardware Design and Portability
Spark 2 allows for storing up to eight customizable presets directly on the amp for quick access to favorite sounds. Perfect the tone with large, visible onboard controls for looper, EQ, gain, reverb, and more.
Designed for convenience, an optional rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of playtime for on-the-go sessions. The new double-thick strap and durable build ensure easy and secure transport. Spark 2 is also Bluetooth® ready, allowing for music streaming and jamming along with favorite tracks anytime, anywhere.
Multiple Outputs and Advanced Features
Spark 2 offers versatile connectivity with a headphone out for private practice, stereo line outs for external audio sources, and a USB-C port which enables it to function as an audio interface. WiFi-enabled, Spark 2 allows convenient over-the-air firmware updates, keeping the amp up to date with the latest features and improvements.
“I’ve used a ton of practice amps while touring the world for over 38 years and it was always just a technical, bland exercise,” says guitar virtuoso, singer-songwriter and producer Nuno Bettencourt. “Spark 2 is like taking Madison Square Garden wherever you go – epic and versatile.”
Color Options
Available in Pearl or Black finish with a dark weave grille and premium finish.
Special Event, Upgrade Pricing & Availability
Join the special live premiere event featuring Nuno Bettencourt and surprise guests on August 1, 2024, at 8:00 am PT/11:00 am ET. Visit positivegrid.com/pages/livestream for more details and to sign up for a reminder.
Regularly USD $299, Spark 2 will be available at special early bird pricing during the pre-order period. Registered Spark 40 owners can also receive exclusive upgrade pricing.
For more information and to sign up for pre-order alerts, visit positivegrid.com/products/spark-2.
A review of the Joyo Gloam – Sub Octave Fuzz Pedal for Bass
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Joyo for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
Introduction: The Joyo Gloam is a sub-octave fuzz pedal specifically designed for bass players, combining modern sub-octave effects with rich fuzz tones. With two independently controlled circuits, the Gloam aims to provide a versatile range of sounds, from deep, aggressive fuzz to Moog-like synth effects. This review will explore the Gloam’s specifications, controls, and overall performance, highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 130 * 110 * 50 mm
- Weight: 403g
- Working Voltage: DC 9V
- Controls: The Joyo Gloam features a comprehensive control set designed to provide bassists with a wide range of tonal options:
- Dry Tone: Adjusts the tone of the clean signal.
- Dry Volume: Controls the volume of the clean signal.
- Sub Octave Volume: Adjusts the volume of the sub octave signal.
- Gain: Controls the amount of gain in the fuzz circuit.
- Fuzz: Adjusts the intensity of the fuzz effect.
- Bass: Controls the bass frequencies in the fuzz circuit.
- Treble: Adjusts the treble frequencies in the fuzz circuit.
- Fuzz Mode Switch: Switches between two different fuzz modes.
- Dry Tone Frequency Switch: Selects between two different frequency points for the dry tone.
Performance: The Joyo Gloam excels in its dual-circuit design, offering both a sub octave and a fuzz channel that can be controlled individually. However, it’s important to note that the octaver cannot be used without the fuzz circuit activated; the only way to solo the octaver is by turning down the fuzz while both channels are engaged.
Fuzz Circuit: The fuzz circuit includes standard controls such as gain, volume, bass, and treble, along with a fuzz mode switch that toggles between two distinct fuzz modes. While one of the fuzz modes is highly usable and delivers a rich, aggressive tone, the other mode falls short and is less practical for most applications.
Octaver Circuit: The octaver circuit features controls for sub octave volume, clean volume, and clean tone, along with a dry tone frequency switch that provides two different frequency options. This allows for significant tonal versatility, enabling bassists to fine-tune their sound to match their preferences. Despite its limitation of being tied to the fuzz circuit, the octaver produces a deep, balanced sound that stands out.
Combined Effect: When used together, the fuzz and octaver circuits create a wide range of sounds, from classic, aggressive fuzz to synth-like tones reminiscent of a Moog synthesizer. This combination makes the Gloam a powerful tool for bassists seeking to experiment with their sound and achieve unique, textured tones.
Pros:
- Versatile Controls: Extensive control options for both fuzz and octaver circuits.
- Rich Tones: Delivers deep, aggressive fuzz and balanced octaver sounds.
- Sturdy Construction: Durable build quality ensures reliability.
- Wide Range of Sounds: Capable of producing everything from classic fuzz to synth-like effects.
Cons:
- Unusable Fuzz Mode: One of the fuzz modes is less practical.
