Bass Videos
Bass Videos With Mark von Bergen : The Latest Bass Music Video Finds: Women Bass Players Part 1
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 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
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
www.derekfrank.com
www.instagram.com/derekfrankbass
www.youtube.com/derekfrankbass
www.facebook.com/derekfrankbass
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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Visit Online:
linktr.ee/returntodust
instagram.com/returntodustband/
twitter.com/Returntodustbnd
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tiktok.com/@returntodustband
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
