The News Archive

Filmed during a 2008 tour of France, Resonances is a 92-minute documentary that captures solo bass virtuoso Michael Manring live at Le Triton. Featured performances include "Excuse Me, Mr Manring," "The Enormous Room," "Selene," and "Helios."

On his latest DVD, Groove Workshop, Victor Wooten expands upon his unique philosophy of teaching and learning music which he first introduced in his book, The Music Lesson — A Spiritual Search For Growth Through Music, by redefining the essential elements of music and demonstrates how to apply them in fresh, creative, and musically relevant ways. This 2-disc set features nearly five hours of material including a master class where Wooten uses his expertise to delve deeper into vitally important aspects of music making with six students along with several solo performances by Wooten and duets with bassist/educator Anthony Wellington. DVD chapters include "Notes," "Grooving," "Articulation/Duration," "Dynamics," "Rhythm/Tempo," "Tone," "Phrasing," "Space/Rest," and "Listening."

Bassline 1 was originally released by Henrik Deleuran in Scandanavia in 2005. Now, released by BassBooks.com Publishing, it has been updated and remastered in English. Acknowledged as an exceptionally versatile player, Deleuran is a professional bass player from Denmark with over 25 years of experience playing in a variety of bands and extensive teaching experience. Featuring well over 2 hours of instruction, Deleuran covers a number of topics including tuning the bass, finger techniques, well known bass lines, chords, scales, arpeggios, walking, fretless bass, 5-string bass, acoustic bass, and slapping techniques. Printable PDF scores written in both standard notation and tablature helps make understanding the principles easy.

On The Solo Session, Todd Johnson demonstrates his melodic chordal approach to arranging popular pieces from the jazz repertoire and original compositions for solo bass guitar. Utilizing his 6-string signature model Zon bass, Johnson performs innovative solo renditions of "All The Things You Are," "Blues For Hellen," "Bye Bye Blackbird," "Goin' Home," "In A Mellow Tone," "Smile," "Stella By Starlight," "There Will Never Be Another You," "You Are My Sunshine," and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee." Also included on this DVD is bonus footage consisting of excerpted instructional material from Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 of Johnson's Walking Bass Line Module System DVDs along with exercises from his Technique Builders DVD and a 2004 performance of "Battle Hymn Of The Republic."

In volume 2 of his Walking Bass Line Module System, Todd Johnson continues to break down the art of walking bass line construction through Scale Modules. In this DVD, Johnson demonstrates his 4 + 2 fingering system, strong beat/weak beat theory, and building walking bass lines over both major and minor ii-V-I chord progressions using Dorian, Mixolydian, Major, Aeolian, Locrian, and Spanish Dominant scale modules. He also provides transcribed bass lines to classic jazz standards including "Autumn Leaves," "All The Things You Are," "How High The Moon," and "Stella By Starlight." In addition to presenting this proven, easy-to-learn method to bassists, Scale Modules can be utilized by guitarists and keyboardists as well.

Night School: An Evening With Stanley Clarke & Friends is a presentation of The Third Annual Stanley Clarke Scholarship Concert that took place at Musicians Institute in 2002. This star-studded event was highlighted with performances by a contingent of the world's greatest bass players such as Armand Sabal-Lecco, Bunny Brunel, Wayman Tisdale, Jimmy Johnson, Flea, Alex Al, Brian Bromberg, Billy Sheehan, Stuart Hamm, and Marcus Miller. Appearing with these renowned bassists, other guest artists include Stevie Wonder, Bela Fleck, Wallace Roney, Lenny White, and Stewart Copeland to name a few. Clarke is featured in various settings from a straight-ahead jazz combo to a fusion band and a 22-piece string orchestra. Selected tracks consist of "Wild Dog," "Goodbye Porkpie Hat," "Song to John," "Everyday I Have The Blues," "Giant Steps," "School Days," as well as music from Clark's film scores to "Passenger 57" and "Boyz N The Hood."

Jeff Berlin, the legendary bassist and founder of the Players School of Music in Clearwater, Florida, demonstrates his teaching philosophies on Bass Logic From The Players School Of Music. Berlin explains his thoughts on the utilization of metronomes and tablature. Instead of relying on these devices which are an accepted part of the general music education system, Berlin suggests different ways to improve your time and develop your bass playing abilities. Berlin also outlines harmonic exercises for those bass players wishing to examine new tonalities and explore the melodic potential of the bass. Along with all of the educational content contained on this special DVD presentation, Berlin plays alongside an all-star band which includes guitarist Pat Martino, Dennis Chambers on drums, and pianist Richard Drexler.

To commemorate their 25th anniversary, UZEB has released the The Last Concert. This show was recorded at the Salle Wilfrid Pelletier of Place des Arts on July 6, 1991 during the 12th edition of the Montreal Jazz Festival, and it is the only official live concert footage ever distributed by UZEB. With special guest Tiger Okoshi on trumpet, bassist Alain Caron, drummer/percussionist Paul Brochu, and guitarist Michel Cusson perform over 2 1/2 hours of UZEB's greatest hits including "UZEB Club," "New Hit," "Apres Les Confidences," "Riff 55," "Mister Moe," "Loose," "Blue 'N Green," "Not Even The Shadow Of The Tail Of A Lizard," "Spider," "Mr. Bill," "Wake Up Call," "Funkaleon," "60, Rue Des Lombards," and "Cool It."

5 Live features the Alain Caron Band in a live concert at the Cabaret de Montreal. With Alain Caron on fretless and fretted basses, Jean St-Jacques on keyboards and malletkat, David Bellemare on saxophone, Simon Langlois on drums, Francois Blouin on keyboards, tracks include "Ocean Of Trees," "Double Agent," "Signal," "Ink Illusion," "Show Of Hands," "No Left Turn On Tuesday," "Slam The Clown," "Turkey Loose On The Kit," "Baby Step," "Solitude," "Black Paws," and "D-Code." This live concert is also available on a double-CD collection.

On Friday Nite Jam, Todd Johnson demonstrates his unique approach to playing 6-string bass. Along with guitarist Rich Severson and drummer Gary Newmark, Johnson performs several standards of the jazz repertoire including "Fried Pies," "Autumn Leaves," "On Green Dolphin Street," "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To," and "Sugar."

Master Of All Trades is the first "official" DVD release from Marcus Miller. This 2-DVD set contains approximately 4 hours of footage. The first DVD is a live concert that was recorded at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood, CA on October 14, 2002 featuring Marcus Miller on bass and bass clarinet, Dean Brown on guitar, Patches Stewart on trumpet, Roger Byam on sax, Bruce Flowers on keys, and Poogie Bell on drums with Lalah Hathaway and Raphael Sadiq on vocals. Performances include "Power," "Lonnie's Lament," "So What," "Scoop," "Boomerang," "Panther," "When Your Life Was Low," "People Make The World Go 'Round," "Amazing Grace," "Burning Down The House," "Killing Me Softly," and a Miles Davis medley. Bonus tracks consist of "Nikki's Groove," "Teen Town," and Porgy Solo. The second DVD contains two hours of bonus material including interviews with Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White, Omar Hakim, Bill Withers, Roberta Flack, and Luther Vandross. There are also special features including On The Road, Work In Progress, Evolution Of Jazz, Lessons Shared, Discography, And The Winner Is, a Photo Gallery, and much more. This 2-DVD set is in Dolby Digital 5.1 stereo.

Todd Johnson, recognized for his innovative approach to playing the 6-string bass and as an in-demand clinician, shows you how to control the shape, attack, decay, and articulations of the notes you play in a logical, organized, and concise method in his latest instructional DVD series. In Technique Builders, Johnson demonstrates right and left hand ergonomics, right hand muting, supportive fingering, string skipping, floating thumb technique, shifting, hammer-ons and pull-offs, as well as how to play ghost notes on electric bass. This DVD is ideal for beginners who want to learn things right the first time and also for the self-taught bassist hoping to fix bad habits that have been unintentionally picked up over the years.

For the past 15 years, Todd Johnson has performed as an integral component of the critically-acclaimed Ron Eschete Trio. Through his distinct approach to playing the bass, Johnson is capable of providing the roles of bassist, pianist, guitarist, and seasoned soloist all at the same time. In his brand new instructional DVD series, The Walking Bass Line Module System, Johnson takes the "mystery" out of learning to play walking bass lines by breaking techniques down into small, bite-size pieces that anyone can easily digest. In Volume 1, The Triad Module System, Johnson outlines the strong beat/weak beat theory, ear training (playing what you hear), blues changes, "Autumn Leaves" changes, major and minor triads, chromatic approaches from above and below, and helps you put together a solid, organized practice plan.

In The Contemporary Bassist, Gary Rice shares the techniques and methods that he has learned and applied as a contemporary bassist for the past 28 years. This DVD has interactive functions that give you the power to control camera angle and audio for play-along and practice. You can choose between standard or interactive play modes, and while in interactive play mode, you can change the audio to practice and reinforce various techniques that are demonstrated or change the angle to get a different view. With a running time of 60 minutes, subjects covered include slap bass technique, building a slap bass solo, bass and drums, and musicianship along with bonus features.

Recorded live at the Bird's Eye in Basel, Switzerland, this release captures the Chris Tarry Group at the pinnacle of their 2008 European tour. With Dan Weiss (drums), Kelly Jefferson (saxophone), Pete McCann (guitar), and Henry Hey (piano), this award-winning quintet has become one of the most distinguished jazz groups touring today. Tracks include "Merry Go Round," "Radio Princess," "Happy For Most," "Unlikely UFO," "Yeah Guys," and "McCann Can Blues."

Featured tracks consist of "Morenika," "Interlude In C Sharp Minor," "El Hatzipor," "Leolam," "Winter Song," "It's Been So Long," "Alon Basela," "Still," "Shir Preda," "Aurora," "Alfonsina Y El Mar," and "Noches Noches/La Luz."

Holy Cow is the third solo release from legendary bassist Billy Sheehan. Special guests Ray Luzier (drums), Billy Gibbons (guitar), Paul Gilbert (guitar), Dug Pinnick (vocals), Simone Sello (guitar), and Tony MacAlpine (piano) accompany Sheehan on this project. A complete track listing features "In A Week Or Two (I'll Give It Back To You)," "A Lit'l Bit'l Do It To 'Ya Ev'ry Time," "Dynamic Exhilarator," "A Bloodless Casualty," "Make It To Another Day (I Keep Rolling On My Way)," "Just Another Humanoid," "Turning Point," "Theme From An Imaginary Sci Fi," "Another Broken Promise," "Two People Can Keep A Secret (If One Of Them Is Dead)," "Cell Towers," "She Goes From Cruel To Missionary," and "Sweat On An E String."

With the release of his second project as a solo artist, Pocket Fulla Nasty is a potent groove-driven collection of 11 tracks by Doug Johns. Co-produced by drummer Chris Ceja, Johns' latest recording features the work of several notable guest artists such as Oz Noy, Otmaro Ruiz, Kenny Anderson, Joe Miller, Mark Leach, Rafael Guzman Jr., Utah Witherspoon, Dana Rasch, and Felix Dupre. This selection of compositions includes "Scrumpt," "Manic," "Chump Suey," "Knutso," "Funk Bomb," "Uum...Continue," "Southwest Song," "Pocket Fulla Nasty," "Local Forecast," "Chew On A Dog," and "Truth In Nature."

Locutions is the long-awaited debut project from acclaimed bassist Rich Brown and his band Rinse The Algorithm. On 11 original scores, Brown combines sophisticated harmonic and melodic concepts with a groove-oriented rhythmic foundation. Alongside Brown, his band features Robi Botos (piano/keys), David Virelles (piano/keys), Luis Deniz (alto saxophone), and Larnell Lewis (drums). This collection of tracks contains "Urban Nocturnal," "Constellation 149," "The Purple Time," "Algorithmic," "Hibiscus," "Locutions," "Black Nimbus," "Forward Motion (...in progress)," "Soothe The Machinery," "As If Sleepwalking With Headphones On," and "The Lakeside Stroll."

Cumulo is the third solo production released by Darren Michaels. Utilizing a common theme of clouds throughout the recording, Michaels takes the listener on a journey through rock, pop, electronica, ambient, and new age tracks and steps up to the microphone for the first time by providing vocals on nine of the fourteen titles. With nothing more than his bass guitar, vocals, and drums, a complete listing of compositions includes "Pellucid," "Look Up," "Deluge," "Underneath Fish Belly Skies," "Gullywasher," "Thunderhead," "Fracto," "Days In The Sun," "Sideways," "Tangerine Horizon," "Shroud," "Blue," "Teach My Eyes To See Only The Silver," and "Unspoken, Unsaid."

His third release as a leader, David Dyson's Unleashed features an ensemble of talented artists on sixteen melodic and soulful tracks including "The Lion's Den," "Forever Is Now," "Lovely One," "French Toast," "Hot Sauce," "Coco's Butter Cafe," "Unleashed!," "Quick Witted," "Southern Fried Go Go," "New Horizons," "One Skittle," "The Grey Zone," "The Dream," "That's It, That's All," "Quick Witted (Go Go Remix)," and "Hot Sauce-Extra Spicy."

Three of the most influential bassists have united to produce Thunder. Featuring bass greats Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, and Victor Wooten, a complete track listing includes "Maestros De Las Frecuencias Bajas," "Thunder," "Hillbillies On A Quiet Afternoon," "Mongoose Walk," "Los Tres Hermanos," "Lopsy Lu - Silly Putty (Medley)," "Milano," "Classical Thump (Jam)," "Tutu," "Lil' Victa," "Pendulum," "Lemme Try Your Bass," and "Grits."

Project M showcases the debut of a bass quartet consisting of Michael Manring, Jim Stinnett, Rob Gourlay, and Grant Stinnett. This unique 2-disc CD/DVD set is comprised of an original 10-track audio CD along with an accompanying 92-minute DVD, Making Project M, which features a behind-the-scenes look at the recording process in the studio as well as interviews and demonstrations with each group member and an extensive interview with luthier Chris Stambaugh. Tracks include "Mr. Gordon," "En Chinga," "Companions Journey," "Piscatorial Dreams," "Money Talks," "Blessed One," "Lambent Flame," "Grok," "She Sleeps," and "Final Voyage."

Featuring a potent compilation of previously recorded tracks along with the debut of a couple new compositions, Pass It On, is the latest release from perennial poll-winner Dave Holland. On his third recording to be issued under his own label, Holland is joined by Mulgrew Miller (piano), Robin Eubanks (trombone), Alex Sipiagin (trumpet), Antonio Hart (alto saxophone), and Eric Harland (drums) on "The Sum Of All Parts," "Fast Track," "Lazy Snake," "Double Vision," "Equality," "Modern Times," "Rivers Run," "Processional," and "Pass It On."

Princess Sita is the long awaited solo debut from legendary bassist Dominique Di Piazza. Featuring an impressive trio consisting of Nelson Veras (guitar) and Manhu Roche (drums), tracks include "Nuages," "Nemo," "St. John," "Wake Up," "Princess Sita," "Little Rose," "Apres La Pluie," "Desillusion," "Dinello," "Mr. PM," "Recorda Me," and "Torrent D'Amour."

Five years following his debut as a solo artist, Bryan Beller has released Thanks In Advance. Featuring a large supporting cast of musicians from both California and Nashville including guitarist Mike Keneally, Beller also played guitar and piano in addition to all the bass work on his latest project. Available with direct web site orders of this production is a special edition DVD, To Nothing, which documents the creation of this recording and contains nearly three hours of exclusive material and behind-the-scenes footage.

From the author of the popular Walking in the Footsteps of ... transcribed bass lines series, Let's Do It is the debut solo project by Rob Gourlay. Alongside Tim Theriault (guitar), Dave Dicenso (drums), and Gord Gourlay (drums), tracks consist of "Quadrant Four," "You Never Know," "Hoedown," "Blessed One," "Bipolar/Hugh's Jig," and "Stratus."

Ben Wolfe has released, No Strangers Here, his fifth recording as a leader. Currently a faculty member of the jazz studies division at the Juilliard School, Wolfe has performed with the The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and has recorded extensively with Wynton Marsalis, Diana Krall, and Harry Connick Jr. On his latest solo project, Wolfe unites an outstanding jazz quartet comprised of Marcus Strickland (tenor and soprano saxophone), Luis Perdomo (piano), and Greg Hutchinson (drums) with a string quartet consisting of Jesse Mills (violin), Cyrus Beroukhim (violin), Kenji Bunch (viola), and Wolfgram Koessel (cello). Featuring guest artists Branford Marsalis (tenor and soprano saxophone), Terell Stafford (trumpet), Victor Goines (bass clarinet), and Jeff "Tain" Watts (drums), tracks include "The Minnick Rule," "No Strangers Here," "Milo," "No Pat No," "The Filth," "Circus," "Blue Envy," "Rosy & Zero," "Jackie Mac," and "Groovy Medium."

Produced by Adam Nitti on his Renaissance Man Records label, 48 Hour Odyssey is the debut solo project by Enrico Galetta. Combining jazz, funk, and fusion sounds on a collection of high energy tracks, Galetta is joined by Marcus Finnie (drums), Mike Whittaker (keyboards, rhodes, and piano), Rod McGaha (trumpet), Jonathan Jackson (saxophones), Bill Hart (guitar), Adriano Albarella (guitar), Melody Chambers (vocals), and special guest Adam Nitti (bass). Featured tracks include "High Damper," "48 Hour Odyssey," "Apulia Arabian Night," "Love Despite The Distance," "Sant'Isaia Street," "L'illy Time," "White Smoke Rising," and "Be Part Of It."

A musical prodigy since her childhood, Esperanza Spalding graduated from Berklee College of Music and became one of the youngest instructors in the school's history. On her new self-titled release, the 23-year-old combines her uncanny instrumental chops, a siren voice that spans three languages, and composing skills that weave together the finest elements of jazz, soul, pop, and world music on the tracks "Ponta De Areia," "I Know You Know," "Fall In," "I Adore You," "Cuerpo Y Alma (Body & Soul)," "She Got To You," "Precious," "Mela," "Love In Time," "Espera," "If That's True," and "Samba Em Preludio."

Palmystery is the debut solo project from Victor Wooten on Heads Up International. Spanning a range of styles including jazz, funk, pop, soul, gospel, and world music, Wooten's fifth studio release as a leader features the tracks "2 Timers," "Cambo," "I Saw God," "The Lesson," "Left, Right, & Center," "Sifu," "Miss U," "Flex," "The Gospel," "Song For My Father," "Happy Song," and "Us 2."

Marcus is the latest solo project to be released by Grammy award-winning bassist Marcus Miller. Since the 1980's, Miller's signature sound has become one of the most identifiable in contemporary jazz. With special guest performances by Corinne Bailey Rae, Keb' Mo', and David Sanborn, this collection of tracks contains "Blast," "Funk Joint," "Free," "Higher Ground," "Milky Way," "Pluck," "Lost Without U," "'Cause I Want You," "Ooh," "When I Fall In Love," "Strum," "Jean Pierre," "What Is Hip," and "Lost Without U (spoken word)."

Your Move is the eighth solo release from Gerald Veasley. Veasley, one of today's leading contemporary jazz bassists, is joined by guitarist Chuck Loeb, saxophonist Chris Farr, drummer Josh Dion, trumpeter John Swana, organist Peter Kuzma, and vocalist Mikki Kornegay. A complete listing of tracks consists of "Hear Now," "Slip 'n' Slide," "So Close To The Sun," "Greenwood," "Your Move," "Cross Currents," "Three Tears," "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)," "Traveling Light," and "Roxanne's Dance."

A pioneer of the 6-string fretless bass, Steve Bailey has performed and recorded with a long list of renowned artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Larry Carlton, and The Rippingtons since the early 1980's. In 1993, Bailey teamed up with fellow bass virtuoso Victor Wooten to form the revered Bass Extremes duo, and over the past 15 years, they have released a number of highly regarded CD and DVD projects. On So Low ... Solo, his third session as a solo artist, Bailey presents a new perspective on playing solo bass without the use of loopers or overdubs. Featuring legendary hand drummer Robert Thomas Jr. (Weather Report), Bailey utilizes his innovative artificial harmonic techniques, chordal voicings, and multi-timbre polyphonic pyrotechnics to create a duo that sounds like an entire ensemble. A complete track listing includes "Waltz for Leeann," "Rhum Bar," "Last Train Home," "Scrapple From the Apple," "Calm Before The Storm," "Sea Major," "Blink," "Sir Paul," "Bombz Over Baghdad," "Ella's Boogie," "Majestic March," and "Mom's Melody."

Following his acclaimed debut on M-Vibez in 2003, Peter Muller has released The Flow. On his new project, Muller is joined by Frank Mead (sax, flute), Tim Cansfield (guitar), Tobias Neumann (keyboards), Christian Kappe (trumpet), Ulle Rode (guitar), Kristof Hinz (drums), and Tim Weller (drums) on 10 tracks which blend funk, contemporary jazz, r&b, and soul sounds with oriental and latin elements. This collection includes "Cairo," "The Chase," "Lounge Creatures," "G-String," "Space Train," "For Funk's Sake!," "Chanson Triste," "The Cruise," "Dracula," and "Belleza."

One of Canada's most successful and celebrated electric bass exports, Chris Tarry has produced his latest project as a leader, Almost Certainly Dreaming. Since 1994, The Chris Tarry Group has been presented in many different lineups and has released several award-winning recordings ranging from trios to 15-piece big bands. Through sold out concert tours and festival appearances around the United States and Europe, The Chris Tarry Group has become one of the most successful bass-fronted groups in contemporary jazz. Some of New York's finest jazz musicians including Dan Weiss (drums), Henry Hey (piano), Pete McCann (guitar), and Kelly Jefferson (sax) join Tarry on eight brand new compositions consisting of "Bedford Celebrities," "An Unlikely UFO," "Radio Princess," "Same Clothes, Different Day," "Prettiest Town Of Goderich," "In The Beginning," "Almost Certainly Dreaming," and "Alien Blueprints."

Recorded with prominent jazz musicians from New York and Istanbul, Clashes is the solo debut of Turkish bassist Alper Yilmaz. Featuring Michael McGinnis (soprano saxophone, clarinet), David Binney (alto saxophone), Nick Kadajski (alto saxophone), Jon Davis (rhodes), Matthias Bublath (rhodes, keyboards), Andy Sanesi (drums), and Volkan Oktem (drums), tracks include "KuKe," "XX," "Clashes," "Junk Mail," "Oddity," "Ninni," "Spring Breeze," "You Have No Idea," and "Landscapes."

Hemispheres, the debut trio project from bassist Ric Fierabracci, keyboardist Phil Turcio, and drummer Joel Rosenblatt, features a blend of fusion, funk, and contemporary jazz sounds. Special guest musicians include Dave Weckl, Gary Meek, Walter Rodriguez, Brett Garsed, Eric Marienthal, Jeff Miley, Bob Sheppard, Steve Tavaglione, Christian Howes, Bill Evans, Brian Monroney, Doug Webb, and Joel Hoekstra. A complete track listing consists of "Conflict," "The Goods," "Earth," "Avenue Of The Righteous," "Shadows," "Ghosts," "Gravity," "Sacrifice," "The Oracle," "Sphere Of Influence," and "Reverie."

In The Spirit Of Jobim is Brian Bromberg's tribute to Brazil's Antonio Carlos Jobim. With Otmaro Ruiz (piano), Airto (percussion), Alex Acuna (drums & percussion), Gary Meek (flutes), Joel Taylor (drums), Mitchell Foreman (piano), and Oscar Castro Neves (guitar), this project features six original compositions by Bromberg along with six arrangements of classic tracks by Jobim.

Expanding the sounds of contemporary metal with Indian and jazz elements, Art Metal features an ensemble comprised of bassist Jonas Hellborg alongside his long-time collaborator South Indian percussionist Selvaganesh Kanjeera, guitarist Mattias IA Eklund, keyboardist Jens Johansson, and drummer Anders Johansson. Tracks include "Muthucutpor," "Manirambha," "Nataraja," "Solitude," "The Three Princes Of Serendip," "Round Metal Hat," "Vyakhyan-kar," and "Art Metal."

