The IIB Monthly Newsletter
Volume 7, Number 10

Hello fellow bassists and friends!

Welcome to the latest issue of The International Institute of Bassists newsletter and the web site of the International Institute of Bassists!

Each month, the IIB gives its viewers the opportunity to participate in various monthly giveaways. Sponsored by: Line 6, D'Addario Strings, Gallien-Krueger, Ibanez, Hartke, Zoom, Evidence Audio, and Zon Guitars. To become eligible to win products including basses, amps, effects, strings, instrument cables, gig bags, straps, DVD's, CD's, books, lessons, apparel, and more, simply ENTER TO WIN TODAY! ... Read More!

Considered the U.K.'s premier solo bass guitarist, Steve Lawson has been acknowledged as one of the most innovative voices to have emerged on the electric bass in years. Utilizing his 6-string fretless and fretted basses along with the latest in looping technology, Lawson released his fourth solo project in June, 2006. Lawson's solo bass compositions include palettes of lush sonic soundscapes and layers of ambient textures which have helped to redefine the art of looping and live performance as a solo bassist. As a result of the acclaim he has received for his solo bass orchestrations, Lawson has headlined major concerts across Europe and the United States. He has toured the United Kingdom as the opening act for Level 42 and has also performed his music at bass events including the European BassDay, Euro Bass Day, Bass Day U.K., and the NAMM Bass Bash. ... Read More!

"Phil Jones Bass is all about being extreme, and I am not going to make any gear that is just good enough," states Phil Jones. As the president of PJB and a professional bass player himself, the British-born Jones adds, "speaker design is an exact science these days, and we calculate things such as cone excursion and air flow velocity in the vents per given frequency long before we even build a cabinet." By combining this no-compromise philosophy with over 25 years of experience in the audiophile stereo world and a fanatical degree of attention to detail, Jones and PJB have emerged at the forefront of contemporary bass amplification design and sound reinforcement. ... Read More!

With its roots tracing back to the 17th century, Philadelphia is one of the oldest and most historically significant cities in the United States. For decades, Philly has been acknowledged for its long-standing bass tradition and for being the birthplace of world-renowned bassists such as Stanley Clarke, Christian McBride, and Gerald Veasley. Surprisingly, "The City of Brotherly Love" did not become the home of a retail store designed to cater exclusively to bassists until just recently. Bass Specialties, the first and only bass-centric retail resource in the Philadelphia region, was opened by bassist Glenn Marrazzo in September, 2006. In addition to providing an alternative to the large instrument chains and access to an extensive stock of bass-related products including basses and sound reinforcement, Marrazzo's goal is to firmly establish a supportive and conveniently located storefront where the local bass community can converge to hang out, play, and receive instruction from some of the world's best bassists. ... Read More!

From October 19 - 22, the second School of Bass workshop will take place in Scottsdale, Arizona. Through an intense schedule of daily classes, clinics, demonstrations, and nightly concerts, participants will have the chance to gain valuable experience from some of today's leading bassists. In small group sessions, core instructors will outline a curriculum that is designed to transcend specific stylistic parameters and develop the fundamental bass-playing skills needed to help realize your immediate goals while large group clinics will be led by the workshop's featured artists to expand your approach and inspire you to set new goals. ... Read More.

When he founded Markbass Amplification in 2001, Marco De Virgiliis sought to manufacture high-end sound reinforcement that would not only accurately reproduce bass frequencies but at the same time wouldn't color the natural sound of the instrument being played. Since that time, Markbass has built a reputation of combining state-of-the-art components with ultra-lightweight technology to create an innovative product line that addresses the requests and practical needs of working bassists without imposing a particular sound on the bass-playing community. Upon first glance, the most striking aspect of the Markbass CMD 121H combo amp is its vibrant yellow and black color scheme. While this particular color combination might not suit everyone's tastes, I think it is very unique because it makes this amp instantly recognizable and distinct from combo amps manufactured by its competitors. ... Read More.

