Bass Videos
Freekbass and Billy Sheehan Release Video for Collaboration Single, “Hypnotic Woman”
Freekbass and Billy Sheehan Release Video for Collaboration Single, “Hypnotic Woman”
“Hypnotic Woman” is the newest single from funk-bassist/producer, Freekbass, and he really leans on his wizardry powers for this one, concocting a potion of mega-talents from several genres.
What began with a casual conversation with rock bass legend, Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big/David Lee Roth/The Winery Dogs) during an interview on Freekbass’s weekly streaming show, “Saturday Night Chit-Chat with Freekbass”, lead to some studio bass tracks being bounced back and forth for song ideas. Freekbass then used that foundation to build upon.
He reached out to longtime friend, Gary “Mudbone” Cooper (George Clinton/P-Funk/Bootsy’s Rubberband/Sly Fox) to record the grounding vocals, and then brought in “The Horn Section” (Turkuaz) – Greg Sanderson, saxophone, Chris Brouwers, trumpet, and Josh Schwartz, baritone sax. The track was getting warmer! Freekbass let that simmer while looking for the next ingredient.
About the same time, Freekbass found himself sharing the stage with The Motet’s keyboardist, Joey Porter for a super-group gig. Freekbass played the working track for Porter, who returned to his studio to record some keys and talk box on the tune.
Inspired by the rock edge given from Sheehan’s original basslines, Freekbass reached out to the man with the perfect vocal range to compliment that, Eric Nally from Cincinnati-based band Foxy Shazam. Nally, along with writing partner, Alex Nauth (Foxy Shazam) wrote an added verse and pre-chorus, along with an epic vocal performance from Nally. Sky White of Foxy, does double-duty playing keyboards with Freekbass & The Bump Assembly and made those connections.
The video was shot over a two-month period, between tours and sessions. Freekbass and Mudbone Cooper filmed their segments in Cincinnati, while Sheehan filmed from Nashville. The Horn Section (Sanderson, Brouwers, Schwartz, previously of Turkuaz) make appearances in the video. Eric Nally, who was on tour with Foxy Shazam, wasn’t available. Director, Angie Wilson, came up with a creative solution in the shape of a pint-size-Nally, played by 6-year old Jude Roark. Wilson envisioned a strong, beautiful woman in the role of hypnotic woman to represent the beauty all women could embrace within themselves, played by actress Stella Udeozor.
Freekbass launches his first tour in two years to include shows at Brooklyn Bowl in NY on March 30th and The Queen in Wilmington, DE on March 31. For more tour details, including ticket information, visit www.freekbass.com.
Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes
Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes…
It is always great to meet a super busy bassist who simply exudes a love for music and his instrument. Erick “Jesus” Coomes fits this description exactly. Hailing from Southern California, “Jesus” co-founded and plays bass for Lettuce and has found his groove playing with numerous other musicians.
Join us as we hear of his musical journey, how he gets his sound, his ongoing projects, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Bob Forte
Featured Videos
Visit Online
www.lettucefunk.com
IG @jesuscsuperstar
FB@jesuscoomes
FB @lettucefunk
Bass Videos
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
“These stories from the front are with real-life, day-to-day musicians who deal with work life and gigging and how they make it work out. Each month, topics may include… the kind of gigs you get, the money, dealing with less-than-ideal rooms, as well as the gear you need to get the job done… and the list goes on from there.” – Steve the Bass Guy and Shawn Cav
Bass Videos
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
Ian Allison Bassist extreme…
Most recently Ian has spent the last seven years touring nationally as part of Eric Hutchinson and The Believers, sharing stages with acts like Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Rachel Platten, Matt Nathanson, Phillip Phillips, and Cory Wong playing venues such as Radio City Music Hall, The Staples Center and The Xcel Center in St. Paul, MN.
I had a chance to meet up with him at the Sellersville Theater in Eastern Pennsylvania to catch up on everything bass. Visit online at ianmartinallison.com/
Bass Videos
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
Spector Launches Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II…
Spector Musical Instruments expands their celebrated Woodstock Custom Collection with the Volume II series – a breathtaking series of 12 handcrafted, one-of-a-kind bass guitars, each one masterfully designed by members of the Spector team. Crafted in the Spector USA Custom Shop in Woodstock, New York, these works of art go beyond musical instruments and expand the boundaries of Spector Bass design.
Spector’s iconic design lays the foundation for the Volume II collection. Each bass showcases a unique vision, including the selection of tonewoods, electronics, captivating finishes, and intricate design details. The collection highlights Spector’s commitment to craftsmanship and artistry and the individual people and stories that make up the team.
“The Woodstock Custom Collection was such a huge success, and we had so much fun with it that we couldn’t wait to do it again,” said John Stippell, Director – Korg Bass Division. “With Volume II, we’re expanding on everything we learned from the first collection, as well as pushing our design and Custom Shop team even further. These basses are a testament to the inspiring talent, creativity, and skill of every person on the Spector team. I’m excited for all of these basses and love how they tell the unique stories of all involved.”
Visit online at spectorbass.com/
Bass Videos
New Gear: The Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model
Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model…
After playing a limited edition Dingwall live with Duran Duran, John Taylor has launched his
Dingwall Guitars production model, loaded with a Rupert Neve Designs preamp and
Rio-inspired graphics.
Dingwall’s major launch for 2023 was the limited edition Rio Dream Bass, featuring an
innovative Rupert Neve Designs onboard preamp. A year later, the range has been bolstered
with the Canadian company now offering unlimited access to its continued collaboration with
John Taylor of Duran Duran.
Dingwall CEO Sheldon Dingwall says the basses are a response to Taylor’s upfront bass style.
“John’s bass playing with Duran Duran really imprinted on me how a bass should fit into a band mix. The combination of tastefully busy syncopation, his punchy tone, and tight performance immediately drew my ear. His basslines have always had a special combination of energy and elegance.”
The John Taylor Signature model follows the formula of the limited edition Rio Dream Bass,
combining a lightweight Nyatoh body with three neodymium pickups to produce what Dingwall deems “wonderful playability and tones that display a rare clarity and refinement.” The JT Signature model also updates the Rio Dream Bass with a range of new colors; Metallic Black, Primrose, Cranberry and Seafoam Green, as well as a new 5-string variant.
Other specs include a bolt-on Maple neck, a Pau Ferro multi-scale fingerboard with the ‘Rio Eye’ inlaid at the 12th fret, and Dingwall’s new ‘Minimalist’ bridge. The headstock sports lightweight tuners and a Rio-inspired graphic that complements the body stripes, designed by longtime Duran Duran collaborator, Patty Palazzo.
Finally, an onboard preamp designed and configured in collaboration with Rupert Neve Designs, whose studio consoles have long represented the pinnacle of high-end audio engineering, promises a clear voice that balances punch and sustain. “Duran’s breakthrough single, the title track from 1982’s Rio, was originally recorded on a Neve console, so the history was already there,” says Sheldon. “But the team at Rupert Neve Designs absolutely nailed the tone.”
Like the Rio Dream Bass, the JT Signature has also been configured to Taylor’s own personal
specifications. “It all started when I was in Toronto about six years ago,” says Taylor. “A friend
showed me a Dingwall bass on his phone. I loved how it looked and immediately said to my
tech, ‘You’ve got to reach out to these guys!’”
For further information on the range options, head to dingwallguitars.com