2009 Kai Eckhardt Mentorship Program

I received a message from Kai Eckhardt that he is offering a program for bassist's who want to expand their abilities. The program will include video clips, practice log and real feedback from Kai. The 2009 Kai Eckhardt Mentorship Program is 3 1/2 months long and cost $108. Worth every penny!

He will also be offering direct lessons via Skype. The best way to reach Kai is through his Facebook page at this link.....Kai's Facebook Page. In your message just include the word "Mentorship" as the subject and he will get right back to you.

You can also find more information on the program at his website, here is the link....Mentorship Program

Here is one of my favorite clips from Kai's days with John McLaughlin.....

Marcus Miller "The Wall, Depletion, and the Light That Is Waymon Tisdale

I found this video of the eulogy given by Marcus Miller at the funeral services for Waymon Tisdale this week. This video is a must watch and says a lot about Waymon and Marcus, both amazing men.

Julie Slick of the Adrian Belew Power Trio

Today I realized that I just don't do enough post on the great lady bass players out there. So I wanted to give a shout out to Julie Slick. Julie is a Philadelphia resident who plays Bass for The Adrian Belew Power Trio along with her brother Eric on Drums. When not on the road with Adrian she works at Rembrandt's Restaurant on Fairmount in Philadelphia.

Some of you might be familiar with Adrian's work with King Crimson and when you hear the tone Julie is copping in this video you'll know why she is such a great fit for the Adrian Belew Power Trio.

Jazz Great Wayman Tisdale Dead at 44

The bass community is sadden today by the announcement that jazz great [OK, he played a little basketball to] has lost his battle with bone cancer. The one-time Oklahoma star and NBA player who recorded several jazz albums, died at 44 after a two year battle with cancer. Tisdale, was an Olympic gold medalist and three-time All American for Oklahoma, played for the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns during a 12 season NBA career.

As a bass player, Tisdale made his jazz recording debut in 1995 with "Power Forward." He released eight albums, all of which were top 10 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, including three that went to No. 1 -- 2001's "Face to Face," "Way Up!" in 2006 and his most recent album, 2008's "Rebound," which features a cover of Barry White's "Never Gonna Give You Up" with country singer Toby Keith on vocals.

Tisdale was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2007, and his right leg was amputated last August.

Thanks for the music Wayman.....rest in peace man!

Help give Wayman's family some support by buying his music. Here is a link to some of his great music on Amazon.Com



====================================================================================

Aguillar Amplification Announces Master Class With Gary Willis

Aguilar Amplification, maker of high quality bass amplifiers, speaker cabinets and accessories for bassists is pleased to announce the continuation of their Artist Series Master Classes on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 with endorsing artist, Gary Willis. An in demand clinician, Willis has lectured in over 20 countries and currently teaches improvisation and arranging at the prestigious Escola Superior de Musica de Catalunya conservatory in Barcelona, Spain. His published works for Hal Leonard include Fingerboard Harmony for Bass, Ultimate Ear Training, and 101 Tips for Bass.

Willis is also a respected bassist and composer who has performed and/or recorded with Wayne Shorter, Allan Holdsworth and Robben Ford. As co-founder of Tribal Tech, Willis released nine critically acclaimed recordings with the legendary fusion group. His latest release as a bandleader is 2007’s, Actual Fiction. Willis is also a member of avant jam trio Slaughterhouse 3 and the new group, Triphasic.

This event is free to the public and will be held at Aguilar’s New York City showroom. Attendees will tour the Aguilar factory and be able try out Aguilar products such as the enormously popular Tone Hammer preamp/D.I and the recently announced DB 751 amplifier.

RSVP to info@aguilaramp.com by May 11th, 2009. Space is limited!