On Seven Waves, his debut studio recording as a solo artist, Yves Carbonne delivers a potent mixture of jazz, R&B, progressive rock, and spiritual sounds utilizing the massive tonal range of his 10 and 12-string fretless sub-bass guitars which he combines with the human voice. In addition to his bass/vocal collaborations with French African jazz and soul singer Guillaume Eyango, this project features notable guest performers such as solo bass pioneer Michael Manring, drummers Roger Biwandu and Anthony Breyer as well as Laurent Maur on harmonica. This collection of 11 original compositions consists of "Cloudy Day," "Sweet Passion," "Holy Spirit 2nd Verse," "Childhood," "Childhood Interlude," "Seven Waves," "Origin," "Origin Interlude," "You Got All My Love," "Dawning," and "A Day In His Life."

The Toys Of Men is the latest solo project from legendary bass pioneer Stanley Clarke. Filled with fiery electric bass grooves and solo acoustic bass interludes, Clarke is joined on this recording by Ruslan Sirota (keyboards), Mads Tolling (violin), Esperanza Spalding (vocals), Jef Lee Johnson (guitar), Ronald Bruner, Jr. (drums), Tomer Shtein (acoustic guitar), Michael Landau (acoustic and electric guitars), Phil Davis (keyboards), and Paulinho Da Costa (percussion). A complete listing of tracks includes "The Toys Of Men" (6 Parts), "Come On," "Jerusalem," "Back In The Woods," "All Over Again," "Hmm Hmm," "Bad Asses," "Game," "La Cancion De Sofia," "El Bajo Negro," "Broski," "Chateauvallon 1972," and "Bass Folk Song #6."

Blending a fusion of contemporary jazz and funk sounds, Foreign Shores is the second solo session produced by bassist David Hughes. Featuring special guest artists such as Eric Marienthal on saxophone, vocalist Justin Guarini, Gregg Karukas on piano, and Katisse Buckingham, a complete track listing includes "Brazil," "Foreign Shores," "Beautiful Downtown Burbank," "Love," "Romantico," "Your Sweet Voice," "London," "I Wish," "Snowflakes," "Grace Peace Earth," and "Kathmandu."

Jeff Schmidt, the winner of the 2005 Bass Extremes International Solo Bass Competition, has released his debut project as a solo artist. On Outre, Schmidt utilizes unconventional tunings and techniques on his 5-string fretted and fretless bass guitars. This unaccompanied recording includes the tracks "From Under The Weight Of Knowing," "Fury," "Satori," "Path Beyond Tracing," "Numb," "Until You Don't (Live)," "Trypto," "Sui Generis," "Mudita," "Seeing Is Freeing (Live)," and "Still Silhouette."

Conversations is the sixth studio session released by internationally renowned bassist Alain Caron. Using a fretless acoustic bass guitar, Caron is joined by pianists Francois Bourassa, Lorraine Desmarais, Oliver Jones, and Otmaro Ruiz along with Jean St-Jacques on vibraphone. Featured tracks consist of "No Pick," "Ivoire," "Questions," "Blue Screen," "Val C," "X Tensions," "Solitude," "Strings Of Spring," "Confirmation," "Scrapper," "Baby Steps," and "Setembro."

Legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter was the anchor of Miles Davis' classic quintet of the 1960's, and today, Carter is recognized as one of the most prolific and influential bassists in the history of jazz music. It has been over 40 years since he joined Miles' renowned group, and on Dear Miles, Carter pays tribute to his former bandleader with this collection of tracks which were associated with the iconic trumpeter. With Stephen Scott on piano, Peyton Crossley on drums, and Roger Squitero on percussion, this 10-track compilation features several tunes closely linked with Davis' repertoire throughout the 1950's and '60's in addition to two originals by Carter and a couple of compositions that were loosely related to Miles. This project consists of the tracks "Gone," "Seven Steps To Heaven," "My Funny Valentine," "Bag's Groove," "Someday My Prince Will Come," "Cut And Paste," "Stella By Starlight," "As Time Goes By," "Bye Bye Blackbird," and "595."

This is the self-titled debut recording from young French phenom bassist Hadrien Feraud. As a member of John McLaughlin's band, Feraud's musicianship has already been showcased to an audience on an international scale. On this release, Feraud's playing is featured alongside a leading group of musicians within the jazz and fusion community consisting of John McLaughlin, Bireli Lagrene, Dominique DiPiazza, and Linley Marthe to name just a few. Tracks include "Rumeurs," "Marie Ael," "Natural," "High Jacked," "Giant Steps," "Jet Sun Dance," "Hadrien & Linley Trip 1," "Clair Obscur," "Rhapsody In Blue," "Shall We Love," "Hadrien & Linley Trip 2," "Maria Christina," "Marie Ael - Long Version," and "Outro Trip 3."

Vitalization is the 12th recording released by Steve Smith and Vital Information. For over the past two decades, Vital Information has continually expanded their musical boundaries by encompassing straight-ahead jazz, contemporary jazz, fusion, South Indian rhythms, odd time grooves, blues, funk, and rock influences. This new project features longtime band members Steve Smith, Tom Coster, Baron Browne, and new guitarist Vinny Valentino along with special guests such as saxophonist Bill Evans as well as percussionists Pete Lockett, Gilad, and Juan Carlos Melian. The twelve original compositions include "Interwoven Rhythms - Synchronous," "Get Serious," "The Trouble With," "The Bottom Line," "Seven And A Half," "Interwoven Rhythms - Dialogue," "J Ben Jazz," "Groove Time," "You Know What I Mean," "The Closer," "Jimmy Jive," and "Positano."

Captured live at the Evelyn Hotel in Melbourne, Australia in June 2003, Made In Australia includes eight instrumental compositions featuring the power trio of Frank Gambale, Virgil Donati, and Ric Fierabracci. A complete track listing consists of "The User," "Little Charmer," "Joey's Waltz," "Yang," "Sphere Of Influence," "Mind Over," "Alien Hip Hop," and "A Little Something."

Actual Fiction is the third solo project from fretless bass master Gary Willis and his first release as a solo artist since 1998. Along with Kirk Covington and David Gomez on drums, tracks include "Cartoon Fetish," "Smells Like A Party," "PodCast," "Say Never," "Eye Candy," "Take Me To Your Leader," "Mean Streak," "If Only It Could Talk," "Tio Loco," and "Based On A True Story."

S3 is the new trio project featuring bassist Gary Willis, drummer Kirk Covington, and saxophonist Llibert Fortuny. A complete track listing of their self-titled debut consists of "Slaughterhouse 3," "Life Story," "Let's Go," "Toxic, "Booty Duty," "Another Chance," "Trapeze/Nobody's Friend," "Stinky," "Sleep Deprivation," "Moof," and "Interactive Show."

Trios is the debut solo project from Portland, Oregon bassist Damian Erskine. A graduate of the Berklee College of Music, Erskine showcases his musicianship and demonstrates that he is equally versed at setting up solid grooves, blowing solos, and providing chordal accompaniment. This recording also features pianist Ramsey Embick, drummer Reinhartd Melz, guitarist Toshi Onizuka, and drummer Israel Annoh. The tracks include "Peresina," "Footprints," "Mambo For Tajrid," "Costa Del Sol," "Spain," "Nardis," "Maria Cervantes," "Steps," "Mirage," and "Entre Dos Aguas."

What's Up? features a historic collaboration by three jazz legends including pianist Oscar Peterson, bassist Ray Brown, and vibist Milt Jackson along with drummer Karriem Riggins. This project consists of almost an hour of previously unreleased material from their extraordinary live session that was recorded during a three night gig over Thanksgiving weekend in 1998 at New York City's Blue Note. This set includes the tracks "Squatty Roo," "Salt Peanuts," "Ad Lib Blues," "If I Should Lose You," "Limehouse Blues," "Soft Winds," and "The More I See You."

Surrounded by an all-star group of musicians including Lee Ritenour and Gannin Arnold on guitar, George Duke and Jeff Lorber on piano, Gary Meek, Boney James, and Kirk Whalum on saxophone, and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, Downright Upright is the newest studio recording from Brian Bromberg, one of today's most prolific bassists. This acoustic project includes the tracks "Chameleon," "Cold Duck Time," "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," "The Hacha Chacha," "Serengetti Walk," "Cantaloupe Island," "Shag Carpet," "Sunday Mornin'," "Slow Burn," and "Leisure Suit."

Recognized for his recording and touring stints with guitarists Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, legendary bassist Stuart Hamm has released his first project as a solo artist in nearly seven years. Live Stu X 2 features both a classic collection of Hamm's most well known hits as well as several previously unreleased tracks that were recorded live with two completely different bands in Philadelphia and San Francisco. The first seven tracks were recorded at World Cafe Live on April 20, 2006 during Hamm's set on the first leg of the Bx3 tour in Philadelphia. The remaining pieces are compositions that Hamm had written and been playing for several years as solo bass arrangements during clinics but are now presented live within the context of a full band and were captured at the Cafe Du Nord in San Francisco on May 10, 2004. The selected tracks consist of "Intro," "Terminal Beach," "Katahdin," "Nostalgia," "Flow My Tears," "Radio Free Albemuth," "Lone Star," "Intermission," "Te Extrano," "Yellow Happy," and "A New Peace."

Curve is the fourth solo session from bassist Trip Wamsley and the first of his releases that features the bass guitar in a completely unaccompanied context. Utilizing altered tunings and unconventional bass techniques in a fashion that places the emphasis on the composition rather than the tools and techniques required to play his music, Wamsley demonstrates a sophisticated level of musicality. This solo bass project includes the tracks "Sweet Algebur," "Huevos Con Dios," "And He Speaks - Pt. 1," "Northern," "The Week The Car Grew A Beard," "Becoming," "Non A-06," "This Is No Place For You," "Redneck Monolith," "And He Speaks - Pt. 2," "Watch Them Bounce," "The Rest Of His Years," and "The Day It All Made Sense."

deMania is the debut release from The deMania Trio which features guitarist Alex de Grassi, bassist Michael Manring, and percussionist Chris Garcia on an eclectic collection of original compositions, inventive arrangements, and extended improvisations. A complete track listing includes "This Side Up," "Homestyle," "Para Mi Alegria," "Yet Again," "Paint It Black," "With His Hand In His Hat," "Mc Coy," "The Black Hand," "Curan Brujo," and "The Water Is Wide."

As one of Canada's most successful electric bassists and one of North America's top jazz artists, Chris Tarry's playing has received many accolades including two Juno awards for best Contemporary Jazz Album, six Juno award nominations, three West Coast Music awards, four Jazz Report awards for group of the year, and three National Jazz awards. Since 1994, the Chris Tarry Group has been presented in many different lineups and has produced seven award-winning recordings ranging from guitar trios to large, 15-piece big bands. The Chris Tarry Group's eighth project, Sorry To Be Strange, features 12 new Tarry originals played by some of the best musicians on the New York scene including Pete McCann on guitar, saxophonist Kelly Jefferson, Dan Weiss on drums, and pianist Jon Cowherd.

From sold out soccer stadiums in Mexico to packed arenas in Asia and on stage before 175,000 people in Cuba, Jonni Lightfoot has performed around the world as the bassist and musical director of Air Supply. On his third solo project, Blue, Lightfoot is joined by Air Supply's Graham Russell and bass legend Michael Manring on a collection of music that features several original tracks, arranged pieces, and four solo bass compositions played with piccolo and tenor basses. A complete track listing includes "Say Hi To The Monkeys," "Dolby G'haunt," "Flutterbys," "Slither," "Deep Blu," "After The Rain," "Michelle," "Simply Put," "MOL'a," "Good Vibes Are Standing (The Foot II)," "Sure Know Something," "Mr. Misunderstood," "The Cat's Meow," "I Belong (Live)," and "Colorful."

Line By Line is the 12th solo recording released by bass virtuoso John Patitucci. On his latest project, Patitucci plays both acoustic upright and electric basses in a trio format that includes guitarist Adam Rogers and drummer Brian Blade. In addition to the core trio, tenor saxophonist Chris Potter and a string quartet are featured on selected performances. Tracks include "The Root," "Agitato," "Circular," "Folklore," "Dry September," "Nana," "Theme And Variations For 6-String Bass And Strings," "Line By Line," "Evidence," "Jesus Is On The Mainline," "Incarnation," "Soaring," and "Tone Poem."

Aneurythms is the brand new solo project from bass legend Jeff Berlin and features the playing of Gannin Arnold on guitar, Otmaro Ruiz on keys and piano, Richard Drexler on piano, and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums. It was produced by bassist Brian Bromberg who makes a special guest appearance on acoustic upright bass. Tracks consist of "Porky & Beans," "Copland," "Saab Story," "Ars Longa Vita Brevis," "Miss Management," "Justibofidus," "A Mark You Remade," "Lapp Dance," "Don't Be Happy! Worry!," and "Auntie Social."

On their third collaboration as a trio, guitarist Scott McGill, bassist Michael Manring, and drummer Vic Stevens take 12 standards of the jazz repertoire and interpret them with their own unique twists. A complete track listing includes "Cherokee," "Footprints," "Blue In Green," "Solar," "Gloria's Step," "Icarus," "Naima," "Invitation," "Nefertiti," "Bessie's Blues," "Maiden Voyage," and "Oleo." As part of this double-disc package, a second CD features eight live performances that were recorded at Orion Studios in Baltimore, Maryland on April 7, 2001.

Prime Cuts features a diverse collection of Billy Sheehan's finest work for Magna Carta Records and performances by Terry Bozzio, Dennis Chambers, Steve Howe, Steve Morse, John Novello, Mike Portnoy, and Jordan Rudess. This is an enhanced CD with a brand new bonus video interview, "Who Is Billy Sheehan?," and also contained within this compilation is a previously unreleased bass solo recorded live in Buffalo, New York in 1994. The selected tracks include "Elbow Grease" - Niacin, "Sugar Blues" - Niacin, "Sub Continent" - Bozzio / Sheehan, "The Trees" - Working Man Rush Tribute, "Clean Up Crew" / "Do A Little Dirty Work" - Niacin, "Crack The Meter" - Jordan Rudess, "Time Enough" (More Than Enough Mix) - Explorers Club, "Super Grande" - Niacin, and "Bass Solo" (Buffalo 1994).

Behind Every Word is the fourth solo recording from Steve Lawson, the U.K.'s leading solo bass guitarist. Of the eleven tracks, nine are solo bass compositions which combine the ambient improvisations that Lawson has been long revered for with a strong emphasis on melodic content and structure. Alongside Lawson, special guests include pedal steel guitarist BJ Cole and jazz singer Julie McKee. A complete track listing consists of "Blue Planet," "Behind Every Word," "This House Is A Happy Home," "Jimmy James," "Me, Myself And I," "Scott Peck," "FRHU," "Nobody Wins Unless Everybody Wins," "FolkSong," "One Step," and "Deeper Still."

Those Days is the debut solo project from Austrian bassist Bernhard Lackner. Produced by Adam Nitti, Lackner is joined by Jeff Coffin on saxophone, Derico Watson on drums, guitarist Scott Bernard, Blair Masters on keyboard, and rapper Earthworm Jim on the tracks "Italojazzer," "We Try To Fly," "It's Time To Go," "You Never Know," "Four Winds Drive," "It's Our World," "Song For You," and "Those Days."

Alkimia is the second solo release from bassist Franc O'Shea. As O'Shea blends the sound of his fretless bass with an array of world percussion instruments, flamenco guitar, flute, and violin, he creates the sounds of European, Eastern, and African music. Included in this project are performances by members of Chick Corea's and Paco de Lucia's bands on compositions such as "Alkimia," "The Three Princes Of Serendip," "Anam Cara," "Jayena," "Dream Catcher," "Enchanted," and "Shakti."

Recognized as the "trio that sounds like a quartet," the Ron Eschete trio has released In The Middle, the result of a night of live recording on October 28, 2003 at Spazio in Sherman Oaks, California. Eschete and Johnson began playing together in 1991, and both musicians possess the ability to play bass lines and chord changes simultaneously. Kendall Kay rounds out the trio on drums. The hard-swinging tracks appearing on this project include "Indian Summer," "Bye Bye Blackbird," "Taking A Chance On Love," "Autumn Leaves," "Oh, Lady Be Good," "Mama's Home Cookin'," and "Bluesette."

5 Live is a double-CD compilation that features the Alain Caron Band in a live concert at the Cabaret de Montreal. With Alain Caron on fretless and fretted basses, Jean St-Jacques on keyboards and malletkat, David Bellemare on saxophone, Simon Langlois on drums, Francois Blouin on keyboards, tracks include "Ocean Of Trees," "Double Agent," "Signal," "Show Of Hands," "No Left Turn On Tuesday," "Slam The Clown," "Turkey Loose On The Kit," "Baby Step," "Solitude," "Black Paws," "D-Code," and "Ink Illusion."

Alternate Realities contains a stylistically diverse mixture of music that features Al Garcia on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, fretted and fretless basses, guitar synthesizer, percussion, and voice. All nine tracks were composed, arranged, produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Garcia.

A result of the collaboration between bassists Rob Gourlay and Jim Stinnett who have performed together for many years, Two Low contains a collection of diverse and evocative tracks which showcase modern bass styles and contemporary techniques. Featured artists appearing on this project include Lionel Loueke (guitar), Dom Moio (percussion), Joe Hunt (drums), and Grant Stinnett (bass).

For over a decade, Joseph Patrick Moore has been recording, touring, and establishing himself as an artist with a unique voice. Decade 1996-2005 is a compilation of Moore's best bass-laced contemporary jazz compositions and arrangements from his five previously released projects as a leader. Containing almost 80 minutes of music, Decade features Moore on acoustic upright, electric, and fretless basses alongside artists such as Adam Nitti, Jimmy Herring, Jon Chalden, Yanrico Scott, Jeff Sipe, Bill Anschell, Buzz Amato, and many others.

In the follow-up to his critically-regarded recording Wood which debuted in 2002, Brian Bromberg has released his latest all-acoustic project, Wood II. Alongside Bromberg playing his 300-year-old Matteo Guersam acoustic upright, this recording features pianist Randy Waldman and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums. Besides classic jazz standards such as "Caravan" and "I'll Remember April," Bromberg performs several pieces arranged for solo acoustic bass including his interpretations of "Blue Bossa," "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas, "Let 'Em In" by Paul McCartney, as well as Earth, Wind & Fire's "Shining Star."

To follow his debut project, bassist Jake Kot has released seven new original compositions on At A Glance. With George Mitchell (keyboards), Renato Caranto (saxophone), Dave Derge (drums), and Paul Mazzio (trumpet), Kot presents another remarkable collection of groove-oriented contemporary jazz tunes.

Together is the fourth project over the past seven years featuring Markus Setzer, one of Europe's top bassists, and vocalist Sabine Reimer as a duo. On their latest release, Reimer and Setzer perform funk, folk, jazz, and pop ballads in both English and German languages. Similar to their previous recordings, Setzer backs Reimer's voice with chordal accompaniment and phrases using a wide variety of contemporary techniques such as slapping, tapping, and harmonics.

Ace Of Bass is the brand new solo project from bass legend Jeff Berlin and features the playing of Gannin Arnold on guitar, Otmaro Ruiz on keys and piano, Richard Drexler on piano, and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums. It was produced by bassist Brian Bromberg who makes a special guest appearance on acoustic upright bass. It is currently only available as a Japanese import, but it is scheduled to be released summer 2006 in the United States.

Led by bassist Joseph Patrick Moore, Live In 05 was recorded at "This House Rocks" in Atlanta, GA on April 2, 2005. This live recording captures dynamic performances and interplay from a talented group of musicians including Al Smith, Jon Chalden, Al Mcspadden, and Emrah Kotan. In addition to the live jams and group interaction, the eleven original compositions showcase the immense talent of Moore on electric and fretless basses as well as double bass.

EMP Project's second release, Wherever We Go, is an explorative and adventurous recording from this modern post bop jazz trio. While attending the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, drummer William Ellis, bassist Joseph Patrick Moore, and guitarist Shawn Perkinson would play regularly together in a variety of settings. Upon graduating U.T.K., their opportunities and talents would lead each of them to different parts of the world. After spending more than a decade apart while pursuing individual musical endeavors, Ellis, Moore, and Perkinson formed EMP Project in 2002 and released their self-titled debut recording in 2003.

On Bass Invader, his debut release as a leader, bassist Martin Motnik demonstrates his skills and the flexibility of fretted and fretless bass guitars with a collection of fourteen arrangements that span a broad range of different styles. With drum legend Gregg Bissonette and a special guest appearance by Swedish guitarist Mattias IA Eklundh, Motnik navigates through solo bass pieces, smooth fretless ballads, latin grooves, and distorted, progressive rock tracks while utilizing tapping, slapping, and harmonic techniques.

Graphic is the second project from Altered, a progressive, instrumental electric jazz/funk trio based in Los Angeles. Bassist John Flitcraft, a graduate of the Bass Institute of Technology, Berklee College of Music alumnus, and former instructor at B.I.T., has been teaching electric bass in the Los Angeles area since 1988. Along with guitarist Jeff Miley and drummer Steve Holmes, Flitcraft provides a deep layer of fingerstyle funk-infused grooves on this intense collection of seven tunes.

Originally formed in 1989 as a "power duo" of bass and drums in Seattle, Sadhappy has become recognized as an ever-changing, progressive group which doesn't conform to the traditional concept of a band, and collaboration with other musicians has remained a constant goal of Sadhappy since its inception. Co-founding bassist Paul Hinklin is now working on other projects so instead of being a two-bass and drums unit, the latest configuration of Sadhappy features bassist Michael Manring, percussionist Evan Schiller, and ex-Frank Zappa guitarist Mike Keneally in a power trio performing music comprised of unique electronically-manipulated sounds by Evan Schiller.

Together for the first time in February, 2005, extended range bassist Yves Carbonne, former John McLaughlin Trio bassist Dominique Di Piazza, and renowned solo bassist Michael Manring collaborated on a collection of eleven original compositions for bass trio, duo, and solo repertoire in Talence, France. Each virtuoso bassist contributes to this self-titled, debut project as a composer, and everyone's unique approach to bass playing is spotlighted through an exclusive unaccompanied performance. Carbonne and Manring recorded two pieces as a duet, and all three exchange musical conversation with each other on six beautifully orchestrated tracks for bass trio. Collectively categorized as a fusion of stylistically diverse compositions, this extraordinarily inspiring project combines the utilization of unconventional bass playing techniques with funky sub-contra bass grooves, sensitive fretless melodies, and sophisticated chordal explorations throughout.

Recorded at Gerald Veasley's own club in the Sheraton Reading Hotel in Reading, Pennsylvania, on two consecutive evenings in November, 2004, At The Jazz Base! is a collection of songs culled from his previous recordings as a leader and updated with new arrangements and a fresh perspective. At The Jazz Base! also includes two brand new compositions written by Veasley and recorded in studio. More than just a compilation of live renditions of fan favorites from his studio recordings, At The Jazz Base! reinterprets the decade-long oeuvre of a highly-talened bassist and presents it in a way that is certain to be eye and ear-opening for longtime fans and newcomers alike. Veasley's first-ever live recording features a powerhouse band including long-time collaborator Chris Farr on saxophones, Eric Green on drums, Pete Kuzma on organ, keyboardist Will Brock, and percussionist Pablo Batista.

Choices was originally released in 2004 and heralded by critics to be the best contemporary jazz recording produced by Brian Bromberg to date. Since its debut last year, Bromberg has remixed half of the record, and the entire project has been remastered. Choices contains the 2005 smooth jazz radio hit by the same name and the previously released "Relentless" with Richard Elliot, which until now was only available on a smooth jazz compilation recording. Alongside a remarkable cast of musicians including Jeff Lorber, Brian Culbertson, David Benoit, Alex Acuna, and Eric Marienthal, Bromberg uses soulful R&B, funk, jazz, pop, and African rhythms for the backdrop of his melodies. As with all of Bromberg's most recent recordings, no guitars were used on this project, and Bromberg recorded all guitar-sounding tracks using the piccolo bass.

Soliloquy is the long-awaited all-solo bass project from Michael Manring. Even though Manring has always maintained a nice balance of solo and ensemble pieces on his five previously released recordings as a leader, Soliloquy is his first endeavor comprised entirely of compositions for unaccompanied bass guitar. All tracks were recorded in Manring's home studio with the exception of "Selene" which was captured live at a show in San Francisco. Within the enhanced CD portion of the disc, you'll find Michael's extensive liner notes in PDF format which details the instruments, tunings, recording equipment, and techniques used in the production of Soliloquy along with track notes outlining the stories behind each piece. Two additional bonuses include live video performances of "A Morning Star" and "Diagonal Head Trauma."

