Bass Player is the world's most comprehensive, trusted and insightful bass publication for passionate bassists and active musicians of all ages. Each issue delivers the latest tips and techniques that are guaranteed to make you a better player.
When Prince died in 2016, decades before his time, the world was deprived not only of a unique singer, songwriter, and artistic force, we also lost a supremely talented bass player. The maestro didn’t often play bass live, but when he did he played with total economy and groove. To remind our community of his sheer force as a bass player, and to commemorate five years since his passing, we talk to the many bassists from Prince’s bands about his approach, and we also revisit a classic interview from 1999. BP writer Karl Coryat went to Paisley Park to meet him, only to be denied a recorder, and obliged to play bass right in front of the legend. Could you have handled that amount of pressure? Our objective at BPis…
It seems that bass players, educators, and all-round low-end experts have been using their time wisely over the past gig-free year, committing their knowledge to a plethora of new books. First up is the acclaimed BP columnist Ryan Madora, whose new tome Beginner Improvisation For Bass Players, Vol. II continues her excellent education series (https://ryanmadora. com). Then there’s the great Ariane Cap, who is releasing The Pattern System For The Bass Player—Sharpen Your Musical Mind Through Fretboard Proficiency, Improvisation And Mental Practice, co-written with Wolf Wein (https://bit.ly/3d55DIS). Bass adventures of the more unnerving persuasion will no doubt be plentiful in Geezer Butler’s forthcoming, as-yet-untitled autobiography. The Black Sabbath bassist has often talked of the many exploits he and his bandmembers committed while “over-served at the bar”, one memorable example told…
The renowned Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook will be performing the former band’s music alongside the Manchester Camerata orchestra in September. These events sold out the Sydney Opera House and London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2019, and involve over 50 artists, musicians, and guest vocalists. “This has to be one of the most nerve-wracking things I’ve ever done!”Peter Hook “This has to be one of the most nerve-wracking things I have ever done,” says Hooky. “To sell out the Royal Albert Hall before anyone had even heard it was a fantastic compliment, it has to be said. The reaction has been wonderful and this time around I’m looking forward to being able to enjoy it myself. To bring it to [Joy Division’s home town] Manchester for the…
New four- and five-string basses from Hicksville, NY-based luthiers Michael Kelly Guitars are incoming, with street prices of $699.99 and $739.99 respectively. The Pinnacles come with a natural burl finish, swamp ash bodies, five-piece maple and walnut necks, and ebony fretboards, while custom-wound, coil-splittable Rockfield MDC humbucker pickups deliver the tones. A three-band EQ and push-pull active/passive selector adds options. We’ve played and reviewed Michael Kelly basses before, and been impressed by their playability and build at this price point, so we’ll be testing these instruments as soon as we get hold of them.…
Bill Withers, ‘Lovely Day’ (1978) You’ve probably never thought of ‘Lovely Day’ as being driven by a bass-line, as it’s well-known for its mellow vocal hooks, specifically the “lovely daaaaaaaaaaay” chorus which closes it. Well, think again: the song comes complete with a sweet, descending line that adds a funky fill each time it goes down a step and then adds a dexterous, sixteenthy turnaround on the way back up. Writer and producer Jerry Knight played the line, one of the most recognizable in the history of R&B, and perhaps the best-known Withers song.…
New Orleans bass legend Tony Hall has worked with a host of top names over a stellar career. He’s been hugely in demand for his work from the likes of the Neville Brothers, Bob Dylan, Herbie Hancock, Maceo Parker, and Harry Connick Jnr. His latest group project is the mighty Dumpstaphunk, a classic funk-fusion band that also features Ivan and Ian Neville, trombonist Alex Wasily, and drummer Deven Trusclair. Oh, and the small matter of another bass player—the storied Nick Daniels. It’s a modernization of the Neville Brothers’ groove along with the ingrained old school R&B, rock ,and down-and-dirty New Orleans funk, and it is fantastic. Hall’s natural syncopation and elasticated swing playing are instantly recognizable, though of course he’s equally happy playing in the pocket when the material demands…
