In this edition of “Wonder Women: Stories From the Women Who Play Bass,” we delve into the journey of Micki / Michael Steele, the accomplished bassist, singer, and songwriter most famously known for her tenure in The Bangles. Much like Kristian Pfaff’s story, my search in the No Treble archives turned up very little about Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories from the Women Who Play Bass – Jennifer Young
In this month’s edition of “Wonder Women: Stories From The Women Who Play Bass,” we look at the accomplished Jennifer Young, bassist for the acclaimed California-based instrumental rock fusion trio, the Travis Larson Band. The rest of the trio features the band’s namesake, Travis Larson, on guitar and drummer Dale Moon. Jennifer skillfully handles the Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories From The Women Who Play Bass – Suzi Quatro
Clad in leather and armed with her powerhouse vocals, attitude, bass guitar, unmistakable stage presence, and rebellious spirit, Suzi Quatro is a groundbreaking icon. She has sold over 55 million records in her career. As of this writing, she has released eighteen studio albums, twenty compilation albums, sixty-three singles, and two live albums. Her singles Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories From The Women Who Play Bass – Esperanza Spalding
In this edition of No Treble’s Wonder Women series, we will examine the extraordinary musical path of bassist, vocalist, composer, and songwriter Esperanza Spalding. Born October 18th, 1984, in Portland, Oregon, she was raised in a single-parent household. Her mother exposed the family to diverse musical genres that would shape Spalding’s career. Since her mother Read More …
Upcoming Guest Performance at Bakithi Kumalo’s Clinic
I’ll be performing a short solo set as part of Bakithi Kumalo’s clinic at Shenandoah Music in Winchester Virginia. See you there! Big thanks to Phil Jones Bass and NS Design for this opportunity. Monday 8/7/2023, 7 PM start Cost: Free Shenandoah Music 2133 S Loudoun St, Winchester, VA 22601 https://www.shenmusicstore.com/
Redemption…the new single from Ember’s LoFi Grooves…is available now!
null by Ember’s LoFi Grooves I’ve got a new single that dropped today… Friday 7/14 …two years since the distal radius fracture that resulted in my CRPS. When the cast came off, my left hand fingers did not move anymore. It’s been a journey back. Still, so many good things came out of that bad Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories From The Women Who Play Bass – Trish Doan
This month’s edition of Wonder Women features Trish Doan, a Canadian musician and former bassist for Kittie. She was born on May 9, 1985, in Gwangju, South Korea, but later relocated with her family to Canada. In addition to bass, she played guitar since age 13 and was the lead guitarist in the band Her Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories From The Women Who Play Bass – Jane Little
This month’s edition of Wonder Women features a classical double bassist who claimed the spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest tenure with a single symphony orchestra. That honor goes to Jane Little, a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for an astonishing 71 years. By age 16, after only two Read More …
Lady Bass Music Reaches Round 2 in “Best of the Burg”
The “Best of the Burg” round one results are in. Lady Bass Music made it into the top 5, moving the studio into round 2 of the competition. This was (and still is) a total surprise. I’m stunned. In all the years I’ve lived here and worked here, Lady Bass Music never moved past the Read More …
I’ve joined the Phil Jones Bass family of artists!
