ALLEN WHITMAN, former bassist with legendary virtuoso guitarist JOE SATRIANI and co-founder of the San Francisco-based influential instrumental surf-rock trio THE MERMEN has announced the digital-only release (through label SQUEAKEY STUDIOS) of a new soundtrack/ambient album “MONOGATARI NO FŪKEI.”
The album incorporates acoustic guitar-driven sonic environments with samples and synth that forwards a pace matching its title: “Landscape Of Stories”. The movement, using field recordings made on a recent visit to Japan, is compelling, occasionally contemplative and often propulsive.
ALLEN WHITMAN, a stalwart of the San Francisco music scene, also credits live performance and musical collaboration with, among many others, the likes of HELIOS CREED, TINY TIM, THE SANDALS, THE INK SPOTS, NELS CLINE, MIKE KENEALLY, CARMINE APPICE, DOROTHY MOSKOWITZ, DJ QUEST, SAMMY HAGAR, TONY MACALPINE, DWEEZIL ZAPPA, STEVE LUKATHER, STEVE VAI, STEVE MORSE and JOHN PETRUCCI.
WHITMAN has also worked extensively in live music for theater, particularly with California-based Theatre of Yugen for live performance in a modern Noh style in San Francisco, New York City, Tokyo and Austin.
“Anahata” is the new collection of compositions by bassist Tim Franklin and his brother keyboardist/Grammy Nominated Producer, Michael Franklin. The Franklin Brothers have performed and recorded with the Who’s Who of music: Brian Wilson, Bruce Hornsby, Joe Walsh, Paul McCartney, Joe Bonamassa, members of the Rolling Stones, Toto, Moody Blues, Yes, Chick Corea, Ian Anderson, Jean Luc Ponty, Rick Derringer, Edgar Winter, Pat Travers, Tower of Power and many others.
“Anahata” is a continuation of Michael Franklin’s cast of thousands production model, as with the highly acclaimed productions Jon Anderson (Yes) “1000 Hands Chapter One” and Robby Steinhardt (Kansas), “Not in Kansas Anymore”.
Featuring collaborations with: Tower of Power, Billy Cohbam, Tommy Calton, Charlie DeChant, Larry Coryell, Danny Jordan, Steady Joseph, Brian Snapp, Steve Walters, Pat Gulotta, Paul Parker and others. The title Anahata was inspired by and is a tribute to, their friend and mentor, Larry Coryell, the legendary “Father of Fusion Guitar”. It has many spiritual meanings, one is, “The Color of Sound”.
“When you come to the anahata, or when your energy is dominant in the anahata, you will start to hear sounds that you could not hear till now”. - Sadhguru
Wally Waller, the renowned bass player of The Pretty Things and accomplished producer, is set to release his first-ever solo album, “Kitchen Rock,” on May 19, 2023. The album will be available in both CD and vinyl formats, with the CD version including additional material not featured on the LP.
“Kitchen Rock” is an enthralling and deeply personal album, born from the raw and intimate solo acoustic sessions that Wally Waller recorded in his kitchen amidst England's 2020 lockdown. This exceptional collection showcases a selection of iconic songs Waller penned alongside his lifelong friend Phil May for The Pretty Things, as well as cherished rock ‘n’ roll classics from his formative years during the golden era of Rock, providing listeners with a truly unique musical journey. Tracks such as “Can’t Help Falling In Love” and “Can’t Judge A Book By Its Cover” are presented in an authentically intimate manner, with Wally’s signature rasp taking center stage.
The album’s charm lies in the authenticity of these home sessions, as Wally effortlessly transitions from solo takes to full ‘one-man’ band productions, demonstrating his undeniable talent and versatility. DDME.net describes the results as “pretty amazing,” highlighting the honesty and special nature of “Kitchen Rock.”
The CD and vinyl release of “Kitchen Rock” will include liner notes featuring song commentary by Wally and lyrics, allowing fans to delve deeper into the album's creation and meaning.
