The november issue of the Premier Guitar magazine features an article by Dan Berkowitz about searching for a rig that could double nicely for both electric and double bass: “Quest for an Acoustic Bass Amp”.
The Johann-Matthias-Sperger Gesellschaft (Johann-Matthias-Sperger Society) has launched their new website: www.spergergesellschaft.de.
Besides articles about composer and bassist Johann Matthias Sperger, the website features informations about the Sperger-Wettbewerb (double bass contest). The next Sperger-Wettbewerb will take place from Sept., 29 to Oct., 5. 2008 at Ludwigslust (near Schwerin, North-Eastern Germany)
Bassist Rufus Reid has written an article on “Being a Bassist” for the magazine All About Jazz – New York:
“The bassist of any group or ensemble is the core, the foundation, the ‘rock’, one who stabilizes the unit when it becomes shaky and the individual that everyone depends on dearly ‘to always be there!’ (…) All members in the group desire a positive, confident and consistent posture by the bassist. The desired musician has what everyone wants and needs to make the ensemble the best. Let’s explore the necessary aspects that will make you that desired bassist.”
You can download PDF of the current issue (that also feautures an interview with bassist Larry Ridley) at the magazine’s website for free.
Flea: The most incredible thing about the upright bass—the few times I’ve played one—is the way you can feel the whole thing vibrate when you have it up against your body. It’s like your body is resonating with the instrument. It’s a very fulfilling feeling.
Haden: It is! That’s why I stand so close to the instrument when I play. I put my head next to it. One night in 1959 I was playing at the Five Spot with Ornette, Don Cherry, and Billy Higgins, and I always play with my eyes closed—but I opened my eyes, and there was some guy onstage with his ear next to my ƒ-hole. And I was like, “Who is this guy?” And Ornette was like, “That’s Leonard Bernstein!” And I was like, “Okay . . . .”