Silver Rain is the follow-up studio set to Marcus Miller's M2, which won the 2001 Grammy award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. Blending funk, jazz, classical, blues, reggae, and world music sounds into a vibe remarkably identifiable as pure Marcus Miller, the acclaimed bassist, composer, producer, band leader, and multi-instrumentalist offers the listener a generous 15-track recording. This new project is comprised of seven original compositions including the title track which was co-written with legendary musician Eric Clapton, who also sings and plays guitar on the track, as well as several innovative cover tunes such as Edgar Winter's "Frankenstein," Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata," Stevie Wonder's "Boogie On Reggae Woman," Prince's "Girls and Boys," Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady," and Jimi Hendrix's "Power Of Soul."

Soul Circus is Victor Wooten's fifth release as a solo artist. Included on this project are 16 new tracks featuring the Wooten brothers, Bootsy Collins, Arrested Development rapper/vocalist Speech, harmonica legend Howard Levy, drum virtuoso Dennis Chambers, Flecktone Jeff Coffin, and bassists Will Lee, Rhonda Smith (Prince), Christian McBride as well as many other special guest performers.

Afrizona is the latest recording project from Berklee College of Music professor, Jim Stinnett. Mixing melodically and harmonically original compositions with classic jazz standards such as "Body And Soul," "Lady Bird," and Dave Holland's "Conference Of The Birds," Stinnett is joined by guitarist/vocalist Lionel Loueke, drummer Dom Moio, and bassist Rob Gourlay. Splitting the bass duties, Jim Stinnett and Rob Gourlay both play melodies, basslines, solos, and chordal accompaniment on acoustic upright and electric basses. With the addition of Gourlay, the sound of multiple bass tracks lends to unique textures on many of the songs.

It's About Time was Brian Bromberg's "first real hardcore, New York-kind-of-jazz record that is still approachable." Bromberg originally produced the acoustic project in 1991. Re-released in April 2005, this straight-ahead, all acoustic jazz project has been remixed and re-mastered. It now sounds as if it was recorded with today's state-of-the-art digital recording and mastering equipment. Bromberg, who recorded the collection while playing a 300-year-old acoustic bass, was joined on the record by renowned jazz artists including Freddie Hubbard, Ernie Watts and many other world class musicians in a high energy, mainstream jazz setting.

Released on Artistry Music, his brand new record label, Brian Bromberg's latest recording, Metal, is an all-electric rock/fusion project that is completely opposite of everything Bromberg has previously released under his own name. Metal was released in Japan last year as Bass Ackwards on the King Records label, and within just a few weeks of release, this project went to #1 on the sales charts in Japan. Metal is an instrumental song-based, high-energy project with tons of overdrive guitar sounds and very aggressive playing. This recording features mostly just Brian on a variety of basses and Joel Taylor on drums. Absolutely no guitars were used on this recording, just dozens of overdubbed bass parts stacked upon each other in order to make the project sound like a band. All guitar-sounding tracks were played by Bromberg on a piccolo bass. Lots of shredding and blowing.

Regarded as one of the top bass virtuosos in rock history for his early work with Steve Vai in the original David Lee Roth band as well as being a member of the platinum-selling group, Mr. Big, Billy Sheehan's keen musical sensibility permeates the heady grooves and melodic contours that comprise his second solo offering, Cosmic Troubadour. Produced by Pat Reagan who also oversaw Sheehan's debut as a solo artist in 2001 with Compression, Cosmic Troubadour was recorded at "The Digital Dungeon," Sheehan's home studio in Sherman Oaks, California. Sheehan covers most of the instrumentation on this recording including bass, guitars, and all lead vocals with assistance from drummer Ray Luzier and Simone Sello, who contributed synth work, some guitar parts, and assorted programming.

Bass Grooves - The Ultimate Collection by Jon Liebman features a comprehensive compilation of 150 different grooves in a wide variety of styles including blues, jazz, rock, funk, R&B, reggae, country, latin, hip-hop, and gospel. With a foreword by "Late Show With David Letterman" bassist Will Lee, it is endorsed by Stuart Hamm, Francis "Rocco" Prestia, Brian Bromberg, Alexis Sklarevski, Steve Bailey, and many others. Included with the book is a CD that demonstrates each of the grooves.

Anthony Vitti is a professor of bass at Berklee College of Music where he graduated with a degree in Music Production and Engineering in 1986 and has been teaching since 1989. At Berklee, Vitti specializes in sight reading and contemporary styles of playing including slap bass and fingerstyle R&B. Since he founded his own publishing company, DaaDoo Music, in 1995, Vitti has authored some of the most advanced books for bass players. To help you feel more comfortable in navigating through odd meters, Odd Time Sight Reading For Bass contains a collection of bass lines in a wide variety of time signatures with different tempos and feels. Along with the book, Vitti also provides downloadable drum grooves so that you can hear the original feel he had in mind when writing the grooves.

Walking Basslines: A Guide To Creating And Improvising Jazz Basslines by Chuck Bianchi supplies the beginning to intermediate level bassist with a vocabulary of walking basslines and concepts for improvising. Written in standard notation, this spiral bound book contains a series of exercises that introduce root motion, chord tones, scale patterns, and chromatic approach notes along with the scales, modes, and arpeggios that correspond with the chords in the progression. The basslines start with basic quarter note rhythms and then add rhythmic interest through different embellishments such as skips, ghost skips, syncopations, and triplets. After purchasing this book, you are provided with a downloadable collection of audio tracks featuring the piano accompaniment panned to the left channel and the bass to the right for your isolation as play-alongs. This title is also available as a downloadable eBook.

Best Of Tower Of Power For Bass features transcriptions of 15 funk favorites as recorded by the legendary Rocco Prestia. This collection of transcriptions contains "Can't You See (You're Doing Me Wrong)," "Credit," "Diggin' On James Brown," "Don't Change Horses (In The Middle Of The Stream)," "Down To The Nightclub," "So Very Hard To Go," "Soul Vaccination," "Soul With A Capital "S"," "There's Only So Much Oil In The Ground," "This Time It's Real," "This Type Of Funk," "What Is Hip," "You Got To Funkafize," "You Ought To Be Havin' Fun," and "You're Still A Young Man."

Bass Virtuosos contains note-for-note bass transcriptions of 24 tunes by bassists such as Victor Wooten, Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, James Jamerson, Larry Graham, and many others. It also features a rare interview with Jaco. The transcriptions include "Amazing Grace," "Bernadette," "Birdland," "Coyote," "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes," "DMV," "Donna Lee," "Down To The Nightclub," "Funk Me Tender," "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," "Hair," "I Want You Back," "Jerry Was A Race Car Driver," "Lost Without U," "NV43345," "Roundabout," "School Days," "Shy Boy," "Sleigh Ride," "Terminal Beach," "Tree," "What Is Hip," and "You Can Call Me Al."

With Fingerstyle Funk Bass Lines by Berklee College of Music professor Joe Santerre, you will learn the art of creating fingerstyle funk bass grooves. Regardless of your playing level, this book will help you understand the bass lines found in your favorite funk tunes and inspire you to build your own funk grooves. In addition to developing fingerstyle funk technique, learning proper hand position and muting, and how to identify the typical scales and chords utilized in funk bass lines, you can jam with the play-along tracks on the accompanying CD. There are also sections where you can write out your own funk grooves. This collection of funk grooves and exercises has been notated in both standard notation and tablature.

Covering the work of the legendary guitarist Nile Rogers and bassist Bernard Edwards, Funk & Disco Grooves For Bass & Guitar features complete guitar and bass transcriptions from 20 of the greatest songs the duo composed for acts such as Chic, Sister Sledge, Carly Simon, and Diana Ross. Transcriptions include "Good Times," "Le Freak," "We Are Family," "He's The Greatest Dancer," "Dance Dance Dance," "I Want Your Love," "Everybody Dance," "My Forbidden Lover," "Burn Hard," "Chic Cheer," "My Feet Keep Dancing," "I'm Coming Out," "Why," "Strike Up The Band," "Upside Down," "My Old Piano," "Thinking Of You," "Lost In Music," "Happy Man," and "Pretty Baby."

Featuring masterpieces from the classical repertoire, Beyond Basslines: From Bach To Brahms contains 11 solos and 5 duets compiled for bass guitar by Chuck Bianchi. While developing an appreciation of the electric bass as an unaccompanied instrument, you will build your dexterity and finger independence through the music of the great composers such as Bach, Haydn, Handel, Chopin, Brahms, Mozart, and Beethoven. Selected arrangements consist of "Bouree" (Handel), "Menuet I" (Cello Suite No. 1 - Bach), "Menuet II" (Cello Suite No. 1 - Bach), "Gigue" (Cello Suite No. 2 - Bach), "Scherzo" (Piano Sonata No. 3 - Haydn), "Presto" (Piano Sonata No. 5 - Haydn), "Mazurka" (Chopin), "Trio" (Cello Sonata No. 1 - Brahms), "Divertissement" (Mozart), and "Menuet In G Major" (Beethoven). In addition to the standard notation and tablature, midi files for each piece are also included.

Stuart Hamm Bass Transcriptions: Outbound & Beyond by U.K. bassist Stuart Clayton is a book of transcriptions which features 17 songs including each track from Outbound, Hamm's fourth studio production as a solo artist, along with his arrangements of standards from the piano repertoire such as Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" and Debussy's "Dr. Gradus Ad Parnassum" (Radio Free Albemuth) as well as Bach's "Prelude In C" (Kings Of Sleep). Other transcriptions consist of Hamm's renowned live bass medley, "Quahogs Anyone?" (The Urge), and "Wrong & Strong" (Show Me What You Can Do), "Nostalgia" (The Light Beyond), and "November" (GHS3) which Hamm recorded as a member of the fusion trio GHS alongside Frank Gambale and Steve Smith. In addition to the transcribed pieces, which are presented in standard notation and tablature with chord symbols, this book contains Hamm's biography, information on his instruments, and detailed performance notes for each track with personal comments from Hamm.

Secret Chambers is a comparative analysis of Paul Chambers' influential style by the world's foremost authority on Paul Chambers and Berklee College of Music associate professor Jim Stinnett. Chambers was a master of the bebop style, and he is often referred to as "the Bird of the bass." Chambers was an integral part of many classic jazz recordings released during the 1950's and '60's. This book features 75 transcribed solos as performed by Chambers. 68 of these solos have been compiled from several previously released publications from Stinnett Music including The Music Of Paul Chambers, Arcology, and PC3. This analysis provides insight to Chambers' phrasing and tendencies as a soloist.

12 Keys To Success contains 78 etudes for the bassist who desires to develop his technical command of the instrument. These etudes have been organized by key centers and represent three studies in each major and minor key. Accompanying this book is a CD which features performances of select etudes to provide inspiration and demonstrate a musical framework for study.

Ultimate Slap Bass is an in-depth slap bass method written by U.K. bassist Stuart Clayton that covers practically every aspect of slap bass techniques from the absolute basics through advanced techniques and demonstrates how to utilize these concepts in combination with other techniques in a musical fashion. Included within this book are over 200 exercises which are also featured on two accompanying audio CD's, a history of slap bass techniques, and biographies of the primary contributors to slap bass playing. There are also interviews with several of today's most recognized slap bass players including Marcus Miller, Stuart Hamm, Mark King, Stanley Clarke, Ray Riendeau, and Victor Wooten.

In order to expand the repertoire of solo bass music, Chuck Bianchi, has published Exposed: Solo Music For Unaccompanied Electric Bass. This book features complete transcriptions of the 4 original solo bass compositions from Bianchi's debut recording project, Dreaming Out Loud. Within his music, Bianchi, a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, explores the use of two-handed tapping techniques, harmonics, chords, altered tunings, and counterpoint on bass guitar. In addition to transcribing "December," "Campfires In The Sky," "Imaginary Day," and "Where Tigers Dance" in both standard notation and tablature, Bianchi has also included special performance notes to help guide you through the performance of each piece.

From the author of Fretboard Alchemy, Scott Hubbell has released Fretboard Arcanum. The primary focus of this book is to assist bassists with their ability to solo effectively utilizing a vertical approach. Although the examples contained within this book are geared more towards soloing on bass, many of the concepts can be applied to creating bass lines as well. Included within this book are hundreds of exercises which are presented in both standard notation and tablature that will not only provide ideas for soloing but also help in establishing a basic understanding of chord structures, expanding fretboard familiarity, improving ear training, and building technique.

Anthony Vitti is an associate professor of bass at the Berklee College of Music where he graduated with a degree in Music Production and Engineering in 1986 and has been teaching since 1989. At Berklee, Vitti specializes in sight reading and contemporary styles of playing including slap bass and fingerstyle R&B. Since he founded his own publishing company, DaaDoo Music, in 1995, Vitti has authored some of the most advanced materials for bass players. In his latest book, Slap Bass Soloing, Vitti presents a total of 60 slap bass examples along with 3 songs to practice soloing on that are geared towards those players who already have some experience with slap bass playing. There are 20 grooves in the book, and each one contains 3 variations. The first version outlines the basic idea, and each subsequent variation gets progressively more complex in rhythm and technique. With the book, you will also receive access to a web page where Vitti has posted the actual drum grooves he played to in the book in MP3 format which you can then download and use for practicing the material as well as examples of Vitti soloing on the tunes so you can compare your ideas.

All Cows Eat Grass is an advanced reading book including dynamics, articulations, odd time signatures, style indications, and musical terms. Chapter one of ACEG is simply more reading material. The style of presentation and choice of material is quite similar to Reading In Bass Clef but at a higher level. Chapter two is a collection of bass riffs. These short patterns are standard repertoire. Chapter three consists of duets, trios, and quartets in various styles and at various levels of difficulty. Chapter four is a method for expanding your study of reading music. The exercises and music presented here will help you develop the skill to become an excellent reader of music.

PC3 is simply more of the best! Twenty-three transcribed bass solos as performed by Paul Chambers. A unique feature of this book are multiple takes of the same tune for comparison and analysis. The song list includes: "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm," "Minor Rundown," "Sunrise In Mexico," "I Didn't Know What Time It Was," "Seepin'," "Tadd¹s Delight," "Old Folks," "Sonny¹s Crib," and as a special treat, "What Is This Thing Called Love" and "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm," which feature PC in a duo performance with Art Blakey.

60 Melodic Etudes For Acoustic And Electric Bass is a new book of studies by John Patitucci, one of the most popular and accomplished bass players in the business. The new publication offers players great tools to help them develop their skills. Bassists can advance their knowledge of the fingerboard, improve intonation and their ability to keep time, develop their flexibility and work through all of the modes and scales that are presented in the book. This folio combines music and techniques derived from the wisdom and experience of this world renowned bass player.

The Jazz Bass Line Book is a comprehensive approach to the construction of improvised bass lines. Intended for beginners and professionals alike, the book deals with playing in "2", creating walking bass lines, 3/4 time, using a "broken feel", modal and slash-chord harmony, ballads and much more. Each chapter is full of fundamental and advanced concepts and ideas, accompanied by transcribed examples from the masters of jazz bass playing.

New York, NY - 05/15/2009

Aguilar Amplification, maker of high quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories for bassists is pleased to welcome Justin Meldal-Johnsen to their family of endorsees.

Meldal-Johnsen is currently playing with Nine Inch Nails using the DB 750 and AG 500 amplifiers with DB 412 and DB 810 cabinets, the AGRO distortion preamp and the Tone Hammer preamp/D.I. Justin says of his new gear, "I did a shootout during spring Nine Inch Nails rehearsals with plenty of other great gear, and Aguilar rose to the top. My basses sound amazing through these beastly, beautiful amps and cabinets."

Emerging from L.A.'s alternative boom in the early-nineties, Meldal-Johnsen built a staggering resume within a few short years. With unrivaled versatility, he has recorded and/or performed with Beck, Tori Amos, Macy Gray, Air, Dido, Garbage, Black Eyed Peas, The Dixie Chicks, Mars Volta, Marianne Faithful, Ladytron, Brad Mehldau, Goldfrapp and more.

Aguilar Amplification is a manufacturer of high quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories located in NYC. Our goal is to make products that sound great and have features that are essential to the most discerning of bassists.

Many of the world's greatest musicians have chosen to use Aguilar. Our list of endorsers includes jazz greats such as Nathan East (Herbie Hancock) and John Patitucci, rock and roll heroes like Hugh McDonald (Bon Jovi), Matt Rubano (Taking Back Sunday) and Benny Reitveld (Santana) and the busiest of session bassists like Eric Smith (Rihanna) and Ethan Farmer (New Kids on the Block).

For more information on Aguilar Amplification, please visit: AguilarAmp.com.

New York, NY - 04/10/2009

Aguilar Amplification, maker of high-quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories for bassists is pleased to announce the continuation of their Artist Series Master Classes on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 with endorsing artist, Gary Willis. An in-demand clinician, Willis has lectured in over 20 countries and currently teaches improvisation and arranging at the prestigious Escola Superior de Musica de Catalunya conservatory in Barcelona, Spain. His published works for Hal Leonard include Fingerboard Harmony For Bass, Ultimate Ear Training, and 101 Tips For Bass.

Willis is also a respected bassist and composer who has performed and/or recorded with Wayne Shorter, Allan Holdsworth and Robben Ford. As co-founder of Tribal Tech, Willis released nine critically acclaimed recordings with the legendary fusion group. His latest release as a bandleader is 2007's, Actual Fiction. Willis is also a member of avant-jam-trio Slaughterhouse 3 and the new group, Triphasic.

This event is free to the public and will be held at Aguilar's New York City showroom. Attendees will tour the Aguilar factory and be able try out Aguilar products such as the enormously popular Tone Hammer preamp/D.I and the recently announced DB 751 amplifier.

RSVP to info@aguilaramp.com by May 11th, 2009. Space is limited!

Gary Willis Clinic And Aguilar Factory Tour
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
599 Broadway 7th Floor
New York City, NY 10012
Doors Open At 6:30 PM
Clinic At 7 PM – Free!

Aguilar Amplification is a manufacturer of high quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories located in NYC. Our goal is to make products that sound great and have features that are essential to the most discerning of bassists.

Many of the world's greatest musicians have chosen to use Aguilar. Our list of endorsers includes jazz greats such as Nathan East (Herbie Hancock) and John Patitucci, rock and roll heroes like Willie Weeks (Eric Clapton), Matt Rubano (Taking Back Sunday) and Jeph Howard (The Used) and the busiest of session bassists like Eric Smith (Rihanna) and Ethan Farmer (New Kids On The Block).

For more information on Aguilar Amplification, please visit: AguilarAmp.com.

New York, NY - 03/11/2009

Aguilar Amplification, maker of high quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories for bassists is pleased to welcome Adam Nitti to their family of endorsees.

Adam has chosen the DB 750, two DB 410 cabinets and a Tone Hammer preamp/D.I. for live performances. "The DB750 is one of the most musical pieces of bass gear I have ever played through. Combined with my DB410 cabinets, this rig is nothing short of "thunderous". Nitti has also adopted an AG500 and DB112 cabinet for studio use. "This setup has quickly become my "must have" rig for studio recording. I really love this setup."

Nitti's pursuit of excellence on his instrument has led to a multi-faceted career. He has recorded and or performed with fusion legends Mike Stern, Scott Henderson and The Dave Weckl Band, blues singer/guitarist Susan Tedeschi and Christian artists Phil Keaggy and Stephen Curtis Chapman. As a composer and bandleader, Nitti has release three albums of his own while his fourth, Liminal, was recently released.

Nitti is also a well respected clinician, author and educator. He is a co-founder of the first interactive online music school, Musicdojo.com and in March of 2009, will return to teach at Gerald Veasley's Bass Boot Camp in Reading, PA. He is also a regular columnist for Bass Musician and Bass Player magazines.

Aguilar Amplification is a manufacturer of high quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories located in NYC. Our goal is to make products that sound great and have features that are essential to the most discerning of bassists.

Many of the world's greatest musicians have chosen to use Aguilar. Our list of endorsers includes jazz greats such as Nathan East (Herbie Hancock) and John Patitucci, rock and roll heroes like Willie Weeks (Eric Clapton), Matt Rubano (Taking Back Sunday) and Jeph Howard (The Used) and the busiest of session bassists like Eric Smith (Rihanna) and Ethan Farmer (Christina Aguilera).

For more information on Aguilar Amplification, please visit: AguilarAmp.com.

Clearwater, FL - 03/01/2009

The One Week Intensive will change your musical life forever. In five days, we will teach you how to practice, what to practice and, as importantly, what not to practice. Amateur and professional musicians will discover new elements of playing that will affect their musicality for years to come.

Each day your classes will include private lessons, ear training, harmony, music principles, live ensembles, and chart reading ensembles.

Five days of practicing, playing, and enlightening musical philosophies virtually guarantees that you will learn in a week what it might take months to learn elsewhere.

For more information on The Players School Of Music and the One Week Intensive, please visit: PlayerSchool.com.

The Players School Of Music
923 McMullen Booth Road
Clearwater, FL 33759
Web Site: PlayerSchool.com
E-Mail: admissions@playerschool.com

Longmont, CO - 02/14/2009

World renowned bassists Ray Riendeau and Doug Johns will share their knowledge for a half day on Saturday, May 2nd from 10 AM – 1 PM.

Mojo's Music Academy in Longmont is gearing up for their fourth hosting of the Mile High Bass Camp. Our past guests have included Chuck Rainey, Ray Riendeau, Damian Erskine, Todd Johnson, and Trip Wamsley. As always, we will be presenting the best in music education and musicianship to a room full of not only bassists but also drummers of all abilities and ages, leaving everyone inspired and wanting to get home and practice.

On May 2, we are proud to welcome Ray Riendeau and Doug Johns along with their drummer comrades Chris Ceja and Martin Diamond. The theme is Groove Concepts for Bass and Drums. Both Ray and Doug will present a class with their drummer demonstrating how they approach their role in the band and later combine their teachings into a performance class. Everyone will have the option to play within the class and apply the class material.

Ray and Doug are two of the most influential bass players on the scene right now. They can be found in various bass magazines and all over the internet. Please research these guys and come to class with some direct questions for them to answer. There are no secrets. Bring your bass or bring your drumsticks, and get ready for a lesson of your life. Cost is $40.00.

Saturday afternoon, Ray, Doug, Chris, and Martin are all offering private lessons to be held at Mojo's Music Academy from 2 PM – 7 PM. Cost for a 30-minute lesson is $35.00 or a full hour for $60.00.

To register, call 303-776-3373 or e-mail Mojo's Music Academy at paul@mojosmusicacademy.com.

To learn more about Ray Riendeau and Doug Johns, go to: RayRiendeau.net and DougJohns.com.

For more information on Mojo's Music Academy and the Mile High Bass Camp, please visit: MojosMusicAcademy.com.

New York, NY - 02/01/2009

Aguilar Amplification, maker of high-quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories for bassists is pleased to announce the continuation of their Artist Series Master Classes on Saturday, March 7, 2009 with endorsing artist, Gerald Veasley. The clinic, entitled "Improvisation for Everybody," will focus on demystifying some of the concepts and approaches to soloing.

Veasley is a well-respected bassist, composer, producer and educator. He has been voted "Best Electric Bassist" by Jazziz Magazine and his resume includes tenures with Joe Zawinul, Pat Martino, Grover Washington Jr. and Gerald Levert. Keeping active in the field of Music Education, Veasley co-founded the annual Bass Boot Camp to share his passion for music with others.

The event is free to the public and will be held at Aguilar's New York City showroom. Attendees will tour the Aguilar factory and be able try out Aguilar products such as the enormously popular Tone Hammer preamp/D.I.

Please RSVP to info@aguilaramp.com before March 6th, 2009. Space is limited!

Gerald Veasley Clinic And Aguilar Factory Tour
Saturday, March 7, 2009
599 Broadway 7th Floor NYC, NY 10012
Doors Open At Noon
Free Clinic At 1 PM

Aguilar Amplification is a manufacturer of high quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories located in NYC. Our goal is to make products that sound great and have features that are essential to the most discerning of bassists.

Many of the world's greatest musicians have chosen to use Aguilar. Our list of endorsers includes jazz greats such as Nathan East (Herbie Hancock) and John Patitucci, rock and roll heroes like Willie Weeks (Eric Clapton), Matt Rubano (Taking Back Sunday) and Jeph Howard (The Used) and the busiest of session bassists like Eric Smith (Rihanna) and Ethan Farmer (New Kids On The Block).

For more information on Aguilar Amplification, please visit: AguilarAmp.com.