About Wally Waller: Wally Waller, born Alan Edward Waller in Barnehurst, grew up in Bexley, Kent. He began his music career in the early 1960s with Bern Elliott and the Fenmen before joining The Pretty Things in 1967. Waller played bass and wrote songs alongside lead singer Phil May, contributing to albums such as “Emotions,” “S.F. Sorrow,” and “Parachute.” In 1971, he left the band to work as a producer for EMI, collaborating with artists like Barclay James Harvest and Marcus Hook Roll Band. Waller later rejoined The Pretty Things on multiple occasions, contributing to the band’s legacy.
About Think Like A Key Music: Think Like A Key Music is an independent record label devoted to the promotion and production of frequently underrepresented music. The label’s objective is to produce timeless, inspiring, and uplifting music releases for an ever-evolving world. Possessing a wealth of experience and talent, Think Like A Key Music offers a fresh perspective to the music industry by crafting releases that resonate with listeners for years to come. We invite you to embark on a musical journey with us, exploring our diverse catalog, and uncovering new favorites as well as revisiting cherished classics.
Bass virtuosos Alberto Rigoni (solo, BAD As, Kim Bingham, Vivaldi Metal Project etc.) and Michael Manring (solo, Alex Skolnic, Steve Morse etc,) are glad to announce the release of their new album “Grains of Sand” on September 15th.
The album, fully instrumental, spans from prog to fusion, jazz, ambient and features Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, A-Z) on drums. Also, on some tracks the duo invited some bassists as special guests such as Billy Sheehan, Stuart Hamm, Adam Nitti and more.
Alberto Rigoni says: “After the release of ‘Song for Souls’ in memory of my father I said I was going to retire (at least for a bit) but well… I could not resist making an album with one of the best bass players in the world like Michael. Hope you will enjoy it!”
Michael Manring says: “Alberto is a prolific artist with a deep love of the bass. His enthusiasm is inspiring and it’s always a pleasure to work with him.”
“Grains of Sand” will be available in digital, Digipack CD and limited edition tape/cassette! You can pre-order “Grains of Sand” at http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com
Features guest performers Sammy Hagar, Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, Gregg Bissonette, Gary Husband, Eric Johnson, Bill Frisell, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Alex Ligertwood, Scott Henderson, Marcus Miller, Ron Carter, Tony Levin, Michael League, Nathan East, Mark King, Bruce Guttridge, Billy Sheehan and Johnny Hiland!
“Jack Songs” produced by John McCracken
Bass icon Jeff Berlin will be releasing a new tribute album to legendary Jack Bruce titled “Jack Songs” on August 2, 2022! Jack Bruce, best known for his work with classic rock group Cream as well as his critically acclaimed solo work passed away in 2014. Jeff Berlin, who has been called “the greatest bass player in the world”, was a personal friend of Jack’s and wanted to record his songs in remembrance of how Jack helped Jeff to find his own musical path.
Says Jeff, “Recording the music of Jack Bruce has been the most emotional recording project of my career. Jack was the greatest bass influence I ever had. In the center of his music were these strange and wonderful bass lines weaving in and out of the key, reaching for resolutions and finding them, again, and again. Jack’s playing was a living evolving improvisation.
Jack was the Alpha and Omega for me. I never would have become the bass player I became if I didn't hear his unfettered improvisations and innovations, his creating a completely original bass tone, and his playing every gig as if it was his last. When he died, I immediately set out to honor him by reviewing his music to choose some of my favorite songs of his and recording them via my own musical vision. As was his legacy of musical brilliance, I wanted this record to be brilliant to honor his spirit. He really means this much to me.
‘Jack Songs’ isn’t a cover CD, not in the literal sense. Except for a couple of tunes from his Cream period (arranged in ways that should surprise people) most of the songs on this CD come from other periods in Jack’s musical life after Cream. Jack’s solo career represented a multitude of musical styles. This recording will be a new revamp of some of those songs, some of the best music that I heard from one of the greatest musicians of the last fifty years.
In arranging the music, I was inspired by Giles Martin’s production of The Beatles ‘Love’ CD. His production work on this CD is fantastic. I tried to follow his example of his fitting various Beatle song quotes from different tunes into each tune by doing a similar thing by combining different Jack songs. Rather than computerized manipulation of music that was already recorded, I arranged the music so that each song on ‘Jack Songs’ would end up as an individual work comprised of various parts of other songs in them. I never would have thought of this without Giles showing me this path.”
