Jeff Beck DVD

Jeff Beck performing this week... Live at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club
I can't wait to get my hands on this disc. Jeff Beck has been one of my all time favorite guitarist all the way back to his Yardbirds days. Here's a sampling from the DVD.



If you don't recognize and bassist in the clip, her name is Tal Wilkenfeld. Tal is an amazing young bassist from Sydney, Australia. In her short career she has performed with some of the top artists in Rock and Jazz. Tal has played bass with Eric Clapton, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter just to name a few. She was also voted as The Years Most Exciting New Player in Bass Players 2008 Readers Choice Awards.

Kustom Deep End

Kustom unveils Deep End hybrid tube bass line

New Deep End bass amps from Kustom combine classic, punchy tube amp tones and touch with the robust power and articulation of solid-state power amp designs. Utilizing a 12AX7 preamp in tandem with a Tube Gain control, players can drive the tube preamp to elicit natural tube overload in varying degrees. From funky clean to mean and aggressive, the Deep End tube preamp has it covered.

Deep End
The DE50


New Deep End amplifiers are available in 50-watt, 100-watt and 200-watt combo models, plus a 300-watt head and four speaker cabinet configurations. Deep End solid-state power amps deliver defined, articulate power. And when they're cranked up, Kustom's exclusive Organic Clipping power amp circuit lets the Deep End react like an all-tube amp, generating lower order, musical harmonics and natural clipping characteristics just like the best all-tube designs. It's the classic power amp "growl" that bass players know and love, with a smooth transition from clean to grind.

In addition to classic, passive tone controls consisting of Bass, Middle and Treble, Deep End amps feature an innovative new approach to solving EQ issues quickly and effectively. Called "Room EQ," this new circuit consists of Low and High Contour controls, each solving the most common tonal problems that bassists encounter when performing.

Deep End
The DE100


For example, the High Contour control can reduce ear-fatiguing treble peaks that often occur when a room or venue has hard reflections. Alternately, it can be used to reduce treble presence or "sizzle" when required. Low Contour can be used to provide low-end definition in a large, boomy room. Alternately, it can function as a shelving control when pronounced low-end cuts are required. Using both Room EQ controls, players can effectively dial in the EQ structure that works most effectively in any given performance environment.

To make life easier both on stage and in the studio, the DE200 combos and DE300HD head offer a balanced Direct Out with Speaker Emulation. This output was painstakingly engineered to sound like a Deep End amplifier as heard by a bassist standing in front of the amp, capturing the unique tonality of the amplifier/speaker combination. This signal can be used for live applications and in the recording studio.

For more information, please visit www.kustom.com

This is a Press Release

Rees F-Light Bass

The new Rees F-Light bass guitar is being made in Cambridge, England. It has been designed as a full-size performing musician's instrument that is very light, of relatively small overall size, and comfortable to play when standing or sitting. The exceptionally long upper horn for the strap, and the zero overhang of the lower bout beyond the bridge, brings the whole neck closer to the player's body. This makes the bass feel less long, and easier to play. It is much appreciated by women, and men with shorter arms, but is also more comfortable for anybody. The F-Light weighs only 6 lbs, compared to a traditional bass guitar of 10 lbs.



The pickup and controls are a simple effective popular classic choice with a modern twist. The Seymour Duncan Quarter-Pound P-Bass pickup has particularly large pole pieces which provide an wider magnetic field which fattens the tone and adds a bit of extra punch. Vintage replica P-Bass pickup is an option. The controls are simply a volume knob and a very wide-range tone knob. The resonant korina body, and thin lacquer finish, makes the tone of the instrument very responsive to playing technique.

The bass which fits inside quite small gig bags, is easy to carry on and off aeroplanes and store in the overhead locker.
Specifications:

- 4 string, long 34 inch scale, bass guitar.
- Ultra-lightweight - just under 3 kg, about 6 lbs.
- Small overall length and easy to play - the long upper horn brings the headstock closer to the musician.
- Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound P-Bass pickup for punchy full tone of vintage pedigree.
- Highly portable - a travel bass guitar for gigs.
- Korina hardwood body for fine tone and long sustain.
- Choice of wood colours, sunbursts, and fretboard woods.

