by Jim Stinnett
review by Matt O’Donnell, Managing Editor
For those interested in studying the electric bass seriously in the past, it would not be uncommon for you to have to work on your fingerboard and musical skills with something out of the Sturm 110 études book for string bass, or the Nanny equivalent. While many of [...]

Nonesuch Records
Review by Matt O’Donnell, Managing Editor
Antifogmatic, the sophomore effort from the New York-based acoustic ensemble Punch Brothers is brimming with an unspoken, yet cutthroat attitude that going forward, music does not need to differentiate between catchy tunes and compositional thought. Led by mandolin badass Chris Thile, who traded in pop-bluegrass licks for Bach’s solo [...]

Tango Grill – Pablo Aslan
This CD is made for Tango in a very special way, indeed! It maintains the deep traditions of the style and form of these classic songs while improvising over the themes – all the while looking positively forward. Pablo’s Arco-laced acoustic contra bass approach is spicy and playful, and he [...]

Let The Games Begin – Derek Frank
LA-based P Bass wielding Derek Frank leads the listener on a romp that includes instrumental versions of Hall & Oats “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)”, and Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun”, and includes a version of Curtis Mayfield’s “Pusher Man”! Wait. That’s the “1,2,3 – 4,5 – [...]

Copacabana – Nilson Matta
Nilson Matta plays acoustic contra bass the way I wish everyone played! His is the clearest sounding, and most well played acoustic bass since the late, great Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen! A master at driving from the backseat, Nilson’s grasp of structure, harmony and melody shine through again-and-again on this unforgettable Brazilian jazz [...]

Bankers and Gangsters – Black 47
Uh…Black 47 reminds me a lot of an Irish Bruce Springsteen with traditional instruments. Bassist Joseph “Bearclaw” Burcaw pumps his Ernie Ball basses with 8th note conviction – not always an easy task – and adds very E Street Band (Gary Tallent) sounding fills…even if this release (the band’s 13th) [...]

Dave Sharp’s Secret Seven
First of all… anyone who writes a tune called “Boop Bwee Ahh” gets my vote for “Coolest Title of the Year”! Doubler Dave Sharp is a bad boy, and “Chrispy Underground” shows off his formidable acoustic contra groove. This CD sounds like it was recorded in a very comfortable club setting, and [...]

Something Different – Alberto Rigoni
GROOVE! YEAH! From the industrial sounding opening of Something Different’s “The Factory” you get the feeling you’re in for a ride, and this release doesn’t disappoint! Throughout the 10-tune aural festival, Alberto’s throbbing F Bass guides the fantastic band through his twisting, blazing and progressively rocking compositions. Great CD! Particular kudos [...]

Review by Brent-Anthony Johnson
Damian Erskine’s sophomore release as a leader, “So To Speak” is a brilliantly written and played CD with enough cool to launch a thousand copycats! The original material delivered here was more so designed than composed (Damian doesn’t think of himself as a composer) with drummer/percussionist Reinhardt Melz who is also [...]

Review by Brent-Anthony Johnson
Tomo Fujita’s “PURE” announces the latest release of the famed Berklee College of Music guitar instructor. Tomo is world-renown for his positive disposition and precise technique, and “PURE” is a wonderful addition to his all ready stunning resume’ of credits! Featuring the incredible Will Lee, Steve Jordan, Steve Gadd, and [...]