Guest performers:
Sammy Hagar, Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, Gregg Bissonette, Gary Husband, Eric Johnson, Bill Frisell, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Alex Ligertwood, Scott Henderson, Marcus Miller, Ron Carter, Tony Levin, Michael League, Nathan East, Mark King, Bruce Guttridge, Billy Sheehan and Johnny Hiland!
JACK BRUCE, BASSIST FOR THE ICONIC BAND CREAM, ONCE DESCRIBED JEFF BERLIN AS THE “THE BEST BASS PLAYER I’VE EVER HEARD.”
Photo by Arnie Goodman
For over 40 years, Jeff Berlin has stood as one of the most innovative electric bassists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Known for his one-of-a-kind tone, jaw dropping technique and highly advanced harmonic approaches to the bass, Jeff has been one of the major figures in firmly establishing the electric bass as a solo instrument well deserving of its own distinct place in modern music.
Jeff’s recording and performance credits include a who’s who of jazz and rock. They include: Bill Bruford, Allan Holdsworth, Larry Coryell, Pat Martino, John McLaughlin, Anderson Wakeman Bruford Howe, Frank Zappa, Patrick Moraz and many more.
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com Jeff Berlin is available for interviews – please contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR
“The Superleggera’s body shape is unique and perfectly balanced. The subtle references to the great Marcello Gandini (Lamborghini Miura, Alfa Montreal) are sublime. The brushed aluminum hardware is entirely bespoke. The bridge is made to my design parameters (as tool free as possible) with Tao’s usual attention to detail and magnificent design aesthetics. The pickups are custom Benedetti.” - Hansford Rowe
American bassist Hansford Rowe began his career in the clubs of New York City. With French drummer Pierre Moerlen, he reformed the jazz-rock group Gong. PM’s Gong is considered one of the great fusion bands of the late 70s. Recording guests included icons like Mick Taylor, Steve Winwood and Didier Lockwood. International touring soon secured Hansford a place among the world’s leading bass players and work with Mike Oldfield, Allan Holdsworth, John Martyn, Biréli Lagrène, La Monte Young, David “Fuze” Fiuczynski, Gary Husband etc Hansford, with Warwick bass guitars and guitarist Jon Catler developed the first Just Intonation bass. He is considered an expert in the use of alternate tuning systems. His last record is Decadence by Gong Expresso.
Tao Guitars was founded by Belgian luthier duo Serge Michiels and John Joveniaux in Brussels in 2004. The boutique builders collaborate closely with customers to perfectly outfit guitars to the individual and since the two luthiers handcraft all of the instruments by themselves they limit their output to just a few instruments per year. Infused by a deep sense of design and inspired by architecture, Italian auto design and Japanese aesthetics, Tao’s work is a perfect balance between functionality, tone and adventurous design. For more on Tao Guitars, please visit: http://www.taoguitars.com/.
HR Superleggera Bass by Tao Guitars
• Lightweight Swamp Ash body • Neck-through of Bosnian maple with a Wenge center (tinted black) • Wenge fingerboard with brushed aluminum fret marker inlays • Custom proprietary Benedetti pickups • Proprietary aircraft-grade brushed aluminum hardware • Circular graining of electronics box aluminum lining • Modified Hipshot lightweight tuners • Proprietary titanium truss rod by KTS Japan (single bar, double action) • Fret and nut material 18% Nickel / Silver (Maillechort – copper, nickel, and zinc) • Paint: Lamborghini Oro Elios • Scale: 34.5” • String spacing at nut: 9mm • String spacing at bridge: 17mm • Fingerboard radius: 14” • Weight: 7.8lbs • Price: 14,000 Euros
Featuring Nathan East, Leland Sklar, Michael Manring, Tony Franklin, Doug Wimbish, Adam Nitti, Lars Lehmann, Cody Wright, Mohini Dey, David Pastorius
Alberto Rigoni's “For The Love of Bass,” simply put, it’s bass heaven.
After the success of his latest prog rock album “Odd Times,” Italian bassist & composer Alberto Rigoni (BAD As, Natural Born Machine, The Italians, Vivaldi Metal Project), now releases his 10th solo album. As the title suggests, the instrumentation is exclusively electric bass, spanning ambient, fusion, jazz and new age styles.