- Dependent Octaver: Octaver cannot be used independently of the fuzz circuit.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Joyo Gloam sub-octave fuzz pedal offers a versatile and powerful option for bassists looking to expand their tonal palette. Despite some flaws, the Gloam delivers impressive sounds and flexibility. Its combination of rich fuzz and deep octaver tones, coupled with a sturdy construction, makes it a valuable addition to any bassist’s pedalboard. For those seeking a modern bass distortion with the added depth of sub-octave effects, the Joyo Gloam is a compelling choice for a very compelling price.
Visit online at joyoaudio.com/product/281.html
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Behind the Strings – Jim’s Corner…
D’Addario & Co. proudly announces the launch of “Jim’s Corner,” a captivating new YouTube series telling the 400-year-old story of the D’Addario family creating the world’s largest music accessories company. This series features Jim D’Addario, Founder and Director of Innovation at D’Addario and Co., sharing his family’s remarkable journey from 17th century Italy to a 21st century global enterprise.
In the first four episodes now available, Jim D’Addario takes viewers back to the beginning, making strings from animal guts and knotting ukulele wire as a family around the television. Countless generations carried the passion forward until the 1970s when the company made it official and never looked back. Jim recounts the creation of strings that inspired legendary riffs, including one by The Who, the launch of Darco strings, the merger with Martin Guitars and the company’s humble beginnings with his wife, Janet and brother, John. Jim D’Addario’s firsthand accounts provide an intimate and personal perspective on the milestones and challenges that shaped D’Addario into the revered brand it is today.
Episode Highlights:
- Episode 1: The Early Days in Italy and the Move to America
- Episode 2: Inspiring Iconic Riffs and Legendary Partnerships
- Episode 3: Launching Darco Strings and Merging with Martin Guitars
- Episode 4: Building the D’Addario and Co. Legacy
Watch & Subscribe Now:
Join us in celebrating this incredible legacy by watching the first four episodes of “Jim’s Corner” on YouTube. New episodes will drop every month so please subscribe to our channel to ensure you don’t miss any future episodes and exclusive content from D’Addario & Co.: www.youtube.com/@daddarioandco
Gear News
Gear News: Aguilar Amplification Unveils Limited Edition NYC Gold Skyline Tone Hammer Preamp
Aguilar Amplification announces the release of the Limited Edition NYC Gold Skyline Tone Hammer Preamp pedal. Hand serialized 1-100, this exclusive edition celebrates Aguilar’s deep roots in New York City with a tribute to its iconic landmarks and vibrant spirit.
Born in the heart of NYC and raised on the road, the Tone Hammer Preamp DI has been an indispensable tool for bassists seeking inspiring tone and versatility. The new Limited Edition Gold NYC builds on this legacy with striking custom graphics encapsulating the essence of New York City. Featuring iconic landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, this pedal is not just a tool, but a piece of art embodying the soul of the city. Each unit features a sharp platinum silkscreen over a stunning matte gold sparkle finish, that is as visually captivating as it is sonically powerful.
The Tone Hammer is an essential preamp/direct box for every bassist’s toolbox. The Tone Hammer features fully sweepable midrange frequencies in addition to bass and treble controls. With the Tone Hammer’s pristine D.I. players are set for either studio or stage. To give this tone shaping unit the ultimate flexibility we introduce our proprietary Adaptive Gain Shaping circuitry (AGS). AGS allows the player to kick in an additional gain structure and EQ with the “stomp” of a button. You can go from modern slap sounds to vintage or overdriven. 18-volt operation gives the Tone Hammer plenty of headroom to reproduce the most dynamic playing styles. Separate gain and master controls allow players to dial in just the right gain structure for any instrument.
Aguilar Amplification’s Jordan Cortese adds, “With only 100 hand-numbered units available, this third iteration of our NYC edition Tone Hammer is a collector’s dream. “It’s a homage to our city’s monumental influence on music and culture and celebrates the craftsmanship and the story of Aguilar”.
Street price: $299.99 For more information, please visit www.aguilaramp.com
Gear News: Future Impact V4 Guitar & Bass Synth Now Available in the U.S.
Interview With Barker Bass’s Inventor and Writer Lee Barker
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #4 – Boutique and Vintage Basses, Dress Code for Summer Gigs
Gear News: Ibanez & Graph Tech Launch Multi-Scale Bass with Cutting-Edge Tuning
Album: John Entwistle, Rarities Oxhumed – Volume Two
July 22 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Gear News: Positive Grid Launches Spark 2
Gear Review: Exploring the Joyo Gloam – Sub Octave Fuzz Pedal for Bass
Alberto Rigoni On Unexpected Lullabies