Hauppauge, NY - 02/01/2009

Hartke is pleased to welcome Victor Wooten to its family of artist endorsees. One of the most revered and respected bassists in the world, Wooten recently used Hartke HyDrive cabinets and LH1000 amplifiers on the SMV world tour, and is now using them on tour with Bela Fleck and Flecktones.

"There are plenty of great amplifiers and cabinets on the market. What's most important to me is having a relationship with the people at the company," says Wooten. "Everyone at Hartke has made my performing something that is personal and easy, and it feels great to join their impressive roster of artists."

Known for his technical virtuosity and his skills as a musician and composer, Wooten has won "Bass Player of the Year" from Bass Player magazine three times in a row, and was the first person to win the award more than once. In addition to a successful solo career and collaborations with various artists, Wooten has been the bassist for Béla Fleck and the Flecktones since the group's formation in 1988.

"Victor is a once in a generation player, who is as impressive a person as he is a performer," says Larry Hartke. "Hartke will be supporting his annual bass camp and other education activities as well as his extremely busy touring schedule. I could not be more pleased to welcome him aboard."

Over the next months, Hartke will also announce to our dealers and distributors a very extensive domestic and international Victor Wooten clinic tour schedule. A well-known clinician who draws strong audience support wherever he goes, Wooten will help our dealers meet and exceed their sales goals in the coming year.

"I love playing clinics and teaching young people about music, and I am looking forward to visiting Hartke dealers all over the world. It's an incredible opportunity to reach people in a direct and personal way," said Wooten.

Samson Technologies Corporation designs, manufactures and distributes high-performance audio, wireless and music accessory products to the music industry, in the United States and abroad. Samson is also the exclusive worldwide distributor of Hartke products and the exclusive U.S. distributor of Zoom recording and signal processing electronics. Samson Technologies is based in Hauppauge, New York.

For more information on Hartke, please visit: Hartke.com.

Hauppauge, NY - 02/01/2009

The new Hartke HX5210 and HX5410 combine our groundbreaking HyDrive speaker design with a professional, comprehensive bass amplifier in a portable, roadworthy enclosure. The result is two pioneering bass combos that are powerful, warm, articulate and incredibly durable.

Hartke's revolutionary HyDrive speakers fuse paper and aluminum cones, delivering the warm tone of traditional paper and the clear attack of aluminum. In these two new combos, the HyDrive speakers are powered by an LH500 amplifier that houses a classic 12AX7 tube preamp circuit for exceptional tone. For additional control, the amplifier sections also provide three band, tone stacking EQ and a built-in limiter.

The HX5410 employs four 10-inch HyDrive hybrid cone drivers with 500 watts being delivered to its internal 4 ohm speaker system. The HX5210 houses two 10-inch HyDrive hybrid cone drivers with 350 watts being delivered to its internal 8 ohm speaker system. Both combos also incorporate a 1-inch titanium compression driver for enhanced high frequency management.

"The HyDrive line has been so incredibly successful, it only makes sense for us to expand it," says Larry Hartke, founder of Hartke Systems. "That's why we designed two large combos with increased power and bigger bass response. The HX5210 and HX5410 will ensure you're heard. And with professional amps built right into the enclosures, you get all the necessary features to make the tone your own."

Thanks to rugged birch plywood construction, perforated metal speaker grills and durable black vinyl covering, the new HyDrive combos are as attractive as they are durable. With a versatile and inclusive design, the new HyDrive HX amps set the standard for contemporary bass combos.

Samson Technologies Corporation designs, manufactures and distributes high-performance wireless, audio and music accessory products in the United States and 106 countries abroad. Samson is also the exclusive worldwide distributor of Hartke products and the exclusive U.S. distributor of Zoom recording and signal processing electronics. Samson Technologies is based in Hauppauge, New York.

For more information on Hartke, please visit: Hartke.com.

Tucson, AZ - 01/22/2009

Get the exciting "Low Down" on the Arizona Bass Players Festival and Workshop! It is a four day concert and workshop event for all enthusiasts of bass playing (electric bass guitar, the string bass, double bass, upright bass, etc). The workshops are open to registered participants of any age, instrument and performance level. All evening concerts are open to the public (tickets at the door).

The 2009 Arizona Bass Players Festival and Workshop will feature the finest performers and clinicians from around the globe. This year the Festival is featuring artists that "cross-over" musical styles: jazz and classical, theatre and classical, jazz and pop, electric and acoustic, fusion and jazz, including: John Clayton, famous jazz-man, composer, arranger, band-leader, teacher, and recording artist from California; Thierry Barbe, the Principal Bassist of the Paris Opera (France) and Professor at the world-famous Paris Conservatory; Irena Olkiewcz, from Poland, is a world-known classical bass soloist and promoter of the Polish Double Bass Society; Ray Riendeau, a touring artist from Arizona is one of the hottest electric bassists on today's pop, funk, and jazz scene: Catalin Rotaru, from ASU School of Music, a superb soloist in Classical and Jazz styles; Joel DiBartolo, former LA side-man, from NAU School of Music; and Patrick Neher, avant-garde multi-media bassist and Professor at the University of Arizona. Each guest artist will give public performances, master classes, and numerous workshops and clinics at the Herberger College of the Arts, School of Music, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona. There will also be open "jam-sessions," a special clinician's forum on the music business and bass maintenance, and a special free concert where all the clinicians and others playing huge bass-ensemble music in jazz and new music genres. The young person's Solo Bass Competition is available now in two categories, Electric and Double Bass, and is for bassists 15 to 22 years of age. More information at www.arizonabassplayers.org/competitionabp.html. First prize in each category will be $1000 in cash or merchandise. Arizona Music Pro, of Flagstaff, Arizona, is sponsoring in part the Electric competition. Our competition winner from 2008, Chunyang Wang, from New York City, will delight the audience on this special Sunday night concert with his energy infused solos.

What, When & Where:
Tickets for all concert events are available at the door on the ASU, School of Music, and more information is available at www.arizonabassplayers.org.

Public Concerts (Festival Registrants are admitted gratis/free to all concerts):
Thursday, March 5, 7:30 PM: Guest Artist Performance: Evelyn Smith Concert Hall, ASU Music, Ray Riendeau with Patrick Neher in a concert of contemporary funk, jazz, and classical music. $8-$15 at the door.

Friday, March 6, 7:30 PM: Guest Artists Performance: Katzin Hall, ASU Music, Thierry Barbe and Catalin Rotaru perform recital pieces and improvisations in a concert of classical and contemporary music. $8-$15 at the door.

Saturday, March 7, 7:30 PM: Guest Artists Performance: Evelyn Smith Music Theatre, ASU: World renowned jazz bassist, composer and pedagogue, John Clayton, and NAU Prof. of Bass, Joel DiBartolo perform a spectacular concert of jazz favorites and new compositions. Collaborations with ASU faculty, Mike Kokour and others. $8-$15 at the door.

Sunday, March 8: All clinicians of the ABP Festival will perform in a Mass Bass SuperJam Concert, 7:30 PM at Evelyn Smith Music Theatre - ASU. FREE Admission for public and Festival registrants (sponsored by ASU Jazz Dept.)

See more of the schedule at www.arizonabassplayers.org.
The public can register for the classes at this site as well.

Workshops:
See www.arizonabassplayers.org for updated information on specific workshop schedules. Master classes, warm-ups, and rotational workshops occur throughout each day: March 5 - 8. All workshop events are held in the ASU School of Music and feature our named clinicians. Registration is required by going to www.arizonabassplayers.org or calling 520-743-7229. There are single and multi-day workshop registrations available.

Competition (15-22 yrs):
See www.arizonabassplayers.org/competitionabp.html for updated information on specific schedule. Competition is on one day, March 8. Registration is required by going to www.arizonabassplayers.org or calling 520-743-7229.

Who:
The 2009 Arizona Bass Players Festival will feature these cross-genre artists / clinicians
(see more at: www.arizonabassplayers.org/festivalguests.html.)

John Clayton
Internationally known performer, composer, and clinician. Numerous recordings and collaborations with all the top jazz artists of the day. See more at www.johnclaytonjazz.com.

Thierry Barbe
A bassist of unparalleled versatility in classical and contemporary genres. Paris Conservatory teacher. See more at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wABHAnMfY38.

Irena Olkiewicz
Coming from Poland for this special event, this internationally know classical double bass soloist has astounded audiences world-wide with her lyrical virtuosity. See more at www.sottovoce.com.pl/onas_e.html.

Ray Riendeau
Known for his cool funk slap style, Ray is a featured writer for Bass Musician Magazine, he is featured on numerous recordings, and has toured with singer Rob Halford (Judas Priest). More at www.rayriendeau.net.

Catalin Rotaru
ASU bass professor who is equally well versed in classical and jazz music. His latest CD has pioneered transcriptions from the cello repertory, before thought unplayable on the bass! See more at: http://music.asu.edu/faculty/selectOne.php?ID=79&.

Patrick Neher
A highly skilled concert performer, Patrick Neher has been on the faculty of the Univ. of Arizona School of Music for 24 years. With solo repertory of over 300 works and six solo recordings, he is known as a creative and theatrical performing artist who keeps his audience on their toes, never quite knowing what to expect. More information at: www.patrickneher.com.

Joel DiBartolo
NAU's bass professor who specializes in jazz performance. Former member of the Tonight Show Band and touring artist. See more at: http://www.cal.nau.edu/music/faculty/dibartolo.asp.

For more information on the Arizona Bass Players Festival, please visit: ArizonaBassPlayers.org.

Denver, CO - 01/12/2009

The Rocky Mountain Bass Slam celebrates the commitment to the groove and raises money to donate bass guitars to music programs at local schools in Colorado. In 2009, we hope to donate at least two bass guitars to future bass slammers. This year, Ray Riendeau and Doug Johns will be coming in to be part of the slam. These guys are amazing pro players, and they will also be holding bass/drum clinics on Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd in Longmont and Denver.

The 2009 Rocky Mountain Bass Slam will take place on Sunday, May 3rd from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Ziggies, 4923 West 38th Avenue, in Denver, Colorado.

For more information on Rocky Mountain Bass Slam 2009, please visit: RockyMountainBassSlam.com.

Manchester, NH - 12/22/2008

This summer, bassists from around the globe will converge in Manchester, New Hampshire for the 3rd annual New Hampshire Bass Festival located at Manchester Community College, 1066 Front St., Manchester. June 24 - June 27 will be four days of bass bliss. Classes start at 9 AM, and each day, high school students, college students, young professionals, and seasoned veterans will fill the ranks. A festival and music school combined, NHBF 2009 will feature top artists and educators. Todd Johnson - "pioneer of the 6-string bass," Michael Manring, Danny Morris, and Marshall Wood will be among the guests this year that will educate and entertain a host of attendees. Each night at 8 PM, the public is welcome for the evening concert. Admission is $15 for the public and free for students in the community college system. On Saturday, there is a special open house that is free for the public. The open house will feature instruments by master luthier, Chris Stambaugh, as well as special classes and concerts.

For more information on New Hampshire Bass Fest 2009, please visit: NHBassFest.com or call 603.483.8440.

New York, NY - 12/15/2008

Aguilar Amplification, manufacturer of high-quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories for bassists is announcing the expansion of their DB series bass cabinets to include a new color: White Hot. The new color will make its debut at booth 5270 during the 2009 winter NAMM show in Anaheim.

Aguilar's DB series cabinets are a proven hit with bass players. They feature extended low-end, smooth treble and a focused midrange that allows the bass to cut through any mix. DB cabinets are available in 112, 212, 412, 115, 210, 410 and 810 speaker configurations. The White Hot tolex cabinets also feature a contrasting burgundy and black grill cloth, silver piping and the famous silver and black Aguilar logo.

White Hot joins the four other eye-catching colors of the DB line: Classic Black, Chocolate Thunder, Monster Green, and Boss Tweed. Aguilar CEO Dave Avenius says of the DB cabinets, "So much of performance, especially for rock music, is about a fashion show. Why should guitarists have all the cool-looking gear?"

Aguilar's White Hot bass cabinets will be available at Aguilar dealers worldwide beginning January 2009. MSRP $699-$2099 depending on the model.

For more information on Aguilar Amplification, please visit: AguilarAmp.com.

New York, NY - 12/10/2008

Aguilar Amplification, manufacturer of high-quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories is proud to announce the appointment of Dave Avenius to the position of CEO. Mr. Avenius has a long history at Aguilar, starting as West Coast Regional Sales Manager in 2000 before moving to Aguilar's New York City headquarters in 2002. Since then, Mr. Avenius has managed artist relations and sales and marketing for the company, most recently serving as chief of operations.

Owner and current CEO Dave Boonshoft will continue at Aguilar in the capacity of President and CFO. "2008 was our best year ever," reports Boonshoft, "Dave Avenius has been instrumental in our recent growth and he has the knowledge and leadership abilities to bring Aguilar to a new level of prominence in the marketplace. We are expecting great things from him in his new position."

Aguilar Amplification is a manufacturer of high quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories located in NYC. Our goal is to make products that sound great and have features that are essential to the most discerning of bassists.

Many of the world's greatest musicians have chosen to use Aguilar. Our list of endorsers includes jazz greats such as Nathan East (Herbie Hancock) and John Patitucci, rock and roll heroes like Willie Weeks (Eric Clapton), Matt Rubano (Taking Back Sunday) and Jeph Howard (The Used) and the busiest of session bassists like Eric Smith (Rihanna) and Ethan Farmer (New Kids On The Block).

For more information on Aguilar Amplification, please visit: AguilarAmp.com.

New York, NY - 12/01/2008

Aguilar Amplification, maker of high-quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories for bassists is pleased to announce the continuation of their Artist Series Master Classes on Saturday, January 10, 2009 with endorsing artist, Jazz-great John Patitucci.

The event is free to the public and will be held in Aguilar's New York City showroom. Attendees will tour the Aguilar factory and be able try out Aguilar products such as the recently released, Tone Hammer preamp/D.I.

During his illustrious, 25-year career, the multiple Grammy winner has recorded and/or performed with Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, B.B. King, Natalie Cole and Joao Gilberto among many, many others. His work on Chick Corea's seminal Elektric band and Akoustic Band albums cemented his reputation as a musician of extraordinary depth that is equally adept on both electric and upright bass.

Please RSVP to info@aguilaramp.com before January 9th, 2009. Space is limited!

John Patitucci Clinic And Aguilar Factory Tour
Saturday, January 10, 2009
599 Broadway 7th Floor NYC, NY 10012
Doors Open At Noon
Clinic At 1 PM

Aguilar Amplification is a manufacturer of high quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories located in NYC. Our goal is to make products that sound great and have features that are essential to the most discerning of bassists.

Many of the world's greatest musicians have chosen to use Aguilar. Our list of endorsers includes jazz greats such as Nathan East (Herbie Hancock) and John Patitucci, rock and roll heroes like Willie Weeks (Eric Clapton), Matt Rubano (Taking Back Sunday) and Jeph Howard (The Used) and the busiest of session bassists like Eric Smith (Rihanna) and Ethan Farmer (New Kids On The Block).

For more information on Aguilar Amplification, please visit: AguilarAmp.com.

San Giovanni Teatino, Italy - 11/14/2008

The innovative Italian bass amp manufacturer Markbass, after shaking up the industry with their popular Little Mark II amplifier and a varied product line of high-quality and lightweight amps, cabinets and combos, are reconfirming their reputation for lateral thinking and cutting edge technology by introducing a dynamic recording plugin called the Mark Studio 1.

The plugin, one of very few on the market that accurately model bass amps and speaker cabinets, was based on three Markbass amp heads and six Markbass cabinets, and incorporates six different microphone choices, plus control over compression, mic position, tweeter level, room ambience, and more. The amps featured are the all-tube Classic 300, the tube-preamp R 500, and the solid state (with tube compressor) TA 501. The cabinets modeled in the plugin are the Standard 151HR (rear-ported 1x15"), Standard 152HR (rear-ported 2x15"), Standard 104HR (rear-ported 4x10"), Standard 104HF (front-ported 4x10"), Standard 106HF (front-ported 6x10") and Classic 108 (sealed 8x10").

Users can combine and adjust any combination of heads, cabinets and microphones, and store their settings in one of 64 user presets. They can also browse through 64 factory presets, which have been designed by project engineers as well as top Markbass artists.

The plugin can be applied to a bass track either during or after recording, and a "standalone" version, which operates on its own without recording software, is also included. Both Mac and PC versions are offered.

The plugin gives users a wide array of sound choices for bass, providing a convenient, high-quality alternative to recording with bass amps and cabinets, and accessing more exciting, realistic sounds than are generally achieved by simply recording "direct". The plugin is useful to not only bassists, but producers, engineers, songwriters, and anyone who uses hard disk recording software to create music.

The Mark Studio 1 plugin was designed in collaboration with Overloud Technologies and product manager Paolo Costa, a Markbass artist and one of the top session bassists in Italy. The DSP modeling was created at Studio Logic in Milan, Italy, using actual Markbass amps and cabinets in order to faithfully capture their sonic properties. The sessions were supervised by sound engineer Renato Cantele and sound designer Max Costa, both experts in computer science and sound. In order to create the most accurate and realistic emulations possible, they created the sound models by using non-linear convolution instead of standard DSP techniques, in order to more accurately "clone" the sound. Six of the most popular microphones were used, including dynamic, condenser and ribbon mics. These were carefully evaluated, both individually and in combinations, as were their positions relative to the speakers. This involved a lot of playing, listening and comparing: all in the cause of accurately capturing the true sound of Markbass amps and cabinets in a plugin.

Markbass was founded in 2001 by Marco De Virgiliis and in a short time has become a leading force in the international bass amplification market, manufacturing all of their high-quality products in Italy.

For more information on Markbass and the Mark Studio 1 plugin, please visit: Markbass.it.

Expanding on the groundbreaking concepts he introduced in his book, The Music Lesson - A Spiritual Search For Growth Through Music (Penguin), master bassist Victor Wooten lays out his unique philosophy of teaching and learning music in Groove Workshop, an exciting new DVD from Hudson Music. The 2-disc set features nearly five hours of material, including a complete master class where Victor - along with bassist/educator Anthony Wellington and six bass students - uses his personal experience and expertise to delve deeper into rarely discussed, yet vitally important, aspects of music making.

While traditional music education focuses primarily on developing technique and note-perfect performance, professional musicians like Victor know that there's much more to making music than just playing the right notes. On Groove Workshop, Victor redefines the essential elements of music and demonstrates how to apply them in fresh, creative, musically relevant ways.

Chapters and content include:
- Notes: Sometimes even the "right" notes can sound wrong. But applying chromatic scales and playing within the musical context can make "wrong" notes sound right.
- Grooving: Why feel and emotion are important in music and an explanation of the elements that need to be present for a good groove to happen.
- Articulation/Duration: How changes in articulation can affect the feel and help create a more professional sound.
- Dynamics: How to use dynamics to connect with your audience.
- Rhythm/Tempo: Victor's suggested rhythmic exercises along with the creative use of metronomes and drum machines will improve a player's sense of time.
- Tone: Understanding the role of tone quality and how to adjust it for different situations.
- Phrasing: Utilizing singing, breathing and imagination to create more natural, more musical phrases.
- Space/Rest: A discussion and demonstration of why space is such an integral part of playing music.
- Listening: Learning to trust your ears and why listening may well be the most essential aspect of playing music.

Victor's open approach will provide effective improvement to any player's musical skills and, as the students on the DVD show, many of the most important lessons can be learned amazingly quickly. Also featured on Groove Workshop are several solo performances by Victor, as well as duets with Anthony Wellington.

Available at leading music stores, Groove Workshop carries a suggested retail price of $39.95. View free video clips at www.hudsonmusic.com or, for additional information, please contact Hudson Music at tel: (888) 796-2992, fax: (914) 246-5282, e-mail: hudsoninfo@aol.com, Internet: www.hudsonmusic.com. Hudson Music DVDs and books are distributed by the Hal Leonard Corp., 7777 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53213, tel: (414) 774-3630, fax: (414) 774-3259, Internet: www.halleonard.com.

Hudson's popular bass-related DVDs include Bass Day 1998 with Andy Gonzales, Michael Manring, Rocco Prestia and Victor Wooten as well as Rocco Prestia: Live At Bass Day 1998 and Victor Wooten: Live At Bass Day 1998.

Scottsdale, AZ - 09/22/2008

In keeping with SWR's ceaseless mission to provide high-end state-of-the-art bass amplification to aspiring and professional players alike, we're proud to announce the release of the new Spellbinder Blue combo amplifier.

The Spellbinder Blue is a perfect blend of old and new; incorporating the classic SWR Baby Blue tube preamp with a 160-watt Class "D" switch mode power amp and an SWR-designed 10" neodymium driver. It's all housed in a stylish and lightweight (27 lbs.) Italian poplar cabinet.

We showed early prototypes of this amplifier to our old friends Stanley Clarke and Tom Lieber—purveyors of the sonic magic that is Spellbinder—and they were impressed enough to include it in their exclusive line of high-quality bass products.

Other Spellbinder Blue features include an Eminence super-tweeter with level control, Neutrik combo input jack (XLR or 1/4"), phantom power, -10dB input pad, SWR's Aural Enhancer circuitry, a three-band semi-parametric active EQ section with bypass, compression with ratio control, side-chain effects loop with blend control and line out with line/direct switch and level control.

The SWR Spellbinder Blue: proof positive that exceptional things do come in small packages!

For more information on the SWR Spellbinder Blue Bass Combo, please visit: SWRSound.com.

New York, NY - 09/17/2008

After the successful launch of the Aguilar Artist Series Master Class with jazz bassist Avishai Cohen, Aguilar Amplification is pleased to announce their second installment with renowned bassist/educator Anthony Wellington.

The class, to be held on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 1 PM will feature Wellington in an intimate setting, sharing the knowledge that has made him one of the most in-demand bass teachers on the East Coast. Years of refining his teaching methods have led him to Bassology. By early 2008, Bassology was no longer a teaching method but a dedicated teaching facility in the DC area.

Known in the bass playing community for his tenure as second bassist with The Victor Wooten Band, Wellington is sure to deliver a Master Class that will challenge and inspire. For this event, attendees are invited to bring their basses with them as well as a manuscript book.

Attendees should RSVP to info@aguilaramp.com before October 24, 2008.

Anthony Wellington Artist Series Master Class / Aguilar Factory Tour
Saturday, October 25, 2008
599 Broadway 7th Floor NYC, NY 10012
Doors Open At Noon
Clinic At 1 PM - Free!

For more information on Aguilar Amplification, please visit: AguilarAmp.com.

New York, NY - 09/02/2008

Aguilar Amplification is pleased to announce that shipment has now begun for their highly anticipated preamp/D.I., the Tone Hammer. This unit, which made its debut at the winter NAMM show in January 2008, was designed to be more than just a "preamp in a pedal." Having more functionality than a standard D.I. or overdrive unit, Aguilar's Tone Hammer is an essential tool for every bassist's arsenal.

Dave Boonshoft, Aguilar CEO, states, "We are very proud of the Tone Hammer. The flexibility that it gives to working bassists is unparalleled." Bassist Dan Lutz (Robben Ford) echoes Boonshoft's sentiments; "It's a killer D.I., a versatile preamp, and a great overdrive. It's a tool that will prove invaluable for the most demanding players."

Starting with the warm, organic sound that Aguilar is known for, the Tone Hammer adds fully sweepable midrange frequencies, in addition to treble and bass controls to its preamp section, for maximum tonal sculpting.

To give this tone shaping unit the ultimate flexibility we are introducing our proprietary Adaptive Gain Shaping circuitry (AGS). AGS allows the player to kick in an additional gain structure and EQ curve with the "stomp" of a button. You can now easily go from modern slap sounds to vintage warmth or overdriven tones. 18-volt operation gives the Tone Hammer plenty of headroom to reproduce the most dynamic playing styles. With the Tone Hammer's pristine D.I. you are set to hit the studio or the stage.

- 3 Band EQ with fully sweepable midrange
- Adaptive Gain Shaping circuitry (AGS)
- D.I. with selectable pre/post operation; balanced XLR
- 18-Volt operation via batteries, phantom power or optional power supply

The preamp/direct box so strong and powerful it could only be called the Tone Hammer! Available now at Aguilar Dealers worldwide.

Aguilar Amplification, manufacturer of high quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories is located in NYC. Our goal is to make products that sound great and have features that are useful to discerning bass players.