“It has been really challenging but the special guests contributed some gorgeous playing and we are all proud of the result,” says Alberto. “For The Love of Bass” is an all-star bassists album featuring some of the best players anywhere: Nathan East, Leland Sklar, Michael Manring, Tony Franklin, Doug Wimbish, Adam Nitti, Lars Lehmann, Cody Wright, Mohini Dey, David Pastorius,
Are you ready to face a new bass experience?!
Watch Alberto Rigoni's new video for “Masked Souls” feat. Nathan East & Michael Manring:
Other distributors: Disk Union (Japan), MVD (USA), Burning Shed (UK), Plastic Head (UK), Digital Platforms (Apple Music, Spotify etc.)
Tracklist: 1. Drops of Memories (feat. Tony Franklin) 2. In the Loop (feat. David Pastorius) 3. Dreamers (feat. Michael Manring) 4. Alone in the Dark (feat. Doug Wimbish) 5. Paranoia (feat. Cody Wright) 6. The Maze (feat. Mohini Dey) 7. Masked Souls (feat. Nathan East & Michael Manring) 8. Social Distortion (feat. Adam Nitti) 9. Mad World bass cover (feat. Leland Sklar) 10. Killers (feat. Lars Lehmann) 11. Misirlou bass cover (feat. Lars Lehmann) 12. Lost (feat. Adam Nitti)
Biography
Born in 1981, Alberto Rigoni is an Italian bass player and composer, internationally known for his career as a solo artist and as a member of the metal band BAD As, The Italians, Natural Born Machines Lady & THE BASS, co-producer of the Vivaldi Metal Project and member of progressive rock band TwinSpirits (no more active).
Between 2008 and 2020 Alberto has released worldwide 9 solo album (Something Different, Rebirth, Three Wise Monkeys, Overloaded, BASSORAMA, Duality, EvoRevolution, Prog Injection, Odd Times), spanning from progressive rock metal to fusion. His albums also featured legendary musicians such as Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree, King Crimson), Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), Göran Edman (ex Yngwie Malmsteen), Michael Manring and many others.
Alberto has been featured on the cover of magazines such as Bass Magazine (Japan), Bass Musician Magazine (USA), Bajos Y Bajistas (Spain), Basistas (Poland), TOP BASS (Poland). Moreover, in March 2015 the prestigious Bass Guitar Magazine (UK) released Alberto’s CD anthology called “Into THE BASS.”
Alberto has also recorded for several international artists such as Italian pop singer Alexia and he is also playing bass for Canadian rock singer and songwriter Kim Bingham (ex-Nelly Furtado) and The Italians, sharing stages with artists such as Alan Parson, Suzanne Vega, Jørn Lande, Paul Gilbert, Vinnie Moore and others.
In 2016 founded a new metal band called BADASS (now called BAD As) which released three albums (More Pain More Gain, Midnight Curse and Crucified Society.
On December 15th 2017, Rigoni together with bassist Jeff Hughell (Six Feet Under) released a new studio project called Bassists Alliance. The first album “Crush” featured top notch bassists such as Michael Manring, Adam Nitti, Steve di Giorgio, Colin Edwin, Mark Mitchell, Scott Reeder, Dmitry Lisenko, Brandino BassMaster, Ryan Martini, Leonid Maksimov, Tony Grey.
In 2019 founded a new AOR band called “Natural Born Machine” featuring famous Pink Cream 69 singer David Readman. Their debut album “Human” was released on February 19th 2021 by Pride and Joy Music.
Currently he is also collaborating with famous producer Hiro Furuya (Elton John, Eric Clapton, etc.) as session bassist.
His tenth album “For The Love of Bass” feat. all star bassists such as Nathan East, Lee Sklar, Michael Manring, Doug Wimbish and many others will be released on April 2nd 2021.
Featuring Nathan East, Leland Sklar, Michael Manring, Tony Franklin, Doug Wimbish, Adam Nitti, Lars Lehmann, Cody Wright, Mohini Dey, David Pastorius
Alberto Rigoni's “For The Love of Bass,” simply put, it’s bass heaven.
