Bass Videos
The Latest Bass Music Video Finds… : Bass Videos With Mark von Bergen
The various styles of African music have had a worldwide influence on modern jazz, rock, and Latin music. The rhythms are often hypnotic, with bass lines repeated for extended periods. Although the names of the bass players are largely unknown to those outside the continent (click on www.sabassplayers.com, home of The South African Bass Players Collective, for information about South African bassists collected by fellow Bass Musician Magazine staff writer Martin Simpson), a small group of African bassists, after moving to France and the U.S., have made names for themselves playing with jazz luminaries like Stanley Clarke and Joe Zawinul and pop star Paul Simon. In this issue, we focus on these African-born bassists who have brought the music of Africa to the world.
Joe Zawinul introduced some extraordinary African bassists before passing away in 2007 at the age of 75. After featuring Miroslav Vitous, Alphonso Johnson, Jaco Pastorious, and Victor Bailey in Weather Report, he began to use African bassists in his group, the Zawinul Syndicate, including Richard Bona, Etienne M’Bappé, Linley Marthe, and Alune. Richard Bona, from Cameroon, was featured in my October/November 2007 column. Here he is displaying his considerable chops as well as singing ability at the Stockholm Jazz Festival.
Etienne M’Bappé, who also grew up in Cameroon and now lives in Paris, joined the Zawinul Syndicate in 2002. In the video he plays in silk gloves, which he originally wore for sweaty hands – and which have become his signature look. Here he plays with Steps Ahead in 2007.
In 2005, bassist Linley Marthe replaced M’Bappé in the Zawinul Syndicate. Sometimes referred to as the “Bass Player of the Twenty-First Century,” Marthe is from the East African island of Mauritius and is now an active session player in Paris. In this video, he is seen performing an effects-drenched solo with the Zawinul Syndicate.
Armand Sabal-Lecco is also originally from Cameroon and now a resident in Paris. He has appeared on records and on tour with Paul Simon and bassists Stanley Clarke and John Patitucci, among many others. (He even plays bass on a Ringo Starr Christmas album!) Here he shares the stage with Stanley Clarke in 2004.
Finally, perhaps the African bassist with the earliest and biggest impact on the rest of the world is Bakithi Kumalo. A native of South Africa, he played on Paul Simon’s Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints albums, and has since recorded some excellent solo albums on which he sings and plays fretless. In this video, the bassist is shown with his trio.
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
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Bass Videos
String Instrument Humidifiers
String Instrument Humidifiers
After living in some very humid parts of the country for decades, we moved to a dryer, much sunnier location. As a result, I started noticing some fret sprout on my string instruments and recently did a video on fret sprout correction.
It occurred to me that I should take a more preventative approach to string instrument humidification. Of course, I turned to my instrument maintenance experts, Music Nomad Equipment Care, for a solution and they suggested their Humitar series. (Note: They sent two press samples and I purchased the remainder online.)
Join me as I look at these useful tools for keeping my string instruments in tip-top condition.
The Humitar series is available online at Music Nomad Equipment Care, as well as Amazon.com
Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Bassist Graham Stanush…
Return to Dust is keeping Grunge alive and well! They have a new self-titled album that went out on May 3rd, 2024 and will be super busy promoting this project in the near future.
Graham Stanush is the bass powerhouse driving their sound and adding vocals to the mix. Join me as we hear all about Graham’s musical journey, details about the new album, how he gets his sound and their plans for the future.
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Bass Videos
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
CrystalBright Rombo Picks
PR SamplePlaying bass with a pick is still a touchy subject in our community. I believe you should be able to use whatever you need to get your sound. Even though I mostly play with my fingers, I like to check out innovative new picks that might have something new to offer, sonically speaking.
Judith and Carlos from Rombo recently contacted me about a new material called CrystalBright that they have been researching for the last 12 months and offered to send some prototype picks. After trying them out, I put together this video with my findings.
For more info check out @rombopicks
Bass Player Health
Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz
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!
View More Bass Health Articles
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
