Bass Player News
Recording Academy And MusiCares Establish COVID-19 Relief Fund
Recording Academy And MusiCares Establish COVID-19 Relief Fund
The Recording Academy® and its affiliated charitable foundation MusiCares® have established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to help people in the music industry affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and subsequent cancellation of multiple music events. From hotel and bar gigs to major music festivals, COVID-19 is deeply impacting live music events and the creative community behind it all.
Administered through MusiCares, the COVID-19 Fund will be used to directly support those in the music community with the greatest need.
To establish the fund, both the Recording Academy and MusiCares have contributed an initial donation of $1 million each, totaling $2 million. Additionally, all Recording Academy Chapters have committed to fundraising in their local communities. Further updates and announcements will be made in the coming days.
Harvey Mason jr., Chair and Interim CEO of the Recording Academy, says:
“Event cancellations are at unprecedented levels and the situation, therefore, requires an unprecedented response. Many people in the industry are now in crisis, not knowing what the future holds or having to deal with dire commercial realities. We are asking the entire industry to stand with us to support the musicians, artists and professionals who are the bedrock and the future of our music community.”
“It’s in times like these that many of us turn to music. Music can help us cope, and has the power to bring us together during a time when many of us might feel isolated. We encourage people everywhere to embrace the music industry which needs our help in these uncertain times.”
Steve Boom, MusiCares Chair, adds:
“The music industry is built on the work of musicians, artists, and music professionals. It is in times like these, that the industry needs to come together to support those who are struggling, particularly those who rely on touring incomes to survive. We know this fund will need to be significant. We will not be able to do it alone, and that’s why we are asking the entire music community including labels, streaming services, and anyone who is able to join us in this important effort. We’re all in when the good times roll, and it’s important that we’re all in when times are tough, too.”
If you wish to support our efforts to assist music people in need, visit: grammy.com/MusiCares/CoronavirusReliefFund
If you are a member of the music industry in need of assistance, visit: musicares.org.
Notes From An Artist Radio / Podcast hosts David C. Gross and Tomaso Semioli are letting the music do the talking! The two media personalities are releasing instrumental music that corresponds with works of art and film.
David C. Gross Presents Experiments in the Barn: A Fusion of Music and Experimental Film
Acclaimed bassist, composer, and music educator David C. Gross announces his latest 144 MUSIC project, Experiments in the Barn, an immersive exploration of sound and cinema. This unique series blends original music with experimental and silent films, creating a dialogue between visual imagery and auditory experience.
Experiments in the Barn invites audiences into a world where music and film intersect, challenging traditional storytelling and inspiring new ways to experience art. Drawing on decades of performance across jazz, rock, R&B, and avant-garde styles, Gross composes scores that amplify the emotional and narrative possibilities of the visual medium.
The series has been described as a meditative journey through soundscapes, a cinematic experience reimagined, and a testament to the power of music as a storytelling tool. Experiments in the Barn exemplifies Gross’s commitment to innovation, improvisation, and the transforma4ve poten4al of combining disciplines.
Tomaso Semioli Presents Ambient Sketches, Vol. 1 A Mélange of Music & NYC Art
On his decidedly D.I.Y. debut release, Tomaso Semioli fuses ambient, funk, dub, indie pop, and Nu Jazz with his MY #NYC photographic art collages throughout instrumental vignettes. Select tracks are available on Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, and most music streaming platforms.
Each song sketch/fragment complements a specific photographic art collage created by Tomaso Semioli for his #MY NYC collection. These collages are an inimitable kaleidoscopic interpretation of the way Tomaso experiences life in New York City!
The idea to create one-to-two-minute “mini operas” was inspired by Tomaso’s observation (and 4ming) of how long museum and gallery visitors actually gaze at artwork on average!
Ambient Sketches Video Playlist
PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT
We’re thrilled to introduce VIBRATIONISTS, our exciting new band and upcoming album!
Suzy Starlite (bass, fife, piano, vocals)
Simon Campbell (guitars, vocals)
Dave Boyd (piano, bodhrán, percussion, vocals)
After three diverse studio albums as Starlite & Campbell, we felt the time was right to record an acoustic-based album, a long-held dream.
This journey began serendipitously when mutual friends connected us with Dave Boyd, a brilliant Northern Irish musician living surprisingly close by in Portugal. Our instant connection with Dave, a master of the traditional Irish bodhrán who also incorporates unique digital effects and a vast array of instruments, quickly evolved into forming a truly collaborative band—a first for us in a long time.
Our new sound, captured on the forthcoming VIBRATIONISTS album slated for early 2026, has grown far beyond our initial acoustic vision. We’ve embraced expansive soundscapes, integrating everything from Wurlitzer electric piano and synthesisers to drum machines and Moog Taurus bass pedals.
As songwriters who don’t stick to genres, we let each song guide us, resulting in a rich sonic tapestry of contemporary alt-folk, prog-rock, and blues. Our name, VIBRATIONISTS, reflects our belief that every atom vibrates, echoing the profound impact of sound in our world.