Many of the world's greatest musicians have chosen to use Aguilar. Our list of endorsers includes jazz greats such as Nathan East (Herbie Hancock) and John Patitucci, rock and roll heroes like Willie Weeks (Eric Clapton), Matt Rubano (Taking Back Sunday) and Jeph Howard (The Used) and the busiest of session bassists like Eric Smith (Rihanna) and Ethan Farmer (Christina Aguilera).

For more information on Aguilar Amplification, please visit: AguilarAmp.com.

Nashville, TN - 09/02/2008

Nashville-based Austrian bassist Bernhard Lackner will be returning to his homeland October 8-10 for 3 shows with his trio and a clinic that is sponsored by Hemage Bass and La Bella Strings. The trio will feature U.S. drummer Scott Pellegrom and Austria's Christian Wegscheider on keyboards.

October 8
Show - 9 P.M.
Treibhaus, Innsbruck

October 9
Show - 8 P.M.
Pssst, Jenbach

October 10
Clinic Sponsored By Hemage Bass & La Bella Strings - 5 P.M., Porg, Volders
Show - 8 P.M., Porg, Volders

For more information on Bernhard Lackner, please visit: BernhardLackner.com.

New York, NY - 07/25/2008

Aguilar Amplification, maker of high quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories for bassists is pleased to announce their first in-house clinic on Saturday, August 30, 2008 with endorsing artist, Jazz-great Avishai Cohen.

This free of charge event will be strictly "first come, first seated" as space is limited. Attendees will get a chance to get a tour of the Aguilar factory and try out Aguilar products such has the forthcoming Tone Hammer Preamp/DI pedal.

Cohen's recently released trio album, Gently Disturbed, has won critical praise for his lyrical compositions and stellar upright bass playing. The Avishai Cohen Trio will be in New York City for a four-night stand at the legendary Blue Note from August 28-31, 2008. For more information about Avishai Cohen, visit: AvishaiMusic.com.

Attendees MUST RSVP to info@aguilaramp.com before August 22, 2008.

Avishai Cohen Clinic And Aguilar Factory Tour
Saturday, August 30, 2008
599 Broadway 7th Floor
New York, NY 10012
Doors Open At Noon
Clinic At 1 PM

For more information on Aguilar Amplification, please visit: AguilarAmp.com.

New York, NY - 07/11/2008

Aguilar Amplification, maker of high quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories for bassists is pleased to welcome Anthony Wellington to their family of artist endorsers. Wellington's stature in the bass community has grown significantly over the last 8 years as a member of The Victor Wooten Band. Trail-blazing bassist Wooten chose his long-time friend to not only be his bass tech but also to be his second bassist. What started as two friends jamming on a few songs a night has now grown into an entire show featuring a two-bass ensemble capable of jaw-dropping technique and incredible musical sensitivity.

Aside from his outstanding playing credentials, Wellington is also a dedicated and passionate educator who recently opened his own Bass-centered school called Bassology. With the culmination of years spent teaching, Bassology is a chance for bassists off all playing levels to learn the bass from technical, musical and spiritual standpoints.

Anthony Wellington is currently using an Aguilar AG 500SC amplifier, a DB 410 and a DB 115 cabinet on the road with the Victor Wooten Band. "Since I started using Aguilar, we get so many compliments on my sound. It's the first time that I've plugged my bass into a rig, set it flat and get the sound I was looking for without any effort. It's what my bass is supposed to sound like!"

Wellington recently gave an in-depth interview to Aguilar discussing his musical background and his teaching methods at the Aguilar Amplification website - AguilarAmp.com.

Aguilar Amplification is a manufacturer of high quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories located in NYC. Our goal is to make products that sound great and have features that are essential to the most discerning of bassists.

Many of the world's greatest musicians have chosen to use Aguilar. Our list of endorsers includes jazz greats such as Nathan East (Herbie Hancock) and John Patitucci, rock and roll heroes like Willie Weeks (Eric Clapton), Matt Rubano (Taking Back Sunday) and Jeph Howard (The Used) and the busiest of session bassists like Eric Smith (Rihanna) and Ethan Farmer (Christina Aguilera).

For more information on Aguilar Amplification, please visit: AguilarAmp.com.

Scottsdale, AZ - 06/20/2008

SWR has unveiled the ultimate tool for bassists - the Marcus Miller Preamp, created in collaboration with one of the most influential bassists of his generation.

Miller himself calls it "The missing link between your bass and a great sound!" The Marcus Miller Preamp is one of the most versatile devices a bassist can use in his arsenal, with features painstakingly customized by Miller himself, working closely with SWR engineers, to reflect his own distinctive tonal range while considering the needs of bassists of all styles.

The single-channel preamp has two selectable inputs for easy instrument changes and two 12AX7 tubes (tube DI and preamp). The versatile wealth of controls include three-band semi-parametric tube-driven EQ with sweepable mids, gain, Miller-modified SWR Aural Enhancer circuit with pull defeat, EQ bypass switch, mute switch, Bass Intensifier circuitry with level and frequency cutoff controls, SWR studio-quality tube-driven compressor with pre or post EQ "Comp Position" switch, boost feature with volume control and compression blend, side-chain effects loop with blend control, master volume, selectable line out for tube DI, post-EQ or compressor position out.

The Bass Intensifier, EQ bypass, effects loop and boost can all be controlled using the included four-button footswitch.

For more information on the SWR Marcus Miller Preamp, please visit: SWRSound.com.

Scottsdale, AZ - 06/20/2008

The TB family provides professional bass amp solutions for players who are looking for a thick, natural and balanced tone that sits fat in their live or studio mix. Based on the critically acclaimed TBP-1 tube bass pre-amp, the key to its creamy tone is a passive tone stack, the back bone of classic Fender guitar and bass amps. A passive tone stack has an interactive nature, with each knob affecting the others, resulting in big warm notes that represent the natural sound of the bass being played. The TB 1200 head delivers 1200 watts at 2 Ohms, ideal for running multiple cabinets while staying cool. Over-drive, Vari-QTM, FX Loop and Mute are all accessible via the TBFS-4, 4-button footswitch (included).

For more information on Fender, please visit: Fender.com.

Scottsdale, AZ - 06/20/2008

The 810 PRO is the biggest, baddest cabinet a bass player can take into battle. Refinements include (4) chambered and ported sections of 2x10" Fender Special Design Eminence cast-frame drivers that deliver a pulverizing punch across the largest stages. Slide rails across the back make it easier to slide it in and out of a vehicle. The positioning of the handles and wheels is ideal for moving a large cabinet with ease. The high-frequency compression driver horn can be adjusted using the attenuator located on the back.

Rated at 2,000 watts program (1,000 watts continuous), the thunderous 810 PRO will make your guitarist tremble in fear!

For more information on Fender, please visit: Fender.com.

Scottsdale, AZ - 06/20/2008

The 610 PRO cabinet takes its cue from our popular 810 PRO cabinet, affording a similar sonic power and prowess in a package small enough to transport in most vehicles. Three chambered and ported sections of 2x10" Fender Special Design Eminence cast-frame drivers deliver power and focus that can handle most any musical application. The 610 PRO is preferred by bassists who find an 8x10 too large for medium-size venues. Slide rails across the back make it easier to maneuver in and out of a vehicle. The positioning of the handles and wheels is ideal for moving a large cabinet with ease. The high-frequency compression driver horn can be adjusted using the attenuator located on the back.

Rated at 1,600 watts program (800 watts continuous), the 610 PRO delivers stadium power with around-the-town portability.

For more information on Fender, please visit: Fender.com.

Scottsdale, AZ - 06/20/2008

The 215 PRO cabinet takes its design cues from our popular 810 PRO cabinet. Using the same footprint as the 610 PRO, the 215 PRO delivers the giant wallop of (2) large 15" Fender Special Design Eminence cast-frame drivers responsible for the big, round sound of old-school rock. The high-frequency compression driver horn adds brilliance and can be adjusted using the attenuator located on the back. Slide rails across the back make it easier to maneuver in and out of a vehicle. The positioning of the handles and wheels is ideal for moving a large cabinet with ease. Powerful, focused and deep tone at your fingertips.

Rated at 1,600 watts program (800 watts continuous), the 215 PRO delivers old-school tone in high-volume.

For more information on Fender, please visit: Fender.com.

Atlanta, GA - 05/20/2008

The Bass Club of Georgia Workshop-Concert
May 31 - June 1, 2008
10 AM - 4 PM At Emory University's Schwartz Center

Faculty: Robert Kassinger - Chicago Symphony
Robert Kassinger was appointed to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1993. Prior to Chicago, Rob performed as assistant principal bass with the Colorado Symphony and also played with the New Orleans Symphony. In addition to his busy schedule with the Orchestra, he is an active chamber musician. Rob performs with the Revolution Ensemble, the Orion Ensemble, Fulcrum Point, Ars Viva, Music of the Baroque, the Callisto Ensemble, MusicNow, and broadcasts on WFMT and WTTW. Most recently he has been a featured guest with Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble, and has performed Schubert's "Trout" Quintet with Daniel Barenboim.

Rufus Reid - Jazz Great
Rufus Reid, one of today's premiere bassists on the international jazz scene, with his reputation firmly established in the education arena, now adds composition to his vitae. Rufus participated in the BMI Jazz Composer's Workshop for five years which has empowered him to move more deeply into the composing arena. He won the Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Award for his composition, "Skies Over Emilia." His composition, "Whims of the Blue Bird" is the result of this award's commission. This has led to further commissions. He is writing for string orchestra, jazz ensembles large and small, and double bass ensemble pieces.

Joseph Patrick Moore - Electric Bass
For more than a decade Joseph Patrick Moore has been touring, recording, and establishing himself as an artist with a unique voice and a diversity of talents. His skills as bassist; composer; arranger; producer; author; educator and founding partner of Blue Canoe Digital illustrate why he is a highly sought after musician.

Mark Bernat
Mr. Bernat has appeared as soloist in major concert halls throughout the U.S, Europe, Israel, and China. Mr. Bernat is a former member of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra where he was its youngest member working with such conductors as Zubin Mehta, and Leonard Bernstein. Mr. Bernat is also a former faculty member of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the University of Texas-Austin School of Music. Presently Mr. Bernat is serves on the faculty at Emory University and is director of The Bass Club of Georgia.

David Goodwin - Orchestra director at Druid Hills High School.

Faculty and Student Concert, Master Classes, Bass Ensembles. Fee: $75. Includes lunch both days. For further information contact Mark Bernat at: mkbernat@yahoo.com or call (678)230-5937.

Send Check To:
The Bass Club Of Georgia
P.O. Box 49045
Atlanta, GA 30359

New York, NY - 05/05/2008

Aguilar Amplification is pleased to announce that their new, DB 285 JC cabinet is now shipping. The DB 285 JC was designed with legendary Hot Tuna/Jefferson Airplane bassist Jack Casady who was looking for a portable cabinet that would reproduce the dynamics and articulation in his playing. Aguilar CEO Dave Boonshoft worked closely with Jack to get just the right blend of deep bass, accurate midrange, and smooth treble. The result of their collaboration is the "Little Jack"; a cabinet that is perfect for any bassist who wants big studio quality sound in a package that is easy to get around.

The powerful cabinet handles 300 watts RMS into 4 ohms and houses two 8" cast frame woofers and one 6.5" midrange driver for a full range of tones. With a wide frequency response and a sensitivity rating of 95 dB 1W 1m, the DB 285 JC is designed to pick up subtle nuances in your playing style.

The Aguilar DB 285 JC is available at Aguilar dealers worldwide and carries a US MSRP of $849.00.

Aguilar Amplification, manufacturer of high quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories is located in NYC. Our goal is to make products that sound great and have features that are useful to discerning bass players.

Many of the world's greatest musicians have chosen to use Aguilar. Our list of endorsers includes jazz greats such as Nathan East (Herbie Hancock) and John Patitucci, rock and roll heroes like Willie Weeks (Eric Clapton), Matt Rubano (Taking Back Sunday) and Jeph Howard (The Used) and the busiest of session bassists like Eric Smith (Rihanna) and Ethan Farmer (Christina Aguilera).

For more information on Aguilar Amplification, please visit: AguilarAmp.com.

Longmont, Colorado - 03/17/2008

Mojo's Music Academy in Longmont, Colorado is gearing up for our third hosting of the Mile High Bass Camp. On May 3rd and 4th, we are proud to welcome world renowned bassists Todd Johnson and Trip Wamsley to the academy as they share their knowledge during two full days of master classes, performance classes, and private lessons. Both host clinics regularly and are great educators as well as players. They will present a master class and later in the day combine their teachings into a performance class. Their classes will focus on modern techniques for bass, groove studies, and improvisation. Everyone will get a chance to play within the class and be accompanied by Todd and Trip.

Todd Johnson is recognized as a pioneer of the 6-string bass. With his Zon signature model 6-string, Johnson uses an innovative technique where he plays chord changes and bass lines simultaneously, giving him an uniquely rich and full sound that proves extremely useful in both solo and small combo work.

Trip Wamsley plays everything from pop-rock to funk, R&B, and zydeco. He studied with Michael Manring in 1991 and 1992. Recent live appearances include dates with Steve Lawson, Michael Manring, BassQuake 2003 and 2004, and many other bass festivals in the U.S. and abroad.

On Saturday May 3rd from 10 AM - 6 PM, master classes and performance class will be held along with a free concert that evening. Cost is $95.00 per person. Seating is limited to a maximum of 20 people. On Sunday May 4th from 9 AM - 4 PM, private lessons are available with both bassists. Separate cost of private lessons TBA. Bassists can sign up for just one day or both days.

Mojo's Music Academy is designed to bring you the best in music education and access to world class musicians right in your hometown. Our past guests have included Chuck Rainey, Ray Riendeau, and Damian Erskine. As always, we will continue to present bass wisdom and musicianship to a room full of bassists of all levels and ages, leaving everyone inspired and wanting more bass friendly events.

For more information on Mojo's Music Academy and the Mile High Bass Camp, visit: MojosMusicAcademy.com or contact Paul Rogalski at: paul@mojosmusicacademy.com.

Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico - 03/15/2008

Percussion, bass, and rhythm section workshops in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico with Roberto Vizcaino (congas and timbales), Alejandro Carvajal (bata), and Feliciano Arango (bass).

Roberto Vizcaino Guillot is a master congero, timbalero, and multiple percussionist. He has performed with Chucho Valdes, Gonzalo Rubalcala, Cubanismo, and many other groups. A dedicated teacher as well as a performer, Roberto is on faculty at the Conservatorio de las Rosas in Morelia.

Alejandro Carvajal Guerra is a renowned batalero and rumbero whose musical and family roots go back to the Yorubas of Africa. Trained in the tradition as a child by his father, Alejandro is now recognized as one of the most knowledgeable bataleros in Cuba. He is on faculty at the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana.

Feliciano Arango was the original bassist for the timba group, NG La Banda for 16 years. He was the epicenter of the new TIMBA sound at its inception. Arango's bass lines transcend the traditional role of marking the rhythmic and harmonic structure of the arrangement. Each one stands alone as a melodic composition. He currently leads his new group Los Hermanos Arango, a fusion of traditional afro-cuban rhythms with jazz influenced harmony and arrangements.

Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico is a beautiful colonial city in the mountains of central Mexico. Rich in culture and nightlife, it is a safe and inexpensive alternative to studying in Cuba.

Our percussion programs include daily classes on congas with Roberto Vizcaino and bata classes with Alejandro Carvajal. Participants can also arrange for private lessons on timbales, congas, and bata. Contemporary Music Project will supply good instruments and high-quality teaching materials.

The rhythm section workshop includes daily bass classes with Feliciano Arango and percussion classes with Roberto Vizcaino, then combined rhythm section rehearsals with both teachers in the afternoon. Contemporary Music Project will supply percussion instruments, amplifiers, and teaching materials for class, but we do recommend bassists bring a small practice amp as well.

For more information on Cuba In Mexico, visit: The Contemporary Music Project or contact Don Skoog at don@contemporarymusicproject.com or Cherina Mastrantones at czm26@optonline.net.

Santa Clara, California - 01/10/2008

AccuGroove is pleased to announce the unveiling of their exciting new pre-production Synergy bass amplifier at the 2008 winter NAMM show; booth 1270 in Hall E.

Synergy is incredibly light, amazingly simple, extremely powerful and has crushing tone. This amp is pure sonic bliss allowing you to hear the true sound of your instruments.

AccuGroove Synergy Amp
- Hybrid design with Tube (12AX7) input stage preamp
- 1000W @ 2 ohms; 775W @ 4 ohms; 450W @ 8 ohms
- Fs +0dB, -5dB: 20Hz-20kHz
- Damping Factor: >500
- Class H amplifier & High Frequency Switch Mode Power Supply

Front Panel
- 1 - 1/4" Passive input
- 1 - 1/4" Active input (-12Db)
- Mute Switch with LED Indicator
- EQ Bypass Switch with LED Indicator
- Input Gain (Volume) Control with LED peak Clip Light
- Perfectly dialed in 4 band EQ:
- Bass 40Hz +/-12dB 12dB
- Lo Mid 400Hz +/-12dB 12dB
- Hi Mid 4.4KHz +/-12dB 12dB
- Treble 9KHz +/-12dB 12dB
- Master Gain (Volume) control w/ 3 LED Signal & Clip indicator
- Power on/off Switch with LED Indicator

Rear Panel
- Speaker Outputs: 2 Neutrik Combo Speaker Jacks (Speakon & 1/4")
- 1/4" Tuner out
- 1/4" Effect Send (Parallel) Pre-EQ
- 1/4" Effect Return (Parallel) Pre-EQ
- Jenson XLR balanced output with a ground lift switch & volume
- I.E.C. filtered Power Connection
- Fuse (internal)
- Circuit Breaker
- Quiet Cooling fan (on side)

Size
- 10 lbs.
- 17" x 13" x 3.5"
- 2 rack spaces
- Optional Rack Ears

For more information on AccuGroove, visit: AccuGroove.

Bassist/producer Andrew Gouche, a pioneering voice in the gospel and R&B music communities, will headline WesFest 3: A Concert to Benefit the Wes Wehmiller Endowed Scholarship at Berklee College Of Music, the third annual WesFest benefit concert, at Paladino's in Los Angeles on February 25, 2008. The show is the centerpiece of a continuing fundraising drive for the Wes Wehmiller Scholarship fund, and all net proceeds will be donated to benefit that fund.

The scholarship fund honors Wes Wehmiller (1971-2005), a Berklee graduate ('92) and highly accomplished bassist, athlete, and photographer who died of thyroid cancer in January, 2005. Established by his family and friends, the Wes Wehmiller Endowed Scholarship is awarded annually to a continuing student at Berklee who best exemplifies the excellence and grace Wes showed as a bassist and as a human being. The WesFest concert series has raised over $22,000 for the fund to date.

Andrew Gouche is the most recognized bassist in gospel, achieving widespread acclaim for years of work with The Rev. James Cleveland, Andrae Crouch, and The Hawkins Family. He's also a premier player in the pop and R&B arena, working with everyone from megastars like Michael Jackson, Julio Iglesias and Madonna, to hip-hop artists such as Coolio, Warren G. and Montell Jordan, to R&B legends The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Patti LaBelle, and the legendary Chaka Khan, for whom he recently served as Musical Director on a year-long tour. Gouche's own band, Prayze Connection, pushes the boundaries of gospel music into the rhythms and versatility of the secular music it inspires, without losing its soul.

"The only thing deeper than Andrew's groove and overall musical excellence," says WesFest 3 producer Bryan Beller, "is the positivity and spirituality in everything he does. The energy he brings to his music is a perfect fit for the WesFest concert series, and we're thrilled and grateful to have him headlining the event."

In addition to headliner Gouche, the event will feature four additional acts: Original WesFest headliner and virtuoso guitarist/composer Mike Keneally (fronting the first Los Angeles performance of the official Mike Keneally Band lineup in nearly a year), newly-formed rock powerhouse Mother Eff (featuring WesFest veterans Colin Keenan, Rick Musallam and Griff Peters), the slinky, sultry soul of singer/songwriter Kira Small (also a WesFest veteran), and Danny Mo and the Exciters, featuring Wehmiller's Berklee Bass Professor and close friend Danny Morris, as well as 2007 Wehmiller scholarship award winner Claire Finley.

Event Details:
WesFest 3: A Concert to Benefit the Wes Wehmiller Scholarship at Berklee College Of Music
February 25, 2008
Paladino's
6101 Reseda Blvd.
Tarzana, CA 91335
(818) 342-1563
Doors open at 7:00 PM

This year's complete list of performers is as follows:
- Andrew Gouche (http://www.myspace.com/andrewgouche)
- The Mike Keneally Band (http://www.keneally.com)
- Danny Mo and the Exciters (featuring 2007 Wehmiller Scholarship Award Winner Claire Finley)
- Kira Small (www.kirasmall.com and www.myspace.com/kirasmall)
- Mother Eff (www.mothereff.com)

Ticket Information
- $30 per pair of tickets in advance (advance tickets are available until February 18, 2008)
- $20 for single tickets in advance
- $30 for single tickets at the door

Ticket orders and donations will be accepted via check or credit card. Complete ordering instructions and procedures can be found online at: http://www.weswehmiller.net/wesfest3.html.

For any questions about ordering tickets or donating to the fundraising drive, please contact Peter Gordon directly at (818) 380-3041 or pgordon@berklee.edu.

For additional biographical information on Wes Wehmiller, and more information on the WesFest concert series, as well as new details about WesFest 3 as they become available, please visit the official Tribute To Wes Wehmiller Website at WesWehmiller.net.

WesFest 2: A Concert to Benefit the Wes Wehmiller Scholarship at Berklee College Of Music, has been released on DVD, and marks the official start to this year's annual fundraising drive for the that scholarship. All net proceeds from the sale of this DVD will benefit the fund.

The fund is named in honor of Wes Wehmiller, a Berklee graduate ('92) and highly accomplished bassist, athlete, and photographer who died of thyroid cancer in January, 2005. The Wes Wehmiller Scholarship is awarded annually to a continuing student at Berklee who best exemplifies the excellence and grace Wes showed as a bassist and as a human being. WesFest 2 originally took place on March 6, 2007, at The Gig in Los Angeles, CA. It was the second annual event in the ongoing WesFest concert series, which has raised over $22,000 to date for the scholarship.

The DVD runs seventy-five minutes and contains live performances captured in professional-quality multi-track audio and video from the following WesFest 2 performers:
- Stu Hamm [www.stuarthamm.net] - virtuoso solo bassist and WesFest 2 headliner
- The Dirty Janks - late 60's/early 70's-style psychedelic funk and groovalicious grease, featuring keyboardist Arlan Schierbaum, guitarist Rick Musallam (Mike Keneally Band), bassist Dorian Heartsong (Powerman 5000) and drummer Joe Travers (Zappa Plays Zappa touring band, Mike Keneally Band)
- Danny Mo & The Exciters - featuring 2006 Wehmiller Scholarship award winner Will Snyder, Berklee Bass professor Danny Morris, and legendary R&B drummer James Gadson (Bill Withers)
- Jude Crossen [www.myspace.com/judecrossen] - power pop and even more powerful lead vocals from L.A. session ace and Berklee grad Jude Crossen
- Jariya [www.myspace com/jariyamusic] - all-female eclectic trio blending rock, jazz and electronica, featuring Eve Buigues on searing lead vocals
- The WesFest All-Stars - debut frontman (and frontwoman) performances from WesFest veterans Griff Peters [www.griffpeters.com] and Tristana Ward (featuring Kira Small [www.kirasmall.com])
- Janet Robin [www.janetrobin.com] - acclaimed veteran Los Angeles singer/songwriter, in a solo performance that righteously opened the show
- I, Claudius - Wes Wehmiller's former rock band returns, louder and heavier than ever, featuring singer Colin Keenan and guitarist Griff Peters.

Bonus DVD features include:
- Intro To Wes (a biography of Wes Wehmiller set to still pictures and music)
- Tribute To Wes (a slideshow that was shown at WesFest 2)
- Band Biographies (pictures, information and weblinks for each performing act, set to music)
- Carrying It On (featuring mission statements for both WesFest and Berklee College Of Music, and invitations to further the goals of WesFest and the scholarship fund, set to music)

The DVD will sell for $25, which includes shipping and handling domestically and internationally. Orders can be placed via check or money order to:

Onion Boy Records
PMB #307
7051 Highway 70-S
Nashville, TN 37221-2207
Re: WesFest 2 DVD

Credit card and PayPal orders can be placed via PayPal to wesfestdvd@onionboyrecords.com. Complete ordering instructions and procedures can be found online at www.weswehmiller.net/wesfest2dvd.html.

