Bass Videos
The Latest Bass Music Video Finds…
Alert readers have noticed that this column has paid scant attention to the bass players of rock and roll. The jazz police, of course, have no problem with this oversight. However, for those who are a bit more open-minded, Part Three of our great rhythm section series will take a look at bass and drum duos from the world of rock. Don’t despair, jazzbos: I think you will find that most – OK, some – of these players owe a lot to jazz. Plus, if you are patient, you will be richly rewarded by the final video.
Geddy Lee and Neil Peart
Geddy Lee on bass and Neil Peart on drums have anchored Canadian power trio Rush since 1974. Although critics are often quick to dismiss them for a variety of reasons, they would be hard pressed to find anything wrong with their musicianship. Check out how tight the bass and drums are on this live performance of “YYZ.”
Tony Levin and Bill Bruford
Tony Levin and Bill Bruford have teamed up in King Crimson on and off for decades. Here is Tony Levin on the stick and later the bass with Bill Bruford on drums, performing “Satori in Tangier” and “Man With and Open Heart” in Japan in 1986.
Flea and Chad Smith
Together since high school in the Seventies, bassist Flea and drummer Chad Smith have successfully combined funk and punk rock in the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Here they are on one of Chad’s instructional drum videos demonstrating how years of playing together can create a locked-in rhythm section like no other.
Doug Wimbish and Will Calhoun
When Doug Wimbish (Sugar Hill Gang, TackHead, Jeff Beck, Rolling Stones, Madonna) joined drummer Will Calhoun in Living Colour in 1991, a rhythm section was formed that has extended beyond the ground-breaking black rock band to other projects, such as Head>>Fake and Jungle Funk. Here, Living Colour covers the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” in a 2004 performance. While admittedly not the best video available of the two, it’s worth watching to see what a dynamic rhythm section can do with a song based on a simple but infectious bassline. The real action gets started at about 3:30. (Not sure why Vernon Reid is handling the vocal chores….)
Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker
Bassist Jack Bruce is probably best known for the two short years he spent in Cream in the late Sixties with guitarist Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker. But before then and to this day, he has played a pivotal role in rock, blues and progressive jazz. Often he pairs up with Ginger Baker on drums, as he does here in a 1990 performance from the David Letterman Show. A new Jack Bruce career anthology “Can You Follow?” was just released containing 110 tracks on 6 CDs. Well worth the hefty price tag.
Surprise!
OK, here’s the reward we promised you jazzers for tolerating the rock stylings of those featured above: Ella Fitzgerald performing Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love” at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1969. Don’t know who the bass player and drummer are – not sure it matters in this case.
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!
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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/
Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz
Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
The Frank Brocklehurst 6-String Fretless Bass Build
Guy Pratt, Not Your Average Guy – May 2024 Issue
