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 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
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