I’ve had some major changes recently in the amplification department; I am honored to say that I’m officially endorsing both Warwick Amplification and Phil Jones Amplification! After some discussion, it was agreed by all parties involved that I could play gear from both companies. I really appreciate this arrangement; I’ve known the guys at Phil Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories From The Women Who Play Bass – Jordyn Davis
“Strive for more balance and inclusion in music across the board…we have so much more to gain…a lot of insecurity for folks in the music industry just comes from feeling like you don’t you don’t fit into what they’re trying to ask and all anybody should be asking you to be in a creative space Read More …
2023 Wammie Award Nomination for “Wonder Women: Stories From the Women Who Play Bass”
I was recently nominated for a DC Wammie Award for my work on No Treble’s “Wonder Women; Stories From the Women Who Play Bass” series. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out here. My interview with Angeline Saris (bassist for Zepperalla and the recent “Celebrating David Bowie” tour) is currently the cover feature Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories From the Women Who Play Bass – Angeline Saris – Part 2
“What continues to evolve is my sense of self as a player. The thing you can’t be taught is the musical instinct you get from time on stage. There is a trust you build in yourself when you have put time into a craft consistently for years upon years. I feel that more than ever Read More …
Wonder Women; Stories From the Women Who Play Bass – Dec 2022 – Angeline Saris – pt 1
“I show up prepared and will always prioritize being solid and supportive over flashy and busy. For me, that translates to locking in with the drummer, laying pocket, staying out of the way, but also knowing when to dig in and deliver a bit of flash to send a song into lift-off.” – Angeline Saris Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories From the Women Who Play Bass – November 2022 – Kristen Pfaff
I recently searched the No Treble archives for a bassist who was listed among Carolina Enriquez’s influences; Kristen Pfaff. For those unfamiliar with Pfaff, she was the bassist with Minneapolis-based Janitor Joe. Pfaff then took a hiatus from Janitor Joe to play with Hole from 1993 to 1994 and was the bassist on Hole’s (ironically Read More …
Wonder Women; Stories From the Women Who Play Bass – Sept 2022 – Inez Wyrick
When I set out to do the Wonder Women series on No Treble, I had certain people in mind right off the bat. Some of them I made a higher priority due to age or other factors. But, in a web-based column like this, it is necessary to have a balance between the new generation Read More …
Wonder Women; Stories From the Women Who Play Bass – August 2022 -Tunu Jumwa
“Your worth as a human being isn’t contingent on your musical capabilities.” – Tunu Jumwa Tunu Jumwa is a bass player and music educator based in Nairobi, Kenya. She has been playing bass for the past five years and has performed alongside many household names in the emerging jazz and Afro-fusion scene in the country. Read More …
NS Design ConnectLIVE Session on August 24th with Ned Steinberger and Ashleigh Chevalier
From the NS Design team: “Please join us for the premiere broadcast and conversation with Brittany Frompovich NS Design Artist, educator, bassist, and entrepreneur. Watch the live stream from our website! https://thinkns.com/connect/ Or here on Facebook on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Ht6zNpPS4Io This event will feature Brittany’s premiere of some new material performed with bandmate, vocalist, Read More …
Wonder Women; Stories From the Women Who Play Bass – July 2022 – Nalani
“Moments… where the audience and performers connect, and the performers uplift the audience… that’s everything to me. That’s what music is for, and that’s how I want to serve my audience.” – Nalani This month we’re catching up with Nalani, a bassist, vocalist, and entertainer in the Nashville area known for her versatility and showmanship. Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories From the Women Who Play Bass – June 2022 – Suzy Starlite
There’s more than a few great parts of writing for “Wonder Women: Stories From the Women Who Play Bass”. First off, it’s that Corey Brown has my back. That means a lot. Many thanks to Corey for doing what you do. #rockstar It’s also interviewing new folks and finding the stories; the uniqueness and the Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories From The Women Who Play Bass – Susan Hagen – pt 2 of 2
We’re wrapping up our two-part special feature with two Wonder Women of the Bass, Jacqueline Pickett (last month’s feature) and now Susan Hagen. Susan discusses her backstory, her current projects, and her new book of warm-ups for double bassists. She has also graciously offered a sample warm-up exercise that readers can download and try on double bass. Susan is also Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories From The Women Who Play Bass – Jacqueline Pickett & Susan Hagen – pt 1 of 2