After the success of his latest prog rock album “Odd Times,” Italian bassist & composer Alberto Rigoni (BAD As, Natural Born Machine, The Italians, Vivaldi Metal Project), now releases his 10th solo album. As the title suggests, the instrumentation is exclusively electric bass, spanning ambient, fusion, jazz and new age styles.
“It has been really challenging but the special guests contributed some gorgeous playing and we are all proud of the result,” says Alberto. “For The Love of Bass” is an all-star bassists album featuring some of the best players anywhere: Nathan East, Leland Sklar, Michael Manring, Tony Franklin, Doug Wimbish, Adam Nitti, Lars Lehmann, Cody Wright, Mohini Dey, David Pastorius,
Are you ready to face a new bass experience?!
Watch Alberto Rigoni's new video for “Masked Souls” feat. Nathan East & Michael Manring:
Other distributors: Disk Union (Japan), MVD (USA), Burning Shed (UK), Plastic Head (UK), Digital Platforms (Apple Music, Spotify etc.)
Tracklist: 1. Drops of Memories (feat. Tony Franklin) 2. In the Loop (feat. David Pastorius) 3. Dreamers (feat. Michael Manring) 4. Alone in the Dark (feat. Doug Wimbish) 5. Paranoia (feat. Cody Wright) 6. The Maze (feat. Mohini Dey) 7. Masked Souls (feat. Nathan East & Michael Manring) 8. Social Distortion (feat. Adam Nitti) 9. Mad World bass cover (feat. Leland Sklar) 10. Killers (feat. Lars Lehmann) 11. Misirlou bass cover (feat. Lars Lehmann) 12. Lost (feat. Adam Nitti)
Biography
Born in 1981, Alberto Rigoni is an Italian bass player and composer, internationally known for his career as a solo artist and as a member of the metal band BAD As, The Italians, Natural Born Machines Lady & THE BASS, co-producer of the Vivaldi Metal Project and member of progressive rock band TwinSpirits (no more active).
Between 2008 and 2020 Alberto has released worldwide 9 solo album (Something Different, Rebirth, Three Wise Monkeys, Overloaded, BASSORAMA, Duality, EvoRevolution, Prog Injection, Odd Times), spanning from progressive rock metal to fusion. His albums also featured legendary musicians such as Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree, King Crimson), Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), Göran Edman (ex Yngwie Malmsteen), Michael Manring and many others.
Alberto has been featured on the cover of magazines such as Bass Magazine (Japan), Bass Musician Magazine (USA), Bajos Y Bajistas (Spain), Basistas (Poland), TOP BASS (Poland). Moreover, in March 2015 the prestigious Bass Guitar Magazine (UK) released Alberto’s CD anthology called “Into THE BASS.”
Alberto has also recorded for several international artists such as Italian pop singer Alexia and he is also playing bass for Canadian rock singer and songwriter Kim Bingham (ex-Nelly Furtado) and The Italians, sharing stages with artists such as Alan Parson, Suzanne Vega, Jørn Lande, Paul Gilbert, Vinnie Moore and others.
In 2016 founded a new metal band called BADASS (now called BAD As) which released three albums (More Pain More Gain, Midnight Curse and Crucified Society.
On December 15th 2017, Rigoni together with bassist Jeff Hughell (Six Feet Under) released a new studio project called Bassists Alliance. The first album “Crush” featured top notch bassists such as Michael Manring, Adam Nitti, Steve di Giorgio, Colin Edwin, Mark Mitchell, Scott Reeder, Dmitry Lisenko, Brandino BassMaster, Ryan Martini, Leonid Maksimov, Tony Grey.
In 2019 founded a new AOR band called “Natural Born Machine” featuring famous Pink Cream 69 singer David Readman. Their debut album “Human” was released on February 19th 2021 by Pride and Joy Music.
Currently he is also collaborating with famous producer Hiro Furuya (Elton John, Eric Clapton, etc.) as session bassist.
His tenth album “For The Love of Bass” feat. all star bassists such as Nathan East, Lee Sklar, Michael Manring, Doug Wimbish and many others will be released on April 2nd 2021.