"The WesFest 2 DVD, even more so than last year, captures the spirit of the event and empowers the possibility for Wes to inspire future musicians," says DVD producer Bryan Beller. "This year's performance shows growth in the size of the event, the quality of the show and recording, and the impact we're able to have as an organic, living community. The WesFest concert series truly has taken on a life of its own not only for those who knew Wes, but for those who are just now being introduced to him."

For ordering information and all press inquiries, please contact Bryan Beller at (818) 599-0262, or via e-mail at wesfestdvd@onionboyrecords.com.

For biographical information on Wes Wehmiller, and more information on WesFest 2, please visit the official Tribute To Wes Wehmiller Website at WesWehmiller.net.

Toronto, Canada - 11/16/2007

Power Group Ltd., a Toronto based distributor of fine musical instrument and professional audio products, in conjunction with Michael Tobias Designs, announce the introduction of 7 new sets of premium nickel wound electric bass guitar strings.

These new premium nickel roundwound strings are available in 4, 5 and 6-string sets in addition to single strings for the Low "B", Hi "C", and Hi "F". MTD 4-string sets come in the following gauges: Light (40-60-80-100), Medium Light (45-65-80-100), and Medium (45-65-85-105). MTD 5-string sets are available in Medium (45-65-85-105-130X) and Custom Medium (45-65-85-105-135X) while 6-string sets are packaged in Medium (30-45-65-85-105-130X) and Custom Medium (30-45-65-85-105-135X).

"I've been stringing my handmade basses with premium MTD steel strings since 1994, and I have to say that bassists the world over have asked for nickel strings for a long time, and I have finally found a string that meets our standards!" states Michael Tobias. "These new nickel strings offer the player the dynamic response of steel strings with the inherent warmth and feel players seek from nickel wound strings. We also are offering an exposed core "B" in a nickel string - that's pretty rare, actually."

Ron Larcombe, President of Power Group Ltd. states, "With these new nickel strings, we have a complete string solution for the electric bassist - the classic MTD steels and now the MTD nickels. We feel so strongly about the quality of these strings we've re-designed the packaging to better reflect the "premium" position these strings will hold in the market."

MTD nickel strings will be priced from $42.00 MSRP for a 4-string set to $68.00 MSRP for the 6-string sets.

For more information on the MTD nickel roundwound strings, please contact Power Group Ltd. by e-mail mtdsales@power-music.com or phone 1-888-276-9372.

New York City - 11/07/2007

Legendary Paul Simon bassist Bakithi Kumalo is now exclusively using bass amps and cabinets from Aguilar Amplification. His rig of choice is the DB 750 hybrid bass head and GS 410 cabinets.

A native of Soweto Township outside Johannesburg, South Africa, Bakithi Kumalo's musical career has been characterized by a series of serendipitous events, ranging from his debut gig as a precocious seven-year-old filling in for the bassist in his uncle's band to his enlistment into Paul Simon's group during the recording sessions of the pop star's landmark Graceland album in 1985.

Kumalo's work on Graceland opened the doors for him to pursue other avenues including, recently, recordings with Herbie Hancock, Randy Brecker, and Cyndi Lauper. Plus, he hooked up with former Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart who took the bassist on tour with him.

The DB 750 bass head is a ground-breaking hybrid amplifier with a discrete mosfet output section and an all-tube preamp. A perfect combination of raw power and enormous headroom, the DB 750 sets the precedent for all hybrid heads. This head develops 750 watts of high fidelity tone in 4 ohms, 975 watts into 2 ohms. The GS 410 was designed to give bass players the full, punchy tone they want at any volume. Its focused sound makes this a great cabinet for all playing techniques - fingerstyle, pick, slapping, or tapping. The efficient design of the GS 410 allows it to sound musical even at the most crushing volumes.

Dave Boonshoft, Aguilar's CEO, is thrilled that Bakithi is now using Aguilar gear. Bakithi is happy too saying, "I've never had such great tone before."

For more information, please contact Aguilar at 1-800-304-1875 or info@aguilaramp.com.
Web Site: www.AguilarAmp.com

Longmont, Colorado - 09/12/07

Mojo's Music Academy in Longmont, Colorado is gearing up for their second hosting of the Mile High Bass Camp. Back in July, Ray Riendeau and Chuck Rainey offered their bass wisdom and musicianship to a room full of bassists of all levels and ages, leaving everyone inspired and wanting more bass-friendly events.

On November 10th and 11th, Ray Riendeau returns to Mojo's Music Academy and will be accompanied by Damian Erskine. Both world renowned bassists will present a master class and later combine their teachings into a performance class. Everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to play within the class and be accompanied by Ray and Damian.

Ray Riendeau has demonstrated some of the most amazing slap bass skills and is best known for touring with the band Halford featuring Rob Halford of Judas Priest. Damian Erskine, nephew of legendary jazz drummer Peter Erskine, grew up around all the heavy jazz musicians including Jaco Pastorius from the Weather Report years, and he is currently touring with guitarist Tony Furtado.

Both of these bassists have lots to offer to the bass community. Their classes will focus on modern techniques for bass, groove studies, and improvisation. They both host clinics regularly and are great educators as well as players.

Zon Guitars is sponsoring the event as both players are endorsed by Zon and will be playing these incredible instruments.

- Saturday, November 10th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM - Master classes and performance class plus free concert in the evening. Cost is $95.00 per person. Limited seating of 20 people maximum.

- Sunday, November 11th: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM - Private lessons available with Ray and Damian. Separate cost of $37.00 for a 30-minute lesson or $68.00 for a 60-minute lesson.

Participants can sign up for just one day or both days.

Mojo's Music Academy is designed to bring you the best in music education and access to world class musicians.

Mile High Bass Camp
November 10-11, 2007
Mojo's Music Academy
230 Primrose Ct. #1
Longmont, CO 80501
MojosMusicAcademy.com

09/10/07

Tascam's MP-BT1 is the first MP3 player designed for musicians. Based on the award-winning CD-BT1mkII, this fun mobile bass trainer includes enough memory to store up to 240 songs. Bass parts can be slowed down, looped, and even eliminated to help you to learn new riffs. Playback MP3s using Variable Speed Audition, which slows down the speed without changing the pitch, and sections can be seamlessly looped while practicing tricky passages. Songs can even be pitched up or down to match the tuning of your bass so you don't have to re-tune for every song.

The bass input lets you to rock along with multi-effects including a bass canceller so you can play along with your favorite bands. A tuner, metronome, and rechargeable battery are also built-in. All of this is packed into an MP3 player smaller than a stomp box so stuff it in your backpack, gig bag, or back pocket and hit the road.

The MP-BT1 uses a high-speed USB connection to load up MP3s and charge the built-in battery. Zip through your MP3 collection using a data wheel, dedicated buttons, and a graphical LCD display. A rechargeable 9-hour lithium ion battery is built into the unit, and an optional power supply is also available.

Put 240 songs in your gig bag with the MP-BT1, the first MP3 player for musicians.

- 240-song memory capacity (based on average 4-minute MP3 encoded at 128kbps)
- Variable Speed Audition changes the speed of the MP3 playback without changing the pitch
- Pitch control in 1% steps so you don't have to re-tune
- Seamless looping for practicing tricky passages
- High-impedance 1/4" bass input
- Built-in multi effects for bass
- Bass canceller on MP3 playback
- Bass range booster & enhancer on MP3 playback
- 1/8" headphone output
- Built-in rechargeable battery with 9-hour reserve
- 128x64 graphic LCD display
- USB jack
- Auto power off and hold function
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 3.1" x 4.3" x 1" (78 x 110 x 25.5 mm) excluding protrusions
- Weight: 7.8 ounces (220g) including lithium ion battery

09/10/07

The new CD-BT2 is the latest introduction in the portable CD trainer line - a product category literally invented by Tascam. Like the wildly-popular original CD-BT1 bass trainer, musicians have the ability to slow down the speed of a CD without changing the pitch - allowing artists, musicians, students, and music teachers to practice, learn and teach fast licks, rhythm parts and solos from their favorite bass players. With its ultra-compact design and new functionality, the new CD-BT2 trainer from Tascam is the most user-friendly trainer ever. The new CD-BT2 bass trainer completes our all-new lineup of trainers for the musician, student, teacher, and artist on the go.

The new CD-BT2 bass trainer features an all new improved ultra-compact design, comprehensive LCD display with graphical user interface, album title/track title indication by CD-text, expanded effect banks for user preset, chromatic tuner, and Tascam's pioneering VSA (Variable Speed Audition, pitch control without affecting key) feature lets music fans learn up a continuous mix of their favorite songs anywhere they go.

With Tascam's legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as integrated pitch and key control, bass canceller with selectable canceling pan point and selectable frequency range, and seamless integration with CD-DA/CD-R/CD-RW disc playback, users can now discover the licks their favorite artist really played.

- Portable CD bass trainer (more compact than previous CD-BT1MKII)
- CD-DA/CD-R/CD-RW disc playback
- 10 second anti-shock memory
- Comprehensive 128 x 64 dot matrix LCD display with graphical user interface
- Album title/track title indication by CD-text
- Elapsed time/remain time display with bar meter
- +16 to -50% pitch control in 1% steps
- VSA (Variable Speed Audition, pitch control without affecting key)
- Key control: +/-6 semi-tone, in semi-tone steps with +/-50 cents fine tune
- Single play and continuous play
- Single loop, all loop, and seamless in-out loop
- Flash back function (instant review up to 5 seconds prior playback)
- Bass canceller with selectable canceling pan point and selectable frequency range
- 10 effect banks for user preset
- Chromatic tuner with calibration (435 to 445Hz)
- 3 octaves tone oscillator
- Metronome (BPM: 40 to 220, Beat: 2 to 6)
- 1/4" bass input
- Bass/mic input volume
- Bass/mic input level meter indicator on LCD display
- CD level meter indicator
- Footswitch connector
- 5 selectable functions by foot switch (flash back, rewind, FF, bank, effect on/off)
- 1/8" stereo line output
- 1/8" stereo headphone output
- Headphone volume
- Mono monitor for CD (L+R, L, R)
- Sprit monitor (left ch: CD, right ch: input or vice versa)
- Battery operation
- Optional power supply PS-P520

Atlanta, GA - 08/20/07

On Saturday, September 29, 2007, at the Atlanta Bass Gallery (814 Marietta Street, Atlanta, GA 30318), bassists Jeff Schmidt, Trip Wamsley, Joseph Patrick Moore, Gary Wilkins, Russ Rodgers, Bernhard Lackner, Christopher Cardone, Myron Carroll, and Darren Michaels headline the fourth annual BassUp! event.

BassUp! is a show focused on bass-centric music. Held in Atlanta, this 2007 event marks the fourth annual coming together of bassists to meet, share knowledge, and perform. If you are a bassist or bass enthusiast, you do not want to miss this show! Clinics will be held in the morning followed by performances in the afternoon and throughout the evening. BassUp! will also feature giveaways and a raffle for a bass. The show is all ages and admission is $10 for the entire day's events.

Returning as part of this year's festivities is the BassUp! Solo Bass Open Mic, which will take place on Friday, September 28, 2007 at 8 PM at Urban Grind Coffee Bar (962 Marietta Street, Atlanta, GA 30318). This is a chance for the beginner, up-and-comer, or pro bassist to perform solo bass live! Admission is free and all ages are welcome so come out and see the new players on the scene. Visit the BassUp! web site, www.bassup.net, for more information or contact the event organizer, Darren Michaels, via e-mail at darren@darrenmichaelsbass.com or phone at 404.452.4032.

Stockton, CA - 07/24/07

This summer, Gallien-Krueger will begin shipping the much anticipated Fusion 550 bass head, which is the first GK product to incorporate tubes into the design. The Fusion 550 features a uniquely designed six stage tube preamp paired with a 500 watt version of the high current solid state power amp used in the 1001RB-II. The rich warmth of tubes, combined with the quick, punchy power that GK bass amps are known for is an experience like no other. And as if that wasn't enough, GK takes the next step in innovation by adding motorized knobs which allow you to store two different tone settings, such as one for slap and one for finger style playing, and footswitch between them. Possibly a first for a fully analog bass amplifier! The Fusion 550 also features an updated version of GK's exclusive 50 watt Horn Bi-Amp System. Dial in the horn where you like it and as you adjust your volume with the master control, the ratio between the woofer and tweeter is preserved. The EQ section is an active tube version of the solid state EQ from the legendary GK 800RB amplifier. Other features include Deep and Bright switches and a Contour with two frequency selects. The rear panel includes Neutrik Speakon and 1/4" connectors, effects loop, tuner out, footswitch input jack, and a transformer isolated DI for hum-free operation. The Fusion 550 uses a toroidal transformer for maximum reliability and efficiency. Yeah tube amps have been around for decades, but you’ve never heard one like the Fusion 550.

Power Amp:
- Solid State
- 500 watts @ 4 ohms, 350 watts @ 8 ohms
- 50 watt Horn Bi-Amp System
- Toroidal Transformer

Pre Amp:
- Tube (three 12AX7's)
- Motorized knobs (footswitchable)
- Gain, Master and Horn Level controls
- Four-band Active EQ
- Variable Contour with 500Hz-800Hz Mid Frequency select
- Deep and Bright switch
- Mute switch (foot-switchable)
- 1/4" Input jack
- Active/Passive switch (-10dB)

Rear Panel:
- Effects Loop & Tuner out
- Transformer isolated DI with Level control and Pre/Post switch
- Speakon outputs (Horn Bi-Amp compatible)
- Two 1/4" Speaker outputs (full range only)
- Rear-vented temperature controlled fan

Physical Specs:
- 19"W x 5.25"H x 9.75"D
- Three rack spaces
- 25 lbs.

Gallien-Krueger
2234 Industrial Dr.
Stockton, CA 95206
Gallien-Krueger.com

Stockton, CA - 07/24/07

Gallien-Krueger will be expanding their popular Neo Series line of bass cabinets this summer with the introduction of the Neo 410, Neo 210 and Neo 115-II. Current models in the series include the Neo 112, Neo 212 and Neo 412. The Neo Series enclosures use GK's own Neodymium magnet equipped Paragon loudspeakers which provide higher power handling at a fraction of the weight of standard ceramic magnets. The cabinet design utilizes front slotporting for enhanced low-end response and individually tuned chambers for each loudspeaker to eliminate standing waves. The Neo 210 is designed to be played in either an upright position or tilted back like a floor monitor. The cabinets are covered with black vinyl and include recessed spring-loaded handles, a rugged silver steel grill and custom interlocking corners for stacking. The Neo 410 and Neo 115-II have removable castors.

Neo 410
Configuration: 4x10" Paragon Neodymium Woofers
Power Handling: 800 Watts RMS
Impedance: 8 Ohms
Sensitivity: 103 dB
Maximum SPL 132 dB
Frequency Resp (-3dB): 30 Hz to 19 kHz
Porting: Front-Slot Ported
Dimensions (WxHxD): 23.5" x 26.5" x 18.5"
Weight: 78 lbs.

Neo 210
Configuration: 2x10" Paragon Neodymium Woofers
Power Handling: 400 Watts RMS
Impedance: 8 Ohms
Sensitivity: 98 dB
Maximum SPL 124 dB
Frequency Resp (-3dB): 47 Hz to 19 kHz
Porting: Front-Slot Ported
Dimensions (WxHxD): 23.5" x 19.5" x 18.5"
Weight: 45 lbs.

Neo 115-II
Configuration: 1x15" Paragon Neodymium Woofer
Power Handling: 400 Watts RMS
Impedance: 8 Ohms
Sensitivity: 99 dB
Maximum SPL 127 dB
Frequency Resp (-3dB): 45 Hz to 19 kHz
Porting: Front-Slot Ported
Dimensions (WxHxD): 23.5" x 26.5" x 18.5"
Weight: 63.5 lbs.

Gallien-Krueger
2234 Industrial Dr.
Stockton, CA 95206
Gallien-Krueger.com

Stockton, CA - 07/24/07

Gallien-Krueger has begun shipping the all new RBX Series bass enclosures to dealers earlier this summer. The 810RBX, 410RBX, 210RBX and 115RBX cabinets are loaded with Paragon loudspeakers designed and manufactured by Gallien-Krueger. The 410RBX, 115RBX and 210RBX feature front slot-porting for enhanced low bass response and isolated speaker chambers to eliminate standing waves. The 810RBX uses a sealed design for that classic rock & roll tone. The 210RBX is designed to be played in either an upright position or tilted back like a floor monitor. The cabinets include black carpet covering, recessed, spring-loaded handles, a rugged steel grill and custom interlocking corners for stacking. The 410RBX and 115RBX have removable castors. The 810RBX includes a dolly style handle and wheels for easy transport and rear mounted slide rails to help protect it from road wear.

810RBX
Configuration: 4x10" Paragon Woofers
Power Handling: 800 Watts RMS
Impedance: 4 Ohms
Sensitivity: 99 dB
Frequency Resp (-3dB): 36 Hz to 19 kHz
Porting: Front-Slot Ported
Dimensions (HxWxD): 26.5" x 49" x 17.5"
Weight: 149 lbs.

410RBX
Configuration: 4x10" Paragon Woofers
Power Handling: 800 Watts RMS
Impedance: 8 Ohms
Sensitivity: 99 dB
Frequency Resp (-3dB): 54 Hz to 19 kHz
Porting: Front-Slot Ported
Dimensions (HxWxD): 23.5" x 26.5" x 18.5"
Weight: 91.5 lbs.

210RBX
Configuration: 2x10" Paragon Woofers
Power Handling: 400 Watts RMS
Impedance: 8 Ohms
Sensitivity: 99 dB
Frequency Resp (-3dB): 63 Hz to 19 kHz
Porting: Front-Slot Ported
Dimensions (HxWxD): 23.5" x 19.5" x 18.5"
Weight: 54 lbs.

115RBX
Configuration: 1x15" Paragon Woofers
Power Handling: 400 Watts RMS
Impedance: 8 Ohms
Sensitivity: 101 dB
Frequency Resp (-3dB): 50 Hz to 19 kHz
Porting: Front-Slot Ported
Dimensions (HxWxD): 23.5" x 26.5" x 18.5"
Weight: 70.5 lbs.

Gallien-Krueger
2234 Industrial Dr.
Stockton, CA 95206
Gallien-Krueger.com

Longmont, Colorado - 05/16/07

Mojo's Music Academy is bringing music legend Chuck Rainey to Longmont, Colorado.

On June 30th and July 1st, the Mile High Bass Camp at Mojo's Music Academy will feature Chuck Rainey and Ray Riendeau as instructors for a full weekend of electric bass master classes, performance classes, and more.

Widely associated with soul, pop, funk, and R&B, Chuck Rainey has been a star electric bassist since the 1960's. Rainey's forte has been a heavy, steady pulse and vigorous support, fitting into a rhythm section, and locking onto a groove with a vengeance. Without any argument, he is the most recorded bass player in the history of recorded music and is the most imitated by bass players as a whole. Rainey's discography includes recordings with Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Steely Dan, Ray Charles, Etta James, Sam Cooke, The Jackson 5, Paul Simon, and the list goes on. The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame inducts the legends of rock music on a yearly basis, and as of 2003, Rainey's bass lines and rhythm influence are the documented backbone of the original hit recordings of the following artists and the year they were inducted: Aretha Franklin (1987), Marvin Gaye (1988), The Jackson 5 (1997), The Rascals (2000), and Steely Dan (2001). For more information on Chuck Rainey, visit: ChuckRainey.com.

As a clinician, Ray Riendeau has demonstrated his concepts to students throughout the United States and Europe at events such as Bass Day - L.A. , the National Guitar Summer Workshop, The School of Bass - AZ, and Bass Day - New York 2001. Riendeau is a bassist most known for his work with singer Rob Halford (Judas Priest). As a member of the band Halford, Riendeau recorded two studio cds, one double live CD, and toured around the world, most notably playing to a sold out crowd at Madison Square Garden. Riendeau has 4 solo albums in his catalog showing all his talents as a bassist of the modern world. For more information on Ray Riendeau, visit: RayRiendeau.net.

The Mile High Bass Camp will involve 20 bass students of all levels of experience. All students will take part in all the offerings throughout the day. Bring your bass and have some low frequency fun.

- Ray Riendeau master class and applied studies.

- Chuck Rainey master class and applied studies.

- Combined performance class and evening concert.

Total Cost - $175.00

Each instructor will offer private lessons throughout the day on Sunday.

Separate scheduling and rates apply for private lessons.

Mile High Bass Camp
June 30th & July 1st, 2007
Mojo's Music Academy
230 Primrose Ct. #1
Longmont, CO 80501
MojosMusicAcademy.com

New Hampshire - 04/10/07

New Hampshire Celebrates Music With A Focus On The Bottom End

This summer, bassists from around the globe will converge in Manchester, N.H. to perform, teach, listen, and participate in the first annual New Hampshire Bass Fest 2007. A festival and educational program combined, the NHBF 2007 will feature top shelf artists and educators. Rufus Reid, Michael Manring, Steve Bailey, and Seth Horan are among the guests who will educate and entertain a host of attendees. High school students, college students, young professionals, educators, and seasoned professionals will fill the ranks.

The NHBF will feature exhibits by premier luthiers and manufacturers. NHBF exhibitors will include: Asetta Strings, Bergantino Audio Systems, Best Bass Gear, Lembo's Music, Ristola Instruments, Skjold Guitars, Stambaugh Musical Design, and Stinnett Music. These vendors will display their various products and offer substantial event discounts.

What is the New Hampshire Bass Fest? New Hampshire Bass Fest 2007 is a festival / music school for all instruments. However, these Bass(es) don't swim.

New Hampshire Bass Fest
June 20 - 23, 2007
New Hampshire Community Technical College
1066 Front St.
Manchester, NH
NHBassFest.com

New York City - 04/03/07

The new DB 112 combines the full low-end extension of the GS 112 with the punchy midrange of the DB series cabinet line. A custom heavy-duty cast frame Eminence driver is mounted in a rear ported 13 ply Baltic Birch enclosure to create a high-efficiency cabinet that is both focused and musical. Because of the DB 112's forward midrange frequencies, it and will sound louder onstage than other cabinets of similar size. Available in the 4 different colors of the DB line (Chocolate Thunder, Classic Black, Monster Green, and the new Boss Tweed), the DB 112 will sound great and look cool on any stage.

Specifications:
One 12" cast frame woofer, 56 oz. magnet
Power handling: 300 watts
Impedance: 8 ohms
Phenolic tweeter with integral phase plug
Custom crossover with variable tweeter control
One Neutrik Speakon and two 1/4" inputs
Frequency response: 42 Hz to 16 kHz
Sensitivity: 102 dB @ 1W 1M
Deluxe Strap Handle
Metal Corners, Rubber Feet
Dimensions: 14" H x 19" W x 19" D
MSRP: $659.00

For more information, please contact Aguilar at 1-800-304-1875 or info@aguilaramp.com.
Web Site: www.AguilarAmp.com

San Francisco, CA. - 03/26/07

Cory Combs, Drew Waters, Jason Muscat, Damian Erskine, and Matt Aiken are hosting the second annual San Francisco Bass Weekend that will be held on June 9th and 10th, 2007 in San Francisco's Mission District.

The Bass Weekend will be an organized, intensive, fun, and challenging two-day workshop for bassists looking to improve techniques, strengthen concepts, and build their musical foundation, regardless of level.

Each day will feature practical and informative classes taught by core teachers, covering a wide variety of bass-related topics, including groove concepts, sound, improvisation, theory, technique, and practice methods.

The core teachers, Combs, Waters, Muscat, Erskine, and Aiken, are skilled professional players, teachers, recording artists, band leaders, and composers, each familiar with a wide range of musical styles.

Both days will end with guest clinics that are presented by some of the most respected and technically gifted bassists working today.

On Saturday, June 9th, Jean Baudin will inspire with his 11-string tapping followed by bass legend and solo bass pioneer Stuart Hamm.

On Sunday, June 10th, the 2005 Bass Extremes Solo Bass Competition winner Jeff Schmidt will perform a virtuosic set followed by the always amazing and awe inspiring Michael Manring.

In addition, AccuGroove and Zon Guitars will have gear there to try out, and both Mark Wright and Joe Zon will be on hand to answer questions.

Each day will begin at 12:30 PM and conclude at 6:00 PM.

To keep class sizes small, enrollment will be limited to 45 participants so enroll early!