We’re kicking off a special two-part interview series with two Wonder Women of the Bass, Jacqueline Pickett (this month’s feature) and Susan Hagen (more on her next month!). We cover a lot of ground in these two interviews. Both women will talk about their backstories, their music, and the League of Women Bass Players’ upcoming inaugural conference from June Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories From the Women Who Play Bass – March 2022 – Lynn Keller
“Really strong and versatile players will always stand out, thus opening the door to many possibilities. Being a female bassist has often been used as a novelty… I’d love to see that change permanently.” Lynn Keller graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in Music. Lynn has toured extensively with Diana Ross, The Original Fifth Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories From the Women Who Play Bass – Feb 2022 – Brittany Frompovich
“Whatever your particular dream is, at some point you’ll have to dig in your heels and fight for it.” For this month’s installment of Wonder Women; Stories from the Women Who Play Bass, Ariane Cap turns the tables on Brittany Frompovich, and interviews her for her own column. Her friend and bandleader, Ashleigh Chevalier, Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories From the Women Who Play Bass – January 2022 – Ariane Cap
“If you have an entrepreneurial bone in your body… if you know how to show up… how to put your best foot forward… if you know how to come through… if you give some extra… you are going to be noticed. We have more power over our fate than we may think.” For this month’s Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories From the Women Who Play Bass – Dec 2021 – Holly Montgomery
“Confrontation is always tough, but for others to take you seriously, you need to take yourself seriously.” Holly Montgomery is currently signed to Blue Elan Records in Los Angeles, with her west coast band, Mustangs Of The West. She has been active in the DC Music Scene since 2011 after moving to the east coast Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories From the Women Who Play Bass – Nov. 2021 – Joanna Smith
“Confrontation is always tough, but for others to take you seriously, you need to take yourself seriously.” – Joanna Smith Hailing from upstate New York, Joanna Smith started her musical journey on the piano in 2nd grade. Two years later she joined her elementary school’s orchestra on upright bass and has been honing her Read More …
Wonder Women: Stories From the Women Who Play Bass – Kirby Barber
In this month’s installment of Wonder Women; Stories from the Women Who Play Bass, we’re checking in with Kirby Barber. I first met Kirby at the Solo Bass Competition at Winter NAMM 2020, where she competed against an impressive international lineup of performers to become the second-place winner of the event. She has been Read More …
Wonder Women; Stories From the Women Who Play Bass – Liza Carbe
In this month’s installment of “Wonder Women; Stories from the Women Who Play Bass”, we’re checking in with Liza Carbe. Liza is perhaps best known as one of the co-founders of the internationally acclaimed, Billboard-charting Latin-guitar-world-fusion group Incendio. She’s a multi-talented author, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose career includes both composing for TV and film Read More …
Chapter 1 – It All Goes Sideways
I woke up very early the morning of Wednesday, July 14. My mother had recently gone back into the hospital due to a heart issue, so I attributed the day’s early riser status to stress. I made the best of the situation; committed to the early up, made breakfast, got some practice time in, took Read More …
Wonder Women; Stories From the Women Who Play Bass – Mohini Dey
So, y’all know there’s always some projects I’m working on in the background. I may have a broken wrist, but rest assured, I’m still finding ways to stay in the game. Thankfully I had worked on this before the wrist fracture…getting it across the finish line in recent days was far easier due to the Read More …
Vengeance is the sound of a table saw…
I’ve never done this before. But I picked this stump from the fallen tree to see if I can make a bass from the bones. Hope I picked a good one. The maple tree that clobbered the van was diagnosed with ambrosia. I figure if a quartersawn slab doesn’t work out from the stump, a Read More …
I never thought I’d be a person receiving a Go Fund Me…but I am. And I’m grateful.
My inner circle has some really special folks. Everyone in that circle was angered today by the bait and switch by Nationwide (see my earlier post for the details). To be clear; these are folks who are privy to the aspects of this story I haven’t told here yet. You think this Read More …
MOD Dwarf – Walkthrough and First Impressions
So, I know folks have been following the sucktastic turn of events in my world since 7/14/2021. The story of the aftermath is still being written…we’ll save that for another post. I got my MOD Dwarf in the meantime, and thankfully a few students have been curious enough to explore it with me. Otherwise, I’m Read More …
When your bones speak….