Jazz Improvisation - "Solo Phrasing"
One of the most effective ways to learn how to improvise involves the transcription, analysis, emulation, and manipulation of the phrases recorded by your favorite soloists. Similar to learning a new language, improvisation involves studying and using a vocabulary to express and develop ideas. Because variables such as note choice, rhythm, and phrasing are too much to consider at the beginning, we need to limit our focus to basic concepts so we don't overwhelm ourselves with all of the potential possibilities that are available to us as soloists. ... Read More!

Ear Training - "Non-Tertial Cells"
The most basic chord structure in Western-based harmony is the triad. A triad is a three-note chord constructed utilizing a root note and two consecutive thirds located the intervals of a third and fifth, respectively, above the root note. In the broadest sense, any chord or cell consisting of three notes could be classified as a triad. However, musicians most often speak in terms of chords which are built through a series of thirds. These chords are called tertian chords, and music based on tertian chords is referred to as tertian harmony. In this lesson, we will analyze a diatonic-based improvisation technique that involves the utilization of non-tertial cells. A non-tertial cell will be defined as a melodic unit or figure that is comprised of three notes which are not spaced two consecutive thirds from each other. ... Read More.

Be sure to check out the latest books, DVD's, CD's, and gear. ... Read More.

John Patitucci - Line By Line
Jeff Berlin - Aneurythms
BassUp! 2006

Each month, the IIB gives its viewers the opportunity to participate in various monthly giveaways. Sponsored by: Line 6, D'Addario Strings, Gallien-Krueger, Ibanez, Hartke, Zoom, Evidence Audio, and Zon Guitars. To become eligible to win products including basses, amps, effects, strings, instrument cables, gig bags, straps, DVD's, CD's, books, lessons, apparel, and more!

ENTER TO WIN TODAY! ... Read More.

The IIB MP3 Bass Sampler is comprised of selected tracks that have been recorded by many of today's premier bass artists including Marcus Miller, Michael Manring, Adam Nitti, Gary Willis, Norm Stockton, Gerald Veasley, and many more.

OVER 1 HOUR OF MUSIC! ... Read More.

The IIB Monthly Giveaways - Each month, your name will be entered in all of our various monthly giveaways providing you with the opportunity to win basses, amps, effects, strings, instrument cables, gig bags, straps, DVD's, CD's, books, lessons, apparel, and more! ... Read More.

The IIB MP3 Bass Sampler - You'll receive access to the IIB MP3 Bass Sampler which features selected tracks that have been recorded by many of today's premier bass artists including Marcus Miller, Michael Manring, Adam Nitti, Gary Willis, Norm Stockton, Gerald Veasley, and many more. OVER 1 HOUR OF MUSIC! ... Read More.

Bass Tips Of The Week - You will have access to a huge database of lesson material that has been written on subjects such as Classical & Jazz Music Theory, Sight Reading, Ear Training, Bass Line Construction, Right & Left Hand Technique, Soloing, Jazz Improvisation, Slapping, Tapping, Chordal Techniques, Harmonics, Fingerstyle Funk, Altered Tunings, and Concepts For Solo Bass Playing. All of the lessons are available as downloadable PDF files.

By becoming a subscriber, you will help keep this resource online for you and others to enjoy in the future.

If you are looking to increase your online presence and promote your product in front of a serious bass-targeted audience, check out the brand new Advertising Opportunities available on this web site. Through the utilization of the latest banner rotation software technology, the IIB is offering advertisement space in 5 different zones placed strategically throughout the template of the IIB web site and priced well below industry standard. Advertising packages are available at a reduced rate to those interested in securing an advertising contract of 6 months or longer. Purchase a 6-month advertising contract on the IIB web site and receive 1 month of advertising for FREE!. As an advertiser on the IIB web site, you have the opportunity to submit an advertising banner(s), pictures of your product(s), and a text-based ad of any length outlining product specifications, company history, contact information, and links to be posted on a page specifically designed to promote your merchandise within our Advertiser's Index at no additional cost to you. If you'd like to rotate information on your storefront, we can update that information for you on a monthly basis. There are virtually limitless possibilities available with your storefront.

If you have any comments, suggestions, news-related items such as press releases, or products that you would like to submit for review on the IIB, please feel free to e-mail me at: Editor@InstituteOfBass.com.

Thanks so much for your continued support, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!


Editor: The IIB
October 2006

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