For more information on the San Francisco Bass Weekend, visit: Ellorywerks.com/basscamp.htm.

Hollywood, CA - 01/13/07

Legendary bassist and solo artist Stu Hamm will headline a long list of performers at WesFest 2: A Concert to Benefit the Wes Wehmiller Endowed Scholarship at Berklee College Of Music. This second annual WesFest benefit concert, to be held at The Gig in Los Angeles on March 6, 2007, will also feature 2006 Wehmiller Scholarship winner Will Snyder and original WesFest headliner Mike Keneally. The concert is the centerpiece of a continuing fundraising drive for the Wes Wehmiller Scholarship fund, and all net proceeds will be donated to benefit that fund.

Established by the family and friends of John and Paula Wehmiller, the scholarship fund honors Wes Wehmiller (1971-2005), a Berklee graduate ('92) and highly accomplished bassist, athlete, and photographer who died of thyroid cancer in January, 2005. The Wes Wehmiller Scholarship is awarded annually to a continuing student at Berklee who best exemplifies the excellence and grace Wes showed as a bassist and as a human being.

A groundbreaking virtuoso bassist and fellow Berklee alumnus ('80), Stu Hamm has worked with Steve Vai and Joe Satriani among others, and has released four acclaimed solo albums. Recently he's been on the road with the bass supertour B3, featuring Stu, Billy Sheehan, and Jeff Berlin. Stu was an important early influence on Wes Wehmiller, and while at Berklee, Wehmiller paid homage to Hamm in a tribute band performance of the famous Steve Vai-Stu Hamm "Classified" 1984 band material.

Wehmiller's later playing was more R&B influenced, and the first annual Wehmiller Scholarship Award Winner, Will Snyder, will honor that influence by playing a set of classic R&B material along with Wehmiller's Berklee Bass Professor and close friend Danny Morris and renowned L.A. drummer James Gadson (Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers).

"I had the honor of being Wes' teacher at Berklee," says Morris. "Twelve years later I had the honor of being Will Snyder's teacher. The reward of teaching oddly enough comes in the reciprocal effect that one actually learns from their students. Wes Wehmiller exemplified to me the concept of 'less is more'. Many of the wonderful qualities of Wes are well apparent in Will. Come out on March 6th and hear 2006 scholarship recipient Will Snyder's groove. Dance to the music!"

Event details:
WesFest 2: A Concert to Benefit the Wes Wehmiller Scholarship at Berklee College Of Music
March 6, 2007
The Gig (www.liveatthegig.com)
7302 Melrose Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 936-4440
Doors open at 7:00 PM

This year's complete list of performers is as follows:
- Stu Hamm (www.stuarthamm.net)
- Danny Mo and the Exciters (featuring 2006 Wehmiller Scholarship Award Winner Will Snyder and drummer James Gadson)
- The Dirty Janks
- Jariya (www.myspace.com/jariyamusic)
- Janet Robin (www.janetrobin.com)
- Jude Crossen (www.myspace.com/judecrossen)
The WesFest All-Stars - featuring performances by WesFest veterans:
- Mike Keneally (www.keneally.com)
- Ali Handal (www.alihandal.com)
- Kira Small (www.kirasmall.com)
- Griff Peters (www.griffpeters.com)
- Bryan Beller (www.bryanbeller.com)
- Tristana Ward
- I, Claudius

Ticket information:
- $30 per pair of tickets in advance (advance tickets are available until February 28)
- $20 for single tickets in advance
- $30 for tickets at the door

Ticket orders and donations will be accepted via check or credit card. Complete ordering instructions and procedures can be found online at: http://www.weswehmiller.net/wesfest2.html.

For any questions about ordering tickets or donating to the fundraising drive, please contact Peter Gordon directly at (818) 380-3041 or pgordon@berklee.edu.

The original WesFest event took place on February 16, 2006, at The Gig in Hollywood, CA, with eight bands performing live in a three-hours-plus concert. WesFest raised over $12,000 and served as the inaugural event for an annual concert series and fundraising drive for the scholarship.

For additional biographical information on Wes Wehmiller, and more information on last year's WesFest, as well as new details about WesFest 2 as they become available, please visit the official Tribute To Wes Wehmiller Website at www.weswehmiller.net.

San Giovanni Teatino, Italy - 01/12/07

Not one to rest on his laurels, Markbass General Manager Marco De Virgiliis is set to introduce several exciting new products at next week's NAMM show in Anaheim, California, January 18-21, 2007.

Two years after introducing its most popular amplifier, the ultra-light Little Mark II, De Virgiliis and his team have now taken the company's state-of-the-art technology to new heights.

The F1 is a 500-watt amplifier that is half the size of the Little Mark II (one rack space) and weighs a mere 4.4 lbs. Its digital power amp and solid-state preamp offer incredible clarity and astonishing power for such a tiny unit. The amp also includes four bands of EQ, VLE and VPF filters, a balanced line out, and an effects loop.

The Markbass Classic Series takes its inspiration from the amps that defined the rock bass sound but upgrades the tone with an infusion of Markbass core values (loyalty to the source!) and updates the design using top-quality components and the latest lightweight technologies. Central to this undertaking are tubes in the amplifiers and closed (or sealed) cabinets.

The Classic 300 is an all-tube amplifier that includes a microprocessor that re-biases the tubes every time the amp is turned on and diagnoses tube failure. This amp will be a cause for celebration among tube amp aficionados, who will appreciate the combination of vintage tone with modern quality and reliability.

The R500 is built for those who like to rock with a gritty tube preamp and a very loud 500W solid state power amp.

The Classic Series cabinets, the CL 104 (4x10), CL 106 (6x10) and CL 108 (8x10), are all closed cabinets (no bass ports, no tweeters) with B&C 10" neodymium woofers that were designed especially for these models.

Lastly, a new and shining example of the Markbass philosophy: the Minimark. This is an ultra-compact, lightweight (20.7 lb.) 150W combo sporting two 6" woofers and a piezo tweeter. It can be connected to any 8 ohm extension cabinet to obtain 250 watts of power, and its super-quiet balanced line out make it both gig and studio-ready.

In the short five years since its founding, Markbass has quickly established itself as an industry-leading bass amp manufacturer, renowned for its high quality, light weight, superior reliability and great value. Already well-known around the world, Markbass was launched in the U.S. at Guitar Center in August of 2006. More than 30 GC stores are stocking the brand so far with more are being added every month.

For more information, visit www.markbass.it.

Calabasas, CA. - 11/01/06

Line 6, Inc., the leader in digital modeling instruments and professional recording products for musicians, announced today the newest addition to the LowDown line of bass amplifiers, LowDown Studio 110. With superb tone and flexibility for live and studio use, LowDown Studio 110 offers incredible sonic flexibility in a convenient 1-foot cube with 75-watts and a custom-designed 10-inch speaker.

"Studio 110 offers pure rock bass tones in an affordable combo designed for the gigging and recording bassist on the go," said Darrell Smith, manager of amplification and sound design, Line 6. LowDown Studio 110 has four essential bass amp models and an incredible bass synth that deliver dialed-in tones for everything from classic funk to modern rock and beyond.

LowDown Studio 110 also features a modeled vintage studio compressor, headphone out, CD/MP3 in for jam-along, a studio quality XLR direct out with Line 6's exclusive Bass POD amp and cab modeling that's the "go to" for studio direct recording and a line level Preamp Out. "Using the LowDown Preamp Out, you can easily take your tone from studio to stage simply by jacking into the house or rehearsal studio rig," explained Smith.

MSRP: LowDown Studio 110 (1x10 – 75-watts) $349.99, ($249.99 Street)

Also Available:
LowDown LD150 (1x12 – 150-watts) w/ Tilt Back monitor design $399.99
LowDown LD175 (1x15 w/horn – 175-watts) $499.99
LowDown LD300 Pro (1x15 w/horn – 300-watts) $599.99

About Line 6, Inc. - Incorporated in 1996, Line 6 is a music gear manufacturer dedicated to developing music products to inspire creativity both on the stage and in the studio. Headquartered in Calabasas, California, Line 6 currently has a presence in over 60 countries worldwide with offices in California and the United Kingdom. In just under seven years, Line 6 has grown from an original team of 10 to over 200 employees. As the pioneer of digital modeling guitar amplifiers, Line 6 has created award-winning products for guitarists, bass players, and engineers, working both on stage and in the studio. For more information, visit www.line6.com.

Manchester, U.K. - 11/01/06

Bass Day UK 2006, the U.K.'s largest bass event, will take place on Sunday, November 19 at Life Cafe, 23 Peter Street, Manchester M2 5 QR. Doors open at 12:00 PM, curfew at 11:00 PM.

The all-day bass extravaganza will draw hundreds of bass enthusiasts from all corners of the globe to Life Cafe in Manchester city centre. Following last year's successful Bass Day UK, this year's all-day event allows the public to meet world-class musicians in an informal, casual setting, giving them opportunities to learn and gain advice from professional players. Leading bass players from all over the world come together to showcase and demonstrate their talent, during performances and master-class sessions.

Bassists include:
Jonas Hellborg (Sweden, McLaughlin duets, Billy Cobham, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Ginga Baker, and many more)
Adam Nitti (USA, Dave Weckl band, Scott Henderson, Peter Erskine, Jimmy Herring, Kirk Covington, Wayne Krantz, and many others)
Yolanda Charles (UK, Robbie Williams band)
Yossi Fine (USA, David Bowie band)
Janek Gwizdala (USA, Mike Stern trio)
... and more!

With so many different musicians, the public is exposed to a broad selection of musical styles, bass playing techniques, and advice. From students and beginners to professional musicians, the event provides great enrichment opportunities.

Next to the artists, a wide range of name brands are represented. Creator of the Jazz bass Fender, all instrument manufacturer Yamaha, Eden Amplifiers, Rotosound Strings, as well as Dawsons Music, Bass Centre, luthiers Shuker and Overwater and many more take part in this event. Visitors can try out the latest models of production as well as custom built instruments, effects, amps, and the like at various stands over two floors of the venue.

For the latest updates, program, and additional information, please visit the Bass Day UK web site at www.bassday.co.uk.

Atlanta, GA. - 10/18/06

On October 22, 2006, at the Atlanta Institute of Music (5985 Financial Drive, Norcross, GA 30071), bassists Adam Nitti, Trip Wamsley, Darren Michaels, Brady Muckelroy, Russ Rodgers, Gary Wilkins, and Bernhard Lackner headline the third annual BassUp! event.

BassUp! focuses on bass players and the bass community in Atlanta and aims to unite the bass community while encouraging people to see the compositional and melodic possibilities of the electric bass alongside its traditional role. The show is all ages welcome and will include clinics, performances, and giveaways. Clinics will begin at 1:30 PM and are free admission. The performances begin at 4:30 PM and admission is also free.

New to this year's event is the Solo Bass Open Mic which will be held at Mocha Match Coffee Bar (627 East College, Ste. F, Decatur, GA 30033) on Friday, October 20, 2006. It's a chance for the beginner, up-&-comer, or professional bassist to perform solo bass live. No audition is required. Check the web site for sign-up information.

You won't want to miss this celebration of the bass and gathering of the Atlanta bass community! Visit the BassUp! web site, www.bassup.net, for more information or contact the event organizer, Darren Michaels, via e-mail at darren@darrenmichaelsbass.com.

Bozeman, MT. - 08/17/06

Billy Sheehan, Bob Babbitt, Manny Yanes, and Rob Kohler will be teaching at the 15th annual Bozeman Bass Bash (BBB). The BBB is a non-profit educational workshop for bassists of all levels. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn from the masters while getting your hands on the latest in bass gear. Registered attendees have a chance to win a variety of brand name prizes. Don't miss this exciting event October 3rd thru the 7th.

Billy Sheehan was voted the "Best Rock Bass Player" 5 times in Guitar Player magazine's Readers Poll, an honor which placed him in their "Gallery of Greats." His trademark style of playing can be heard with Mr. Big, Niacin, and Steve Vai. This is a clinic you won't want to miss. Stevie Wonder, Gladys Night, Marvin Gaye, the Funk Brothers, and Smokey Robinson share something in common: the bass mastery of Bob Babbitt. His bass lines are the foundation of over 200 top 40 hits. This musical legend's addition to the Bash should be a historical event. After touring with the Neville Brothers, Patti LaBelle, and Robert Palmer, Manny Yanes has come to beautiful Montana to record his album. Manny has become a welcome visitor to the Bozeman music scene, and we are excited to have his talents at this year's event. Rob Kohler is a faculty member at the Stanford University Jazz Workshop and has just released a solo CD titled, A Thousand Faces. A native Montanan, Rob taught many of the local bass players. Rob will have a fresh new approach as he returns to the event after a 4 year absence. As a fun addition, the company "uglybassplayer.com" will be at Music Villa with clothing and novelties. 2006 is guaranteed to be a memorable year, with unique insights and ground breaking performances. We want to extend a welcome to everyone interested in bass, and we hope to see you there!

All events except the Livewire Radio Show will be hosted at Music Villa, 539 E. Main, Bozeman, MT.

Pre-registration is going on now! This year's event is $60 per attendee and includes a free BBB t-shirt. Check the web site regularly for scheduling, updates, and any other pertinent details.

For more information please log onto www.BozemanBassBash.com, e-mail bassbash@msn.com, or call Geno Kreis or Ron Schimpf at 406-587-4761 (Music Villa).

The following companies have helped make this years BBB possible: Music Villa, DiMarzio, J. D'Addario Strings, Ibanez, Peavey, Ampeg, uglybassplayer.com, and Insty Prints.

Bensalem, PA. - 08/10/06

Bass Specialties, the first – and only – bass guitar retail store in the Philadelphia area will host a grand opening celebration from noon until 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. The store is located at 2846 Street Rd. in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.

The event will include appearances by noted bassists Gerald Veasley and Anthony Wellington. Manufacturer's representatives also will be on hand to demonstrate and answer questions about their products. Bass Specialties will provide local bassists access to a large selection of quality basses and bass gear, including M Basses, Roscoe and Lakland basses and Aguilar amplification.

Owner and bassist Glenn Marrazzo was inspired to start Bass Specialties after attending well-known bassist Victor Wooten's Bass Nature Camp and several of Gerald Veasley's Bass Bootcamps. He is not new to business ownership or the bass: he co-owns Centre Fruit Gourmet in Morrisville and is the bassist for popular dance party band Exit 28.

Marrazzo's vision is to make Bass Specialties into a resource the Philly bass community can tap into for top-notch gear, instruction, information and support including the presentation of bass clinics that will feature guest artists. The Bensalem store is conveniently located to the Philadelphia and metro area, along with south and central New Jersey.

The store will be open Monday – Friday from 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturdays noon to 5 p.m. and will be closed on Sunday. After hours appointments also will be available.

For more information about Bass Specialties, contact Glenn Marrazzo toll-free at: 877-244-4079 or visit: www.BassSpecialties.com.
E-Mail: info@bassspecialties.com

New York City - 7/12/06

Aguilar Amplification continues to expand the look and functionality of their new DB series products.

Many bassists wanted to rack their Aguilar heads in a sturdy case that would match the killer looks of their new DB series cabinets.

Aguilar is pleased to now offer two head cases. The HC 500 is designed to fit the AG 500 and AG 500SC heads, while the HC 750 fits the DB 750 head.

They are made from the same 13-ply Baltic Birch as the DB series cabinets. Available in Chocolate Thunder, Classic Black and Monster Green, these head cases provide great protection and stage presence.

For more information, visit: AguilarAmp.com.
E-Mail: info@aguilaramp.com

Swallow Hill Music Association - Denver, Colorado - 7/06/06

WHAT: Lodo Bass Bash
WHEN: Friday-Sunday August 4, 5 & 6
WHERE: Concerts at Dulcinea's 100th Monkey (717 E. Colfax, Denver); Clinics at Swallow Hill (71 East Yale Ave., Denver)
CONCERT TICKETS: Friday: $10 Adv/$12 Day of; Saturday Concerts $10 Adv/$12 Day of workshops
CLINICS REGISTRATION: Saturday: $30 Adv/$35 Day of; Sunday: $25adv/$30 Day of
EVENT PACKAGE (Includes concert tickets and clinic registration): $65
INFO & BOX OFFICE: SwallowHill.com, 303.777.1003

Since 1979, Swallow Hill has been presenting some of the best roots music in the Rocky Mountain Region. As part of the Community Partner Program, a pilot initiative that aims to foster Colorado's dynamic roots and folk music community, Swallow Hill is proud to present the first annual Lodo Bass Bash. A non-profit event designed to allow bassists to meet and greet other bassists from around the world, learn from bass masters and see some of the latest in bass equipment. The 2006 Bass Bash, a whirlwind musical weekend with entertainment featuring workshops and performances by masterful world class electric bass players. Produced by local bassist and multi-instrumentalist Chris "C3" Cardone, this year's event headliners include: multi-genre performer Darren Michaels, 20-year music veteran and 10-string bassist Stewart McKinsey from California, Marc Grabowski from Colorado, Trip Wamsley, and Yves Carbonne from France, known as the only performer in the world who plays a 10-string fretless sub-bass. The concerts will also feature Christopher "C3" Cardone, Gregory Bruce Campbell of Montana and Nuclear Rabbit's Jean Baudin, along with an All Star Mega Jam at the end of each concert.

Concerts begin on Friday, August 4 at 8 p.m. and continue on Saturday, August 5 at 8 p.m. at Dulcinea's 100th Monkey. Workshops begin Saturday, August 5 at 10 a.m. featuring master classes by Yves Carbonne, Jean Baudin, Carey Nordstrand of Nordstrand's Guitars, Darren Michaels, Gregory Bruce Campbell, Stewart McKinsey and Trip Wamsley. In addition, drawings, giveaways and a silent auction are also scheduled to take place.

For tickets and more information, visit SwallowHill.com or call (303) 777-1003. Discounts are available for Swallow Hill members.

About Swallow Hill Music Association:
Helping people make music for over 27 years, Swallow Hill Music Association is one of the largest institutions of its kind in the United States as a source for folk, roots and acoustic music. With more than 2,100 members—some of whom are also volunteers—, Swallow Hill provides a place to celebrate music that is rarely heard elsewhere in the Rocky Mountain Region. Three concert venues house more than 150 performances a year, featuring some of the world's great artists as well as up-and-coming new talent. The Julie Davis Music School at Swallow Hill provides a valuable and affordable extra-curricular educational resource to the community with more than 50 music instructors involved in more than 240 adult classes and 70 children's classes annually.

The much-anticipated arrival of Markbass amplifiers on American soil will begin in August at the Guitar Center.

Five years after the company was founded in San Giovanni Teatino, Italy, the world's largest marketplace will finally hear the Markbass sound for itself and enjoy an exciting lineup of ultra-lightweight, ultra-reliable amps, cabinets and combos.

"We'll start with the most popular Markbass models, and eventually we'll be carrying the entire Markbass line in the coming months," says Ed Ocean, Bass Products Buyer for Guitar Center. "We look forward to a long and bright future together with Markbass, and have been excited about this partnership since its inception."

August will mark the beginning of a new era in bass amplification for Americans!

"Markbass is committed to serving the needs of bass players. That's why the amps are being so warmly received," says International Promotion, Marketing and Artist Relations Manager Peter Murray. "Marco and his team have spent many years applying cutting-edge technology to these specific needs: a true, clear and honest sound, headroom to spare, ultra-light amps that are easy to transport, and affordable products that will work every time without fail. Technology and intelligent design have provided the solution."

We know many of you have been waiting patiently for the arrival of Markbass in the U.S., and we'd like to thank you for your patience and continued interest. Starting in August, ask for Markbass at your local Guitar Center. We want to help you sound better, play better, and make better music!

For more information about Guitar Center, please visit their website at: GuitarCenter.com.

New York City - 6/16/06

Renowned bassist Gerald Veasley is now exclusively using bass amps and cabinets from Aguilar Amplification. His rig of choice is the legendary DB 750 Hybrid bass head and GS 410 cabinets. In addition to being a world famous solo artist and the leader of the Heads Up Big Band, Gerald has toured and recorded with many great jazz artists, including Grover Washington Jr. and Joe Zawinul. Gerald is also the bassist featured in the Jaco Pastorius Big Band. He is a well-known jazz educator, who conducts the "Bass Boot Camp" held annually.

The DB 750 bass head is a ground-breaking hybrid amplifier with a discrete mosfet output section and an all-tube preamp. A perfect combination of raw power and enormous headroom, the DB 750 sets the precedent for all hybrid heads. This head develops 750 watts of high fidelity tone in 4 ohms, 975 watts into 2 ohms. The GS 410 was designed to give bass players the full, punchy tone they want at any volume. Its focused sound makes this a great cabinet for all paying techniques - finger style, pick, slapping, or tapping. The efficient design of the GS 410 allows it to sound musical even at the most crushing volumes.

Pictured is Gerald Veasley with his DB 750 head, GS 410 cabinets, and Aguilar CEO Dave Boonshoft.

For more information, visit: AguilarAmp.com.
E-Mail: info@aguilaramp.com

Stu Hamm's bass version of the highly successful G3 features Billy Sheehan, Jeff Berlin, and himself. Each member presents the expertise and brilliance that made them all household names to every serious bassist and fan of great musicianship the world over. Between these three bassists they possess accolades that are almost innumerable, including Best Rock Bass Player 7 times in Guitar Player, #1 Bassist awards in readers’ polls in Germany, Japan, Korea, Italy, and many other countries.

Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, G3)
- Best Jazz Bassist (three years in a row) and Best Rock Bassist (two years in a row) in Guitar Player magazine.
- Hamm is one of Fender's premier artists/clinicians, and his Hot Licks instruction video Slap Pop & Tap continues to be one of the best selling bass videos on the market

Billy Sheehan (Steve Vai (current), G3 (Current), Mr. Big (current), David Lee Roth, White Snake)
- Best Rock Bass Player" 5 times in Guitar Player an honor which placed him in their "Gallery of Greats" (alongside Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee and Eddie Van, etc.)
- On January 27, 1999 Billy's handprints and signature were preserved in cement on the Hollywood Rockwalk at Guitar Center
- In Japan, Billy has won the prestigious "Player Magazine" (Japan's #1 Music mag) Readers Poll for Best Bass Player an unprecedented 14 consecutive times

Jeff Berlin (Billy Cobham, John McLaughlin, Jermaine Jackson, Isaac Hayes, Bill Bruford, Yes, Allan Holdsworth, Toots Thielemans, Larry Coryell, Arturo Sandoval, Michael and Randy Brecker, & Mike Stern)
- Founder of the Players School of Music in Clearwater, Florida
- Featured in Bass Player Magazine, Downbeat, Musician, International, Chitarre
- Has appeared on many television and radio shows worldwide
- New CD Lumpy Jazz

For more information, visit: Bx3Tour.com.

Announcing an exciting new educational experience for high school students, college students, & adults.

Jim Stinnett, Berklee College of Music Professor, author of ten publications and numerous CDs, offers challenging, hands-on music instruction. Stinnett Academy will begin an eight week spring semester February 1, 2006. Initial class offerings will include:
- Music Reading For Guitar And Bass
- Ear Training / Theory
- Fretboard Harmony
- Jazz Ensemble
- Funk-Fusion Ensemble
- Bass Ensemble
- Guitar Ensemble
- Ensemble Techniques
- Jazz Improvisation
- Tapping Techniques

All Classes will be held at SAM, 145 North Rd. Candia, New Hampshire. Classes will be filled on a first-come first-serve basis. Registration for spring semester closes January 20, 2006.

For information and registration, visit: http://www.stinnettacademy.com or phone: 603.483.8440.

Gallien-Krueger Introduces First Tube/Solid State Hybrid Bass Head

Gallien-Krueger, the king of solid state bass amps, introduces its first bass head featuring an all tube preamp. The Fusion 550 bass head incorporates a uniquely designed six stage tube preamp paired with a 500 watt version of the high current solid state power amp used in the 1001RB-II. The rich warmth of tubes combined with the quick, punchy power that GK bass amps are known for is an experience like no other. And as if that wasn?t enough, GK takes the next step in innovation by incorporating motorized knobs which allow you to store two different settings. This gives you the ability to dial in a separate overdriven or slap tone and footswitch between them. A first for a fully analog bass amplifier! The Fusion 550 also features a simplified version of GK's exclusive 50 watt Horn Bi-Amp System. Dial in the horn where you like it and as you adjust your volume with the master control the ratio between the woofer and tweeter is preserved. Other features include tube driven four band active EQ and voicing filters with a frequency select for the contour control. The rear panel features include Neutrik Speakon and ¼" speaker output jacks, effects loop, tuner out, and a footswitch input jack. Also on the rear panel is a DI output which uses an isolated transformer for ultra-quiet operation. The Fusion 550 should begin appearing in stores around June 2006.