Update from the doc… 4 weeks in a cast while the bone sets. No screws or plates. Cast comes off at the end of August. But I gained another tidbit of insight. If you’ve played any gigs with me, or taken an in-person lesson with me…folks notice I tend to pause every Read More …
It’s called SuperVan for a reason…and now insurance company fuckery is afoot…
Still have a blog to write. It’s coming. I’m spending life on the phone with all kinds of folks right now. Doctors, insurance, students, tree removal people…(hey tree folks…return my damn calls! I have a check for you!!) But look what we found under that tree on Saturday. (That process is a whole crazy story Read More …
Broken Bones and A Microburst
So, I’ve been kinda quiet. Here’s why. July 14th…the same day I fell while working out, hit my head, and fractured my wrist…we had a microburst here in town. I was sleeping, enjoying that sweet, sweet sedative shot I had just gotten at Patient First. Such a sweet nap, I slept through the severe thunderstorm Read More …
The “Strong Woman” Archetype
I love how women bring their kids to me, some of them with the whole “I love that they are learning from a strong female,” mindset. Fine. Then do me a favor as your kid’s teacher; don’t pawn off music-related tasks on your husband to do, with a standoffish vibe of “I’m not Read More …
Shou Sugi Ban Pedalboard Build – Part 1
Timestamps listed here if you wish to skip sections. Making the board strips – 0:27 The End Caps – 5:06 Staining – 5:57 Loading The Board – 9:59
Farther To Fall
I wanted to try something completely different than I usually do on a bass….more like a jangly “singer-songwriter coffeehouse” feel for a change. Tapping into some “Hole Hearted” (Extreme), “Rusty Old American Dream” (David Wilcox), and even the Black Crowes for inspiration. Tuning (low to high) – C# G# C# G# Farther to Fall Read More …
Video Debut during NS Design’s CONNECT2021 event
I AM A DC WAMMIE 2021 FINALIST!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR VOTING! I’m really happy to say Ashleigh Chevalier is also a Finalist for Best Blues Artist/Band. Congrats to her! You can check out her new album at her Bandcamp page. Stay tuned for the 2021 Wammie awards! More info here.
All Of Me – remastered and re-released
All Of Me by Brittany Frompovich And then…there were two! Two tracks on my newly minted Bandcamp page. As mentioned in my previous post…it only took a pandemic to create enough time in my schedule for this to become a thing. For this track, I revisited the vault of old recordings and gave this one Read More …
Hello Bandcamp!
Ain’t No Sunshine by Brittany Frompovich I’m finally on Bandcamp! I know it took a bit…like a pandemic…for me to finally get the time to set this up. I don’t mean to make light of the pandemic…people are dying, people are getting sick and not getting well…but in this particular case, this little bit of Read More …
Virtual NAMM: Inside the NS Connect 2021 event!
I’m missing the NAMM show right now. The hang at the UVA Bar, seeing friends, the gear. The great shows. Taking some time to head over the Galaxy’s Edge at Disney. I’m not missing the expensive convention center food though, that’s for sure. Or the cost of plane tickets. NAMM is being held online this Read More …
It’s time for the DC WAMMIE awards!
So, Ashleigh Chevalier released her new EP, “Live at the Drive-In 2020.” It also happens to be WAMMIE nomination season. The WAMMIES is “a 31-year-old award show recognizing DC area musicians for their artistic works” (as quoted from their FB page). Ms. Ashleigh took 4 nominations total, shortly after the release of her new EP. Read More …
Join us next week for NS Design’s CONNECT 2021 event!
I am buttons-popping proud to be part of the NS Design CONNECT 2021 events next week. This is the first time we’ve have to navigate a “virtual” NAMM show, and I’m pleased to be a part of it. Here’s the schedule of live premiere videos and live roundtable sessions from the NS Design event next Read More …
Ashleigh Chevalier releases “Live At The Drive-In 2020”
This show was one of the highlights of my 2020. And now part of that show is an EP. I’m going to let Ms. Ashleigh talk about this album in her own words. “2020 was a doozie for all of us. I was super excited to join some of my best musical friends on a Read More …
Christmas 2020 Solo Bass using the new Limited Edition NS Design CR6 Radius Bass
Here it is. The long-awaited, and highly anticipated…the NEW Limited Edition NS CR6 Radius Bass in Charcoal Satin. Completely stock for this video…even used the stock strings. (They are D’Addario…I like my GHS strings but I wanted to give this bass a try entirely stock, “straight off the rack”.) The only thing I did was Read More …
The Ashleigh Chevalier Band Performs “Further On Up The Road” At The Crescendo Studios Drive-In Concert
The videos keep coming from the Crescendo Studios Drive In Concert Series. For this week’s blog, The Ashleigh Chevalier Band Performs “Further On Up The Road” At The Crescendo Studios Drive In Concert. Jon Wiley (red Fender guitar/vocals) takes the band through this cover. Featuring Joseph Miller (drums), Michael Watkins (keys), and special guests Linwood Read More …
The Ashleigh Chevalier Band Performs “Hard Workin’ Woman” At The Crescendo Studios Drive-In Concert
We’re back with another installment from Crescendo Studios Drive In concert series. The talented Sandi Redman caught this video of the Ashleigh Chevalier Band performing Ashleigh’s original song, “Hard Working Woman.” The band is; Ashleigh Chevalier (vocals and guitar), Joseph Miller (drums), Jonathan Wiley (guitar), Michael Watkins (keys), and yours truly in the bass chair. Read More …
Introducing…the limited edition NS Design CR6 Radius bass
Today’s offering of bass porn. What can I say? I like my subjects to have a natural look… Enter the limited edition NS Design CR6 Radius Bass. It is badddddddasssssssssss. 🔥😈🔥❤️🎉💀🤛🏻💪🏻 With a 34” scale length, 17 mm spacing…I picked this bass up and I pretty much felt at home immediately. It’s got a powerful, Read More …
The Ashleigh Chevalier Band performs “Burnin’ Down” at the Crescendo Studios Drive In Concert
Thanks to the talented Sandi Redman for this video of the band performing Ashleigh’s original song, “Burnin’ Down”, during the Crescendo Studios Drive-In Concert Series. The band is; Ashleigh Chevalier (vocals and guitar), Joesph Miller (drums), Jonathan Wiley (guitar), Michael Watkins (keys), and yours truly in the bass chair. Special guests for this concert included Read More …
Pedalboard update – adding MIDI, parallel cabling, and more
Since we’ve hit quarantine, and all of my lessons have migrated to the online format, I’ve been adding virtual meetups for my students to the calendar. In among the open mic nights and other virtual performances, one such meetup is a monthly event where we talk about gear. Last month we focused on pedals. I’m Read More …
A LIVE show in 2020? YES! And it’s a drive-in live concert experience!
August 14th, the Ashleigh Chevalier Band will be performing at Crescendo Studios as part of the drive-in concerts series. The lineup for the band includes Ashleigh Chevallier, Ron Holloway, Linwood Taylor, Jon Tyler Wiley, Joseph Miller and myself. This is going to be a fantastic show! Check out some footage from the Pearl Street Warehouse, Read More …
Sith Happens
So, Kerry Lathon of Lathon Bass Wear came out with this bangin’ Bass Jedi shirt late 2019, early 2020. I decided to wear it on a trip to Galaxy’s Edge. Photo credit to Lee Britt for catching this pic in Galaxy’s Edge. During the Winter NAMM show, a few folks (along with myself) asked when Read More …
The Space Bass
I’ve been doing a Virtual Open Mic night with my students every other week, frequently featuring various guest performers. Once a month, we do an event called the Fellowship of the Clefs (also nicknamed the East Coast Gun Club.) The Fellowship gets together and tells the stories of our instruments and how we found them….or Read More …
Respect the Clef…
Achievement 1; getting the iPad to be a pretty decent photographer during quarantine! Portrait mode + 10 second timer = not too shabby. #yougotthejob Achievement 2; The real goal was to show off this fab shirt by artist/musician Paul J. Vigeant Jr. Digging this creative and organic bass clef shirt design. I picked this shirt Read More …
Some friends published this great DIY guide – “Thrive and Survive in the Music Business: Learn how to book your band, book a tour and get your royalties…
If you are on my socials, you might remember that time early in quarantine….in my hammock…on my tablet. Editing. Writing. Out in the early spring sunshine. So why should you care? Well, here’s the story….and my part in it starts at Winter NAMM 2019. For the record, Liza Carbe is kickass. So is JP Durand, Read More …
New Song: “A Cold Hello”
I put together a Virtual Open Mic Night a few days ago for the students at all five of my teaching studios. As with most open mics, the host usually kicks things off with a performance. The COVID -19 lockdown provided me with the time and opportunity to work on my original music and to Read More …
Mercury Tree – Huntress
The Ginger Bass Mafia got to open for these guys last year at Orion Studios in Baltimore. I’m loving seeing these video releases from that show. Their instruments were all modded to be microtonal. #feelinglikeaslackernow Video shot by Jefferson Ogata.