For more information, please visit www.rees-electric-guitars.com

This is a Press Release

Marquee Capricorn Bass

Axl unveils the new Marquee Capricorn Bass

The original design of the Capricorn bass combines classic elements with modern appointments to appeal to players who appreciate vintage style but want a bass that sets them apart from the rest.

The Marquee Capricorn Bass (AJ-800) has an offset Alder body, a maple neck and a rosewood fretboard. The industry-standard 34" scale length helps insure excellent tone and intonation. The two single-coil EMG-designed Alnico pickups provide round low end with midrange punch. Independent volume controls for each pickup allow players to dial in a range of tones from warm and fat to crisp and aggressive.



The unique 2-piece pickguard is reminiscent of classic designs, but adds a subtle modern edge, and the vintage-style bridge and elephant ear tuners complete the classic vibe. The Capricorn Bass is available in classic black, Olympic white, Lake Placid blue, electric red, sunburst and natural (with maple fretboard).

The Marquee Capricorn Bass is perfect for players who are looking for a great sounding, comfortable bass that is the perfect combination of classic style and contemporary design. The Capricorn bass has a list price of $279.99, and will be available in time for Summer 2009.

The Marquee Capricorn Bass is the newest addition to the popular AXL Marquee Series. AXL Guitars is also the builder of Badwater Series guitars and basses, the AXL Wavepoint and the AXL Jacknife.

For more information, please visit www.axlguitars.com

Alan White with Chris Squire at Benefit Show

Alan White will be performing the music of John Lennon with an all-star band at a show to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Puget Sound Affiliate. Chris Squire is slated to perform in the band. The event will be held on April 18 at the new Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom in Snoqualmie, Washington.

Trevor Rabin has confirmed that he will be participating in this benefit. This marks the first time that Alan, Chris, and Trevor have played together since the Prince's Trust concert in 2004.

Visit the Snoqualmie Casino site for more information, and click here to purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.

Live Shows

While cleaning out an old filing cabinet in my home office I came across a group of old ticket stubs from concerts I've attended over the years. So let's take a trip down memory lane and see how many shows I can remember.

Alice Cooper - Baltimore Civic Center, Baltimore MD
Boston - Capital Centre, Landover, MD
Aerosmith - Capital Centre, Landover, MD
Slade - Capital Centre, Landover, MD
Kansas - Capital Centre, Landover, MD
Bad Company - Capital Centre, Landover, MD
Queen - Cole Field House University Of Maryland, College Park MD
Blue Oyster Cult - Capital Centre, Landover, MD
Black Sabbath - Capital Centre, Landover, MD
Jethro Tull - Baltimore Arena, Baltimore, MD
W.A.S.P. - Baltimore, MD
Ted Nugent - Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
Rick Derringer - Martinsburg, WV
Mediaeval Baebes - MD Renaissance Festival Crownsville, MD
L.A. Guns - Baltimore, MD
Thin Lizzy - Capital Centre, Landover, MD
Uriah Heep - Capital Centre, Landover, MD
REO Speedwagon - Capital Centre, Landover, MD
Mahogany Rush - Martinsburg, WV
Atlanta Rhythm Section - Capital Centre, Landover, MD
Foghat - Capital Centre, Landover, MD
Nazaerth - Capital Centre, Landover, MD
The Sweet - Capital Centre, Landover, MD

There are more artists but right now my old memory is failing me a bit. So stay tuned. To be continued.

King's X

I became a fan of King's X with the release of their debut 1988 album Out of the Silent Planet and have followed their career since.

For those who may not be familiar with the band or their music here's a little bit of background.

King's X is an American (Springfield, Missouri) rock band known for their sophisticated sound that combines progressive metal, grunge, funk and soul. The core of the band, Doug Pinnick on bass, Jerry Gaskill on drums and Ty Tabor on guitar, began playing clubs around Springfield, MO in the early 80's performing under the name The Edge. After going through a couple different rhythm guitar players, it was decided to continue as a trio and to change the band's name to Sneak Preview.

Sneak Preview independently released a self titled album in 1983. Only about 1,000 copies were pressed. It's been rumored that the band was so unhappy with this first effort that they destroyed about half of the LP's themselves. I have search used record stores for years and have had no luck locating a copy of this very, very rare album.