MSRP - $1199

Power Amp
500 watt Class G solid-state power amp
50 watt Horn Bi-Amp System
Toroidal transformer

Pre Amp
Six stage all tube preamp (three 12AX7's)
Footswitchable two channel motorized gain, master and horn level controls
Tube driven four band active EQ
Contour control with 500hZ-800hZ mid frequency select
Deep and bright switch
Mute switch
¼" input jack with active/passive switch (-14dB)

Rear Panel
Effects loop & tuner output
Active DI with level control, pre/post and ground switch
Two Horn Bi-Amp compatible Speakon outputs
Two ¼" speaker outputs (fullrange only)
Rear-vented temperature controlled fan

Dimensions
19" Wide x 5.25" tall x 9.75" deep
Three rack spaces
24.5 lbs.

For more information, visit: Gallien-Krueger.com.

Lemur Music
32238 Paseo Adelanto, Suite B
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Call us! 1-800-246-BASS
RSVP to: lemur@lemurmusic.com

REDWOOD CITY, CA - September 29, 2005
Developed in conjunction with 6-string electric bass pioneer Todd Johnson, Zon Guitars proudly introduces the new Sonus Custom TJ6 6-string bass guitar. The Sonus Custom TJ6 is a 34" scale bass that features an alder body core capped with a master-grade quilted maple top, an extended cutaway that offers complete access to the highest registers, a composite, bolt-on neck with a phenowood fingerboard which spans beyond 26 frets, Bartolini pickups, a piezo bridge, and Hipshot Ultralite tuning keys. In order to attain a crystal-clear, piano-like tone with a well-focused low end, the neck pickup has been installed closer to the bridge. Other unique characteristics of the TJ6 include a raised ramp positioned between the pickups and a conveniently-located pop-up battery compartment located within the control cavity.

According to Todd Johnson, "Joe and the team at Zon have created the instrument of my dreams. It's the perfect balance of beauty, inspiration, innovation, function, and playability. The clarity of sound and sustain are simply unsurpassed."

Sonus Custom TJ6 Specifications
Body: Two-piece alder body core with master-grade quilted maple top, transparent black, extended cutaway
Neck: Composite, bolt-on design, flat urethane finish
Fingerboard: Extended phenowood with 26 narrow frets, side and face dot markers
Nut: Graphite
Scale length: 34"
Standard Finish: Polyester Gloss
Pickups: Two Bartolini wide aperture, passive, dual-coil designed exclusively for Zon
Electronics: ZP-2D active system made for Zon by Polyfusion with master volume, pickup blend, bass, treble, and midrange controls
Bridge: Zon machined brass piezo bridge
String spacing at nut: 2.125"
String spacing at bridge: 3.250"
Tuners: Hipshot Ultralite
Hardware: Black
Other: Ramp between pickups, pop-up battery compartment within control cavity

Zon Guitars, located in Redwood City, California, has been at the forefront of bass design for more than two decades. Its Mosaic Pro, Sonus, and Legacy basses are handcrafted in its Redwood City facility by artisans with a passion for building fine-quality instruments.

Zon Guitars
780 Second Ave.
Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: 650-366-3516
Fax: 650-366-9996
E-Mail: customerservice@zonguitars.com

September 28, 2005
The 4th European BassDay will be held on November 6, 2005 at the Festhalle in Viersen, Germany.

International bass players will be on hand for solo performances and/or group performances to provide an all-day international event created by bassists for bassists, demonstrating all kinds of different music styles and techniques.

The Festhalle in Viersen is a perfect location with different stages (mainstage for the mainshows, roundroom for smaller gigs, and basement for the workshops) and the possibility for 35 exhibitors to display their products.

Artists Confirmed As Of 9/27/05

Mainstage:
Stefan Redtenbacher's Funkestra (UK)
Hellmut Hattler With Band (HATTLER) (DE)
Lorenzo Feliciati With HAZE (IT)
Final Jam With (almost) All Bass Players, Director: Lorenzo Feliciati

Roundroom:
Kristoffer Gildenlöw (Pain of Salvation) With Special Guests (SE)
Jon Reshard With Band (USA)
Wojtek Pilichowski With TTRII (PL)
Claudio Zanghieri (IT)
Stevie Williams With Band (UK)

Basement Workshops:
Markus Setzer (DE)
Yves Carbonne (FR)
Ufo Walter (DE)
Jaques Bono (DE)
Ron Baggerman (H)

More Bass Player At The Stands:
Charlie Moreno (ES)
Nano Osibio (DK/Ghana)
Cedric Waterschoot (BE)
Martin Engelien (DE)
Jay Tee (H)
Phillip Rehm (DE)
Jan-Olof Strandberg (FI)
Mario Bartone (DE)
Adrian Maruszczyk (DE/PL)

Pre-book tickets at 20 euro or 25 euro at the door (Students 10 euro)

For further information including exhibitors and to book tickets, go to: http://www.european-bassday.com.

September 28, 2005
On September 18, 2005, at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta, GA, bassists Darren Michaels, Brady Muckelroy, Trip Wamsley, and Adam Nitti headlined the second annual BassUp! event.

BassUp! focuses on bass players and the bass community in Atlanta and aims to unite the bass community while encouraging people to see the compositional and melodic possibilities of the electric bass alongside its traditional role. The show included clinics, performances, and giveaways. Clinics were led by Adam Nitti and Trip Wamsley followed by performances that included Brady Muckelroy and Darren Michaels.

These pictures have been submitted by event organizer, Darren Michaels. Visit the BassUp! web site, www.bassup.net, for more information on next year's event.

Darren Michaels - Brady Muckelroy - Trip Wamsley - Adam Nitti

Adam Nitti

Trip Wamsley

Brady Muckelroy

Darren Michaels

The Crowd

July 23, 2005
Line 6 announces the Variax Bass 705, a five-string bass addition to the Variax family of instruments. Variax Bass 705 models vintage and modern electric basses, an acoustic upright, plus synth bass tones.

Variax Bass 705 provides instant access to sounds never before available in a five-string configuration. Its simple, stand-alone operation offers 24 authentic bass sounds all in a single instrument. Its output can be sent direct to any standard bass amplifier, mixing console, or recording device.

"Variax Bass 705's simple layout combines the best of passive and active electronic controls in one practical, problem-solving, pro quality system," said Rich Lasner, director of instrument product lines, Line 6. "No other bass enables artists playing live or in the studio to instantly call up a five-string version of a classic 4-string, vintage 8-string, or acoustic upright. Plus, the low B-string extends the synth sounds into a range only keyboard players are normally able to reach," explained Lasner.

Variax Bass 705 uses Line 6's patented guitar modeling technology to offer bassists instant access to models of a world-class collection of the greatest bass instruments and sounds in recorded history. Variax Bass 705 features an alder body, maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, and sealed chrome tuners. Custom-fitted gig bag and direct box with 1/4-inch and XLR outputs included. Available in black or sunburst finishes.

Specifications:
Practical, instantly familiar controls
Contoured alder body
Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
21 medium profile frets
1.8" nut width
34" scale length
10" fingerboard radius
Standard 1/4" guitar cable output jack
Digital I/O RJ45 jack for future updates and additional sounds

Included XPS-DI direct box and power supply features:
1/4" standard guitar cable output for connection to any bass rig
XLR balanced output for sending signal to a recording console or house PA
Powers the Variax Bass using included TRS cable

Powered by XPS-DI or on-board batteries (six AA or one 9-volt)
Custom-fitted heavy-duty gig bag
Available in Black or Sunburst

For more information, visit: Line6.com.

July 23, 2005
Almost two decades ago DigiTech developed the PDS 8000 pedal for loop-based audio performance. Now DigiTech takes looping from the original 8-second volatile recording memory of the PDS 8000 straight into the 21st century with the innovative JamMan pedal, which is capable of saving up to 6.5 hours of loops and sample phrases. The JamMan Looper/Phrase Sampler is an effects processor dedicated to loop creation, manipulation, playback and overdubbing, based on the classic Lexicon JamMan rackmount effect. The new JamMan offers tremendous loop capabilities at resolutions up to CD-quality 44.1 kHz in a compact, easy-to-use stompbox format specially tailored to the needs of guitarists and performing musicians.

The DigiTech JamMan is equipped with a full complement of input and output connections. Inputs include a low-impedance XLR jack, along with a 1/4" instrument-level jack, each with a dedicated level control. A 1/8" Aux Input jack can accept signals from external sources such as CD or MP3 players. A 1/4" output (compatible with amps, mixers or headphones) is provided, as is a USB port for connecting the JamMan to a computer -- this allows the JamMan to serve as a Compact Flash card reader, as well as enabling loop WAV data to be transferred to and from a computer for unlimited archiving of material. An optional FSX3 footswitch can be connected to the footswitch jack for controlling loop select up and down, as well as the loop auto-recording arming function for complete Hands-Free use.

Loops can be recorded using any of the inputs, and unlimited overdubs can be added to any loop; overdubs can be erased, and there is one level of undo/redo available. Auto Record allows the JamMan to begin recording as soon as it detects signal at its input.

When recording from the Aux Input, three additional record modes are available for creating backing tracks and loops: Center Cancel removes any material that is common to the left and right channels -- material panned to the center (usually this would be lead vocal or solo instruments). In Full Range Simulation mode, an EQ curve is applied to the incoming Aux Input audio; the curve allows full-range audio to be played back through a guitar amp/speaker with sound more like a hi-fi recording. In Center Cancel and Full Range Sim mode, both center cancellation and equalization are applied to the Aux Input signal.

A Rhythm (metronome) function is built-in, with user-adjustable tempo and time signature. Tap tempo is supported, and loops will automatically slow down or speed up to match the tempo. There are nine different combinations of upbeat and downbeat Rhythm sounds. A separate level control sets the volume for the Rhythm part. Tempo and time signature can be saved with each loop. Loops can be set for single-play or infinite loop playback.

Two different Stop modes are provided, which determine how the current loop ends playback. In Stop Mode, the loop stops playing as soon as the Stop button is pressed. In Finish Mode, the current loop will play to its end, then stop. With room for 99 onboard loops, and an included removable Compact Flash card with over 24 minutes of storage (optional cards support up to 6.5 hours of record time), there is no need to ever throw away a loop, allowing users to build up a large loop library, or to archive loops for songs or for later use. Stored Loops are "protected" to prevent them from being inadvertently modified, but users can still add overdubs to them.

The JamMan features two footswitches for complete on-the-fly foot control over loop creation and playback. The two footswitches control record, playback, overdubbing, loop stop, undo/redo, loop clear and tempo. The JamMan comes ready for action, with an included Compact Flash card and power supply. DigiTech provides a full six-year warranty on the JamMan pedal.

Specifications:
Removeable CompactFlash Type 1 Memory (up to 2GB)
USB connection
Records up to 99 loops
Cycle through loops using the Select knob or optional footswitch
XLR, 1/4", 1/8" connections for a microphone, guitar, amplifier, CD player and more
CD-quality 44.1kHz sampling rate
Two wide-spaced foot switches
Create repeating or single-use phrases
Dual 7-segment display
Metronome with multiple rhythm sounds and time signatures
Three selectable stop modes
Rugged metal chassis
Automatic Recording
Loop Protection
Power Supply Included

For more information, visit: DigiTech.com.

July 14, 2005
San Clemente, California – Evidence Audio, award-winning supplier of performance-based cable products to the Music Instrument and Studio market, introduces the Melody signal cable for use with instruments, as well as for studio, pedal-board and rack wiring. The Melody is built by designer Tony Farinella to be what he calls a "coax cable done right."

Based on years of research in cable theory and design and most importantly time spent listening, the Melody incorporates fundamental features pioneered by Evidence Audio that allow signal transmission with minimal degradation. It is designed to pass audio with as little change as possible for an honest presentation of associated equipment and playing styles.

A few of the features of The Melody Cable are:

- Solid Core primary conductor to eliminate the electromagnetic effects of strand interaction, resulting in dynamic bass response and focused midrange

- IGL™ (Increased Grain Linearity) Copper used to overcome distortions caused by copper impurities - allows high frequencies to be extended while still smooth and musical

- Spiral shield with perfect conductor geometry - minimizes strand interaction on the ground path relative to braided shields which can collapse dimensionality

- 98% Shield coverage for outstanding noise rejection in any environment

- Low capacitance for use in long runs without high frequency attenuation

Designer Tony Farinella states "I wanted to build a cable within reach of more people that was demonstrably better than generic cables re-badged with a brand-name and sold for $40-$70. The Melody is also a nice option for players who want something a little smaller for pedal boards, or don't have the budget to use 200 feet of Lyric HG on a large rack installation."

The Melody is available in available from dealers prepared in 10, 15 and 20 foot lengths. A 10 foot Melody Cable sells for $61.00. The Melody is also available in bulk for customers who wish to build their own racks and pedal boards for $2.30 per foot.

About Evidence Audio
Evidence Audio was founded in 1997 to offer the finest Musical Instrument and studio cables available. The technology is based on 20 years of research in preserving the quality of sound as it passes through electronics.

Cables are an area in the production and reproduction realm that can deliver serious improvement (or degradation) for the least amount of money. A void was recognized in the music industry for cable products that could deliver performance on par with their marketing hype. Hence the formation of Evidence Audio to bring performance-based cables at reasonable prices to those of us "laying it down."

For more information, visit: www.evidenceaudio.com.

May 18, 2005
The newest addition to the POD family, Bass PODXT Live, is a multi-effect floor processor that provides bass tone and professional features in one rugged, stage-ready unit. With features from Line 6's Bass PODXT, Bass PODXT Live delivers a range of stompbox, studio, synth effects, bass amplifier and cabinet models, plus a digital Variax Bass 700 input, and USB computer connectivity.

Bass PODXT Live can be used as a multi-effect pedal for any bass amp, a complete direct PA solution, or creative recording device for studio work. Bass PODXT Live provides over 50 models of stompbox, synth, and studio effects. Bass PODXT Live includes a must-have collection of compressor, chorus, flanger, distortion, synth, filter, rotary, and delay effects.

Bass PODXT Live also delivers a comprehensive collection of bass amp models. Based on the most prized bass amplifiers in history, Bass PODXT Live features 28 amp models, 22 cab models and 4 microphone model options providing a complete tonal palette for any type of live gig or studio session. The effects can be positioned in front (stomp), and behind (post) the amp and cab models. Bass PODXT Live also features a dedicated compressor, 6-band semi-parametric EQ, plus discreet dry and modeled outputs.

Bass PODXT Live provides access to 64 channel memories via gig-ready channel footswitches. Features also include a large backlit display, dedicated stompbox on/off switches, combination volume/expression/wah pedal, tap tempo/silent tuner switch, an expression pedal input, 1/4-inch analog Amp/Line outs, headphone out, aux input for CD/Mp3 playback, MIDI, and USB computer connectivity for digital I/O.

In addition to the standard analog bass input, a Line 6 Variax modeling bass digital input seamlessly integrates Variax's collection of basses with Bass PODXT Live's assortment of amps, cabs, and effects. This entire setup can be instantly transformed into virtually any setup imaginable with just the press of a footswitch.

For more information, visit: Line6.com.

March 29, 2005
Four diverse album releases showcase the versatility and virtuosity of one of music's most respected bassists.

Acclaimed musician-producer Brian Bromberg recently released his thirteenth solo album, Metal, through the Artistry Music record label and the prolific, diverse and uniquely gifted bassist has three more albums – Choices, It's About Time, and Brian Bromberg - scheduled for re-release over the next few months. One would be hard pressed to find another artist who moves between musical genres with such aplomb and has deservedly garnered the same level of respect and praise from fellow musicians and the media as Bromberg has. Within the jazz arena, Bromberg has maneuvered back and forth amongst the hard-line traditional jazz world and the commercial contemporary jazz genre with unequaled grace and accomplishment. His partnership in the new Artistry Music label has provided him the rare opportunity to explore his creative muse in new musical directions as well as give a second chance to some of his previous releases, which warrant another listen.

Bromberg calls last year's Choices album the best smooth jazz album he's ever recorded. The collection will be reissued by Artistry Music on May 24. Produced by Bromberg, who wrote or co-wrote the music, the album was revamped after the meticulous professional went back to the lab to make it even better. Half of the record was remixed and the entire disc was re-mastered. The title track, featuring Bromberg on his guitar-sounding piccolo bass accompanied by keyboardist Jeff Lorber, will be serviced to smooth jazz radio. One song on the original album was replaced with "Relentless," a smooth jazz radio hit featuring sax star Richard Elliot. The track originally appeared on the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards CD and was never before released on a Bromberg album.

Metal marks new territory for Bromberg. The answer to his award-winning 2002 release, Wood, the collection is a truly unique rock fusion record that astoundingly was recorded without guitars. All the melodies and rhythms that sound like guitars were played by Bromberg on a piccolo bass. Although you'd never know it by listening to the album, it was recorded by just Bromberg and drummer Joel Taylor, along with keyboardist Dan Siegel, who appears on two tracks. Bromberg produced and composed the material, which recalls guitar gods and rock fusion greats. The record is unlike anything that's been done before and captures an entirely new dimension of the virtuoso bass player, who unveiled the B² line of basses that he designed with Dean Guitars at January's NAMM convention. Jim Roberts, founding editor of Bass Player magazine and author of American Basses, wrote in the album's liner notes, "And when it comes to hearing it all, and playing it all, nobody does it better than Brian Bromberg... Maybe I'm prejudiced, but you can always tell that Brian is a bass player at heart – even his most wailing 'guitar' solos display the logic that comes from a deep knowledge of harmony. And you can tell that he knows jazz, too, because of his attention to thematic development and contrasting solo voices."

It's About Time was Bromberg's "first real hardcore, New York-kind-of-jazz record that is still approachable," according to the musician, who produced the acoustic project in 1991. Scheduled to be re-released on April 5, the album has been remixed and re-mastered and now sounds as if it was recorded with today's state-of-the-art digital recording and mastering equipment. Bromberg, who recorded the collection while playing a 300-year-old acoustic bass, was joined on the record by such jazz stalwarts as Freddie Hubbard, Ernie Watts, Mike Garson, Mitchell Forman and David Bromberg.

Mining his extensive catalogue even further, Bromberg's 1993 self-titled album will be re-released this summer (date soon to be announced). It's a Bromberg-produced smooth jazz collection that boasts guest appearances by Lorber, Lee Ritenour, Kirk Whalum, and Toots Thielemans. "One of the greatest things about having our own record label is having the opportunity to reissue some of my music that may have slipped through the cracks for a variety of reasons," said Bromberg. "It's important that we give this music the chance to be heard."

Earlier this year, Bromberg earned his first gold record for the production work he did on Chris Botti's When I Fall in Love album. Bromberg is a much in demand producer after the success he's had producing Jeff Kashiwa, Richard Smith, Kim Waters, Alan Broadbent, and Jeff Berlin, amongst others.

Bromberg, along with soul singer-songwriter Rahsaan Patterson, their long-time manager Lucille Hunt and veteran marketing executive Denny Stilwell launched Artistry Music earlier this year with the release of Patterson's third album, After Hours. Based in Los Angeles, the label is distributed in the United States by Ryko Distribution.

Contact: Rick Scott 310-398-0260
E-Mail: greatscottpr@pacificnet.net

REDWOOD CITY, CA - January 15, 2005
Zon Guitars proudly introduces the new Mosaic BB5 model 5-string bass guitar. Sporting very traditional body lines, the Mosaic BB5 was designed in collaboration with Vital Information bassist extraordinaire Baron Browne. The Mosaic BB5 is a 35" scale bass that features an ash body, a three-piece, bolt-on maple neck with maple fingerboard, and Zon's new flat finish. Equipped with Seymour Duncan Jazz Bass-style pickups and passive electronics, the Mosaic is voiced for a classic Jazz Bass* tone. Enclosed mini tuners and Zon's 19mm brass bridge complete the appointments.

According to endorsee Baron Browne, "...this instrument is the closest to my beloved Fender Jazz that I've played. It is my Fender and more. With both volume controls up to full, the bass is very punchy, allowing one to get a Motown-y tone plucking near the neck or a Tower of Power-bottom-yet-percussive sound closer to the bridge. Those who are fond of a more Pastorius-bridge-pickup tone while turning back the front pickup will be pleased to find a nice low-mid slicing warmth without sounding too 1k nasal. This bass has an active presence to it without having active electronics in it."

Mosaic BB5 Specifications
Body: Swamp ash
Neck: 3-piece quartersawn maple, bolt-on design, flat oil finish
Fingerboard: Maple with side and face dot markers
Nut: Graphite
Scale length: 35" with 22 narrow frets
Standard Finish: Urethane flat natural
Pickups: Two Seymour Duncan Custom Shop single-coils designed exclusively for Zon
Electronics: Passive, with neck pickup volume, bridge pickup volume, and master tone control
Bridge: Zon machined brass
String spacing at nut: 1.875"
String spacing at bridge: .750"
Tuners: Gotoh GB-7
Hardware: Black
Options: Fretless with or without lines (no dots on fingerboard's face)

Zon Guitars, located in Redwood City, California, has been at the forefront of bass design for more than two decades. Its Mosaic Pro, Sonus, and Legacy basses are handcrafted in its Redwood City facility by artisans with a passion for building fine-quality instruments.

*Jazz Bass is a registered trademark of Fender Musical Instruments.

Zon Guitars
780 Second Ave.
Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: 650-366-3516
Fax: 650-366-9996
E-Mail: customerservice@zonguitars.com

Media Contact:
Tom Mulhern
Tom Mulhern & Associates
Phone: 408-842-3200
E-Mail: tmulhern@mulhern.com

ANAHEIM, CA – February 17, 2005
Italian bass amp manufacturer Markbass created a major buzz at the recent NAMM show January 20-23, unveiling its new line of amps and cabinets and celebrating a growing endorser list, which now includes bass legend Jeff Berlin.

The company's 2005 product line sports a cool yellow and black design and a clear and powerful sound, in an unbelievably light package.

Using state-of-the-art neodymium speaker technology, new digital power supply circuitry - which allows for impeccable bass frequency reproduction - and rugged-but-light materials has allowed Markbass to build amps and cabinets that defy all expectations in the weight department. Working bass players everywhere will rejoice at the prospect of being able to lift a 500W amp or a 2x10 cabinet with one hand.

But this achievement would be a hollow one if the amps didn't deliver sonically, and although these amps are amazingly light - the 500W heads weigh in at less than 6 lbs. — their sound is supremely heavy. Tight and full low end, detailed, aggressive mids and musical highs are the most impressive assets of the entire Markbass product line. These amps allow the true character of any bass to shine through without coloration.

The word is spreading quick in the bass world, and players in all styles of music are jumping on the bandwagon. Bass legend Jeff Berlin wrote an email to Markbass president Marco De Vigiliis within five minutes of playing through a 1x15 combo. "The tone is just exquisite," Jeff wrote. "Low mids with a sweet high end that doesn't sound brittle. I'm really knocked out with the sound. The little 15 put out a lot of volume as well, with no change to the tone at all." Other endorsers include Matt Bissonette (Joe Satriani), Printz Board (Black Eyed Peas), Brandino (Aretha Franklin, Outkast) and Linley Marthe (Joe Zawinul).

Included in the product line are five amp models—all rated at 300W @ 8 ohms or 500W @ 4 ohms. Consumers have a choice between solid state and tube preamp models; the TD501 also includes a tube compressor. The new LMK amp has two channels for use with two basses and/or two different amp settings. There are eleven cabinet varieties, ranging from the imposing Standard 106F (six tens, 1200W, 98lbs.), 4x10s, 2x10s, and 1x12s, through to incredibly compact 2x10 and 1x15 models. The combos are light, compact and powerful, and convey the same great tone quality as the larger rigs; there's a unique 3x10 combo, a 2x10 that can lean back as a wedge monitor, a huge-sounding 1x12, and the Mini CMD 121P, which sounds many times bigger than it looks!

At the Frankfurt Musikmesse trade show in April, Markbass will unveil yet more new models including the SD 800 amp - 800W of power at 4 ohms, weighing only 7 lbs!

Press contact:
Peter Murray
International Promotion and Marketing
peter@markbass.it
Tel. (416) 604-9146
www.markbass.it