COVID-19 Journal – 4/17/2020
Quarantine achievement unlocked; Skype interview at 11 AM with Rob Letcher for Junior Achievement. (Thank you Rob!). Hopefully my morning voice wasn’t too gravelly. The Rode NT1 to the rescue. #bloomsburgalums Bonus points; no cats crashed my Skype session. #thanksforkeepingitprofessionalsquad
UPDATE on the COVID-19 Rig Rundown – Alternate Webcam solutions!
Update to my COVID-19 Rig Rundown post from a few weeks back (a post that was an overview of my Skype setup). Some folks may already be using this solution and don’t need this info. For those who haven’t tried this yet; hopefully, this will be helpful to someone. I already have two webcams, but Read More …
VintageSpector.com is now live!
Saw this great note just pass through my socials from PJ Rubal, so I want to share it here! This looks to be a great site for history on Spector basses, with some nice pics of basses from different time periods in the history of the company. hello everybody ! www.VintageSpector.com is now live! additionally Read More …
The Sound of COVID-19
“Its protein spike contains three protein chains folded into an intriguing pattern. These structures are too small for the eye to see, but they can be heard. We represented the physical protein structure, with its entangled chains, as interwoven melodies that form a multi-layered composition. The spike protein’s amino acid sequence, its secondary structure patterns, Read More …
Folding@Home in the fight against COVID-19
A few weeks back, I heard about Folding@Home as a way to help in the COVID-19 fight. Here’s a link to the original article that aired on WTOP news. To quote the article, “Folding@home is a new project focused on disease research, and in this case, possible cures for coronavirus. Here’s how it works: Read More …
4/5/2020 – COVID – 19 journal
I haven’t ventured out in the car since 3/13. It is now something of an enjoyable game to see how long I can go before I need to go out and resupply. That could still be awhile; the cats still have at least 12 days worth of canned food, and I still have plenty of Read More …
4/3/2020- COVID-19 Journal
Borrowing this from Kathryn Dietz Hichborn, it seemed like a good Covid journal entry for today. April 3, 2020 Mandatory stay-at-home order issued by the Governor from March 31 to June 10th Gas price a mile from home was $1.84 School cancelled – yes cancelled for the remainder of the school year Self-distancing measures on Read More …
4/2/2020 – COVID – 19 journal
This field hospital is 10 minutes from my house. This is a stark reminder that the world is changing drastically, so rapidly. I taught 9 lessons online today, from 1:30 to 9 PM. Another 5 lessons scheduled for tomorrow, possibly 7 total if I get a response from someone. The Steampunk bass made an appearance Read More …
4/1/2020 – COVID -19 Journal
I skipped more than a few days of my COVID journal. I had worked 12 days…basically because of people wanting to rearrange their schedules for lessons due to their work schedules changing. The essential government workers are on shift work now, so the buildings are less populated when they are there. That means people who Read More …
MOD Dwarf
I blame Ben Titus and Steve Lawson. But mostly Ben Titus. Ben says I’ve been a great enabler for the money he’s spent on gear (you are very welcome Pete Skjold). So, it was definitely long overdue for Ben to be my enabler. 19 hours left to go on this Kickstarter. If we ever fly Read More …
Moving forward with the Steampunk Headless
I took a needed break from the all the screen time, Skype lessons, and the news. I fired up my soldering gun and wrapped up work on the Steampunk headless. I’ve got some tweaking to do, but it’s up and running. And I opted for the chicken head knobs. However, the other knob set found Read More …
NoTreble’s new community resource to help bassists during COVID-19….
Many thanks to Corey Brown for putting this website together…stop by and check it out. In his own words “We quietly launched something this morning. (The big promotion is coming this week). Until then, buy an album and/or book, and sign up for lessons (and submit your own). Support the bass playing community and please Read More …
Rig Rundown COVID – 19 style – online lessons using a BOSS RC-300
Typing this out in case it helps someone out. I’ll probably be posting more tips and tricks as things progress. The Boss RC-300 can be dropped into audio mode under System settings and used as an audio interface. The intention was probably initially “just” for recording, but that means it can be used as an Read More …
Stay Home!
Question about music apps for a new iPad user…
I got this question from a student; I’m going to reply to it here for folks looking for apps for their phones/software for laptops to augment distance learning experiences. I’ll also include apps that are not solely iOS apps. “I have now gone full Apple – iPad and iPhone. What apps beyond Onsong do you Read More …
Positive Energy Drink
Working on getting a possible “stand up desk” style Skype setup going today. I found this can while cleaning. When I first saw this at AC Moore, it made me laugh on a particularly rough first day of the RVA Folk Fest. I was nervous, running later than I would have liked, and feeling like Read More …
3/22/2020- COVID-19 Journal
I’ve missed more than a few days of entries here. My schedule…and my whole pacing for my week…and really my whole system of how I do lessons…has gone off the rails for a bit there. I’m getting students (and even some other teachers) migrated over to the online format. Hours and hours of screen time Read More …
New Video with the Folk Metal Band Teshaleh!
Like many musicians, my Ginger Bass Mafia brother Chris Welborn is involved in a range of musical projects…as well as he should be. He’s been a stage hand at many major venues around DC, MD and VA, working with major touring acts from all over the world. He’s been on tour with the melodic progressive Read More …
COVID-19 journal – Teacher Exhaustion
Consider this an entry into my COVID -19 journal for the last two days. This is the fucking truth right here. Pulled an 18 hour day a few days ago helping parents and students get online AND other local teachers who never had never done Skype lessons before. I end every day exhausted anymore. And Read More …
Ben Titus Performing at the GHS Booth at Winter NAMM
I’m increasing the output of content on my YouTube right now. So this is a great time to swing by for videos from myself or other artists I enjoy. Recent content includes John Ferrara, Soften The Glare, Daniel Champagne, and myself. Today’s video – Ben Titus performing at the GHS Booth at Winter NAMM. Thanks Read More …
3/18/2020 – COVID -19 Journal
3/18/2020 – Day 2 – COVID 19 journal I texted a friend this morning, “Kicking off the apocalypse today with sleeping in (only made it to 7:30 am and then woke up…gonna have to work on that…the alarm was for 9 am) blogging, and then some pancakes for breakfast. Judging on traffic, I’m wishing I Read More …
COVID-19 Journal – Day 1 – 3/17/2020
Leslie Ann Castro-Woodhouse posted this on her FB page yesterday. This quote will be helpful for context. “As some of you know, I’m a trained historian (PhD, UC Berkeley, 2009). One element I’m especially passionate about is trying to imagine what it was like to live through various moments in time: what was it like Read More …
The win – win for brick and mortar music stores to allow teachers to migrate to online lessons during COVID-19
A thought for the brick and mortar stores considering if online lessons are a wise choice right now. I know brick-and-mortar locations are deathly afraid of the whole online lesson paradigm. Managers are often quick to point fingers at “online lessons” for “ruining their business”. But yesterday, one store I stopped by had already lost Read More …
New video – Soften the Glare at Orion Studios, Sept 2019
It’s always a treat when STG comes through our area. I was in the house with my iPad Pro 11, shooting both video footage and still pics at the show. Bonus treat; Jefferson Ogata (the gentleman who shot the videos of the Ginger Bass Mafia at Orion)… …well, Jefferson also shot Soften the Glare performing Read More …
John Ferrara at Orbital Music Park
John Ferrara, bass player virtuoso from NYC, made a visit to Richmond on Feb 8th 2020 for a masterclass and solo bass performance. Here’s an excerpt from that extraordinary evening of music.
More Highlights from Winter NAMM 2020…
I’m back with another installment of Winter NAMM 2020 highlights. This time the focus is on the NS Design booth with pics of the new Radius 6 string prototype, the Phil Jones Booth, the Spector Booth, the Ibanez booth, and the GHS Booth. Quick performance cameos from Chance W. Onody, Michael Albronda, I give one Read More …
“Hallelujah” – house concert footage
A friend recently asked me to submit a playlist of videos as part of his booking needs and promotions for an event. I did a quick search on YouTube and found this;a video from a house concert in 2014. I was performing with bassist Stewart McKinsey. Enjoy, and as always, your feedback and comments are Read More …
More Winter NAMM videos – The First Annual West Coast Solo Bass Competition
I’ve got a new video up on my YT channel. This is footage from the First Annual West Coast Solo Bass Competition during Winter NAMM. This gives you a great feel to the variety of performers and styles in the competition, the great supportive energy in the room, and a sense of how well attended Read More …
Concert Clip; Daniel Champagne at Pickers Supply
Checked this guy out over the weekend. An Australian singer songwriter (now based in Nashville) with impressive percussive and tapping techniques on acoustic guitar.
Galaxy’s Edge, part 2 – The Droid Depot
I’m still unpacking and editing a LOT of video and photos from the January trip to NAMM / Galaxy’s Edge. This week, I’ve got the second part of the Galaxy’s Edge video up on my YouTube. Many thanks to Lee Britt for letting me raid his iPhone for footage of my droid build. This second Read More …
NAMM 2020 – part 1 – highlights, videos and more!
I’ve been back from Winter NAMM for two weeks now, and I’m still editing videos of guitar and bass porn from the NAMM show. There is so much media, I’ll be doing several videos that will work like short features; the video will focus on a booth or event of interest. Two videos were released Read More …
Exploring Galaxy’s Edge
Smuggler’s Run Video
I took a day off from Winter NAMM and headed across the street to Disneyland on a side quest. I went with a friend to Galaxy’s Edge. This was actually my first trip to any Disney park in my life. This is video from the first time I rode Smuggler’s Run. There are 6 people Read More …
Testing the new Powerwave wheels
Just in time for Winter NAMM 2020! In this video, I test out the new Bass Gizmotron Powerwave wheels against the classic sawtooth wheel shape. If you own a bass Gizmotron, you’ll want to check out what the new wheels sound like, and what makes them work.
2019; It’s a Wrap!
2019. The ending was a bit bumpy, with grandmom’s passing. There were some hard days with a lot of tears this fall. But when you look at the whole year…wow. Just, wow. We opened for Soften the Glare with a new bass-centric project. We pulled content from my solo show, and flushed it out for Read More …
Pepper meets Ananda
I posted about a cat hoarding case earlier this year on social media. And I was were prepping to adopt one of the kittens from that case. First off…kudos to the young lady who is working with around 20 kittens from this case….it involved roughly 100 cats spread over 2 shelters. However this young lady Read More …
Steampunk style Warwick 211 PRO Cab Conversion
I’ve been working on this older Warwick rig steampunk conversion for a few months. Phase one was just painting the stripped-down rig and doing the stenciled accents. Now we’re on to part two; wiring in the lights and doing some work on the speaker jacks. Fortunately, I have a student who wants to learn electronics Read More …
Dame Evelyn Glennie
I adore Dame Evelyn Glennie. I see a lot of commonalities in what she talks about…I’m not deaf, but bassists do hear with their bodies. I love collecting instruments. I love feeling music punch through my body. Most musicians know and love that feeling. And to those folks who still believe musicians should not get Read More …
Enrollment is open for the 2020 Rock Orchestra Class!
Photo by Aaron Gibson WANTED: String players for a Winter/Spring 2020 Rock Orchestra Class! WE ARE LOOKING FOR acoustic & electric string players; violinists, violists, cellists, & double bassists of all ages & skill levels. We will be performing rock, pop, and original music in an orchestral setting that uses a rock rhythm section (drums, Read More …