In 1985 the band moved to Houston Texas and caught the attention of Sam Taylor, then vice president of ZZ Top's production company. It was Taylor who convinced them to change their name to King's X and helped the group secure a contract with Megaforce Records in 1987.

1988 saw the release of King's X debut album. Although hailed by music critics, the album didn't do very well commercially topping out at #144 on the Billboard album charts. Neither single from the album Out of the Silent Planet, "King" or "Shot Of Love" charted very well either.

King's X second album Gretchen Goes To Nebraska released in 1989 fared only slightly better from a commercial standpoint than Out of the Silent Planet but many fans, including myself, consider this to be the beginning of their most creative period.

Throughout the 90's King's X began developing a larger and larger following due in part to touring with AC/DC, Living Colour and the release of Dogman (1994) on Atlantic Records. Dogman showcased a more muscular and heavy sound for the band. King's X enjoyed a very successful tour promoting the album and playing Woodstock '94 in August of that year.

In 1998 the band signed with Metal Blade Records and released five albums through 2004. From 2005 to the present King's X has been signed to InsideOut Music and have released two studio albums, Ogre Tones in 2005 and XV in 2008. Both albums were produced by Michael Wagener who has produced and or mixed albums for Alice Cooper, Ozzy, Great White, Metallica, Janet Jackson, Megadeth and Motley Crue to name a few.

On January 22, 2009 their concert at the Electric Ballroom in Camden, London was filmed and is to be released as a live DVD.

Here's a sampling of King's X from the 2008 XV album. The song is titled "Pray" Take note of the bass Doug Pinnick is playing, it's a custom 12 string Yamaha. You can get a closer look at the bass at 12StringBass.net.

North Carolina Championship

Congratulations North Carolina on your 5th NCAA Championship. Final score North Carolina 89, Michigan State 72.

There's always next year WVU. Go 'eers!

Mott The Hoople 40th Anniversary Reunion Shows

From Mottthehoople.com:

Mott The Hoople

Reunion Extended to Five Nights!

Mott The Hoople announce the final dates of their HMV Hammersmith Apollo residency. The original nights two nights (2nd & 3rd October) sold out in a weekend, and the first additional night (1st October) has now also sold out. So due to high levels of public demand, Mott The Hoople have added two final shows at the Apollo on the 5th and 6th October.

See the Tickets page for ticket information.

Reunion Extended to Five Nights!

HMV Hammersmith Odeon, London UK
1, 2, 3, 5 & 6 October 2009

Mott The Hoople announce the final dates of their HMV Hammersmith Apollo residency. The original nights two nights (2nd & 3rd October) sold out in a weekend, and the first additional night (1st October) has now also sold out. So due to high levels of public demand, Mott The Hoople have added two final shows at the Apollo on the 5th and 6th October.

The return of one of the best loved Rock & Roll bands of all time, it has been 40 years since the highly influential Mott The Hoople formed in 1969. Mott The Hoople return to The Hammersmith Apollo – scene of near riots following their shows in ’73 and recorded for the legendary Mott The Hoople Live album. This will be the first time the original line-up has played together for over 35 years.

It is fitting that the 2009 shows are at Hammersmith Apollo – this is where one side of the famous Mott The Hoople Live album was recorded in 1973 and was the venue they had to play twice in one day to satisfy ticket demand, the second show ending in near riot when the curtain came down on their final encore.

Who knows what will happen this time but these are sure to be historic gigs. Thanks to name-checks from Rock & Roll stars over the last 40 years and regular plays on radio, TV and film (All The Young Dudes is the lead song on the Juno soundtrack and features in many more), Mott The Hoople’s audience is getting younger. Whatever age, expect an audience which has an unshakeable belief in Rock & Roll.

* Find out how to get Tickets to the reunion shows

* Read the Latest News about Mott The Hoople


It doesn't look like I'll make it to London to see any of these shows. I sure hope this series of concerts are captured on video so the Hoople fans around the world can witness this reunion.

Whitesnake 2009 USA Tour Dates

I just finished listing Whitesnake's 2009 US tour dates at Fret World. If you get the opportunity to see this band live don't pass it up. You will not be disappointed. Even after 30 years of rockin' these guys are performing at the top of their game. David Cloverdale's voice just seems to get better with age. Give a listen to "Lay Down Your Love" and judge for yourself.