To give you a taste of our live sound and prepare for future tours, we’ve begun playing low-key warm-up shows and recording live video sessions at the Supertone Sonic Lab in Portugal.
Our first video, reimagining It Ain’t Right with Suzy on vocals, will be released soon on our new VIBRATIONISTS YouTube channel.
We invite you to explore more on our website, where you can sign up for updates!
Fused Frequencies is a bold new Bay Area jazz fusion collective—Mads Tolling, Paul Hanson, Frank Martin, Farida Nelson, and Deszon Claiborne—crafting original, genre-defying music through fearless interplay and masterful production. This dynamic ensemble blends jazz, rock, classical, and world music into a sound that’s cinematic, groove-rich, and built equally for the stage and the screen.
Each member of Fused Frequencies is a celebrated artist in their own right, with deep roots in innovation, education, and international performance. Together, they form a powerhouse of creative energy, performing all-original compositions that are as intricate as they are emotionally resonant.
At the heart of the band’s sound is the electric interplay between violinist Mads Tolling and Paul Hanson on electric bassoon and saxophones—a fierce yet lyrical dialogue that fuses classical precision with untamed sonic exploration. Frank Martin layers rich textures on piano and synthesizer, moving seamlessly from ambient landscapes to fiery solos. Farida Nelson anchors the low end with a blend of bass guitar and keytar, while Deszon Claiborne drives the rhythm with nuance, power, and versatility.
This is music without borders. Drawing from jazz, funk, classical, prog rock, and electronic traditions, Fused Frequencies creates a sound that defies genre yet feels instantly recognizable— bold, cinematic, and relentlessly inventive.
Whether reimagining familiar themes or presenting bold new originals, Fused Frequencies delivers an electrifying live experience. Every performance is a journey into the unexpected, fearless, genre-blurring, and unmistakably alive.
Photo courtesy of InnoTech Representatives / Photographer, Bob Hakins
Spector Bass Welcomes Megadeth Bassist James LoMenzo as Newest Brand Ambassador…
Spector Bass is proud to announce the addition of legendary bassist James LoMenzo of Megadeth to its esteemed roster of artists. With a career spanning decades and a reputation as one of rock and metal’s most formidable bassists, LoMenzo brings his signature style and energy to the Spector family.
“I’m immensely proud and excited to have the opportunity to be a new brand ambassador for one of my favorite basses of all time, Spector,” said LoMenzo. “I was first made aware of these amazing basses when I was starting out in the clubs in NYC in the early ’80s. They were THE top-end basses made in my hometown Brooklyn. Back then one hit song after another featuring the aggressive up-front sound of these basses played on the radio. Looking back, I can’t believe I never picked up one of these basses for my collection—their recorded legacy alone speaks for itself!”
LoMenzo’s journey with Spector came full circle during the recording of Megadeth’s latest album. “While prepping for our latest Megadeth record, our co-producer/engineer Chris Rakestraw told me about his most recent bass acquisition—a new Spector Euro CST. I had the opportunity to try it out when I got together with the guys at our studio in Tennessee and was blown away. Great to play, amazing in-your-face tone—I just kept it strapped on and recorded the entire album with it. Since I couldn’t convince Chris to sell me his, I had to get my own.”
Fans can catch James LoMenzo live on tour with Megadeth, where he’ll be wielding his Spector bass on stages around the world. “Come on out and see me rip it up with Megadeth and my very own Spector bass out on The Killing Road!”
Spector Bass is thrilled to support LoMenzo’s continued musical journey and looks forward to the powerful performances and recordings to come.
Learn more about Spector at www.spectorbass.com
Bass Player News
Justin Emord Joined NAMM’s Washington DC Advocacy Fly-In to Support Federal Funding for Music Education
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Justin Emord joined a delegation of NAMM Members, music and arts advocates, and industry partners to speak with Members of Congress to request continued support for federal funding for quality, sequential music education as part of the school day for more than 50 million public school students. The 19th NAMM Advocacy D.C. Fly-In welcomed new and returning advocates from all over the U.S. This included 94 music business leaders and professionals representing all 50 states.
“For me, music education has helped develop and shape me into the person I am today. I wouldn’t be who I am or experienced the things that I have without my music teacher in elementary school. The connection from the classroom to touring and being a voting member of the Recording Academy is about as clear and defined as it possibly can be.”
To kick off NAMM’s Advocacy Fly-In, The NAMM Foundation hosted a “Network With the Pros” event on Monday, May 5th, where music industry professionals met with students at Eastern Senior High School to share all the various career paths outlined in The NAMM Foundation’s Careers in Music initiative.
Follow Justin on IG @justin_emord and FB @justinemord16
Gear News: Fender Unveils Highly Anticipated Vintera III Series
New Music: Oteil Burbridge & Lamar Williams Jr. New Single, Hush
Interview With Bassist Virginia Franks
Nathan East, Echoes of a Lineage – April/May 2026 Issue
Gear Review: Italia Leather Straps
Mar 2 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Mar 9 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Mar 16 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Mar 23 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram