Saturday, March 20, 2010

African Bassists

In my research for this post, I wasn't surprised to find someone had already done what I was trying to do: compile a list of amazing bassists from Africa. The article posted at afropop.org is more comprehensive than what I would have put together, so in addition to the videos I had ready to go, I'll just add some that they left off.

Spotlight on African Bass Players

Armand Sabal-Lecco - Cameroon 
From StanleyClarke.com: Armand Sabal-Lecco is a virtuoso artist, composer, singer and internationally acclaimed bass superstar. His massive list of worldwide credits include Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Sting, Sir George Martin, Seal, Herbie Hancock, Christina Aguilera, Jeff Beck, Carole King, Brian Wilson, Ray Charles, Ringo Starr and Celine Dion.

Sabal-Lecco's compositions for John Pattitucci's "Another World" led to Grammy nominations in 1994, and he has been honored by the National Academy of Recording Artists and Sciences for his work on the Brecker Brothers Grammy Winner "Out of the Loop", as well as the hit 2002 Latin Grammy "Alejandro Sanz Unplugged".
http://www.myspace.com/armandsaballecco 


Habib Faye - Senegal (Mickey Hart, Zawinul, Chet Atkins, Mark Knopfler, Branford Marsalis, David Sanborn)
http://www.habibfaye.net/
http://www.myspace.com/habibfaye


Isildo Novela - Mozambique
http://www.myspace.com/isildonovela


more videos after the jump

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Phish

Since they announced dates to their summer tour, how 'bout a nice video!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Happy St. Patty's Day / Dave Mark

In celebration of Saint Patrick, today's post will highlight Irish bassist Dave Marks, a hot-shot in the London scene.  He also teaches at the ICMP and has been a longtime contributor to Bass Guitar Magazine.  His web site is loaded with great material: interviews, lessons, transcriptions, and more- all totally free!  His YouTube channel is an amazing resource.  He offers live band videos, solos, and classic basslines; discusses concepts like gear, improv, and bad habits; and most importantly gives lessons: scales, ska, funk, and a fantastic 9-part series on walking basslines. 

Dave's solo version of "Message in a Bottle" is a bag o' swhag!


And to represent my home state of Georgia, I have to post one of his bands covering the soulful Ray Charles.


More St. Patty's fun after the jump!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Terrapin's Georgia Theatre Sessions Party

This doesn't have anything to do with bass, but these two companies are close to my heart.

The official release party of Terrapin's "The Iron Tankard".
After tapping the cask of Terrapin's Old Stock Ale at 7 PM at New Earth Music Hall in Athens, Larry Keel will play.  Tickets are $8.  This is the first of four parties to celebrate each new release in the series to benefit the rebuilding of the Georgia Theatre.  Snatch up the limited distribution to find The Golden Ticket- a lifetime pass to the rebuilt Theatre!

More info about brews, bands, and facebook. Oh my!
georgia theatre
new earth music hall
terrapin
facebook