Bass Reviews by Sean Benedik

1. AGOGO by John Scofield Medeski Martin and Wood ·
   Whether you're an experienced jazzer or a novice, this album will inspire you to groove along. I've been caught singing, playing and dancing to the grooves found on this collection of musical art. The album reminds me of Miles Davis' "modal" j...(more)
   Recordings: Jazz · Posted: 1/20/2003 by Sean Benedik (4277)
   
2. Live Art by Bela Fleck and the Flecktones ·
   I've been listening to this album for over 5 years and it never gets tired! I wore out my first copy, lost/lent my second copy, and I'm working on my third. By playing this album in my car and at parties, tons of new Bela Fleck and the Fleckto...(more)
   Recordings: Jazz · Posted: 1/27/2003 by Sean Benedik (4277)
   
3. My Spanish Heart by Chick Corea ·
   This is a brilliant rather introspective album by Chick Corea as he mixes complex harmonies with flamenco styles and rhythms. "Love Castle", "Night Streets" and "Armando's Rhumba" (w/Jean Luc Ponty on violin) are real treats. Electronic keyboard...(more)
   Recordings: Jazz · Posted: 11/25/2003 by Sean Benedik (4277)
   
4. Beyond The Missouri Sky by Pat Metheny Charlie Haden ·
   Haden backs Metheny perfectly on this beautiful album. Look for Haden's perfect solos on Waltz for Ruth, and Message for a Friend. But the highlight of this recording is The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress. Haden has the keenest sense of harmony around...(more)
   Recordings: Jazz · Posted: 1/28/2004 by Sean Benedik (4277)
   
5. SWR Workingman's 160 ·
   My ears are tuned to this amp. It has become my reference standard for home, gigging, headphone and studio. It is relatively small and transportable (I put it in a knapsack). I will NEVER part with this amp.
   Equipment: Amplifiers · Posted: 1/28/2004 by Sean Benedik (4277)
   
6. Bright Size Life by Pat Metheny ·
   What else can I say but WOW! In my opinion, this album accelerated the arrival of full blown fusion. Without this LP, fusion would surely have been delayed by at least a decade. A young Metheny and young Pastorius mix and match licks, chops and ...(more)
   Recordings: Jazz · Posted: 1/28/2004 by Sean Benedik (4277)
   
7. Both Worlds by Michel Petrucciani ·
   The best Petrucciani ensemble assembled. Between Steve Gadd, Anthony Jackson and Petrucciani you couldn't lose the groove if you tried. The band sounds HUGE, tight and well rehersed on this record. The horn arrangements are wonderful with many c...(more)
   Recordings: Jazz · Posted: 1/28/2004 by Sean Benedik (4277)
   
8. Peavey 410TX ·
   This cab has been a good friend of mine for 5 years. In addition to sounding great and looking great this cab has never let me down. If this cab were stolen (not likely at 90 lbs.), I'd cry. Great power handling. Great tone at moderate volume. S...(more)
   Equipment: Amplifiers · Posted: 2/3/2004 by Sean Benedik (4277)
   
9. Ampeg B15N Portaflex ·
   This is a classic. If I lose this one, I don't think I'll be able to find another. That's why I'm going to take good care of this one. The tone is pure warm and round bass. Not for big live shows; perfect for studio dates requiring vintage tones...(more)
   Equipment: Amplifiers · Posted: 2/3/2004 by Sean Benedik (4277)
   
10. Ken Smith Rock Masters ·
    I don't buy any other strings. I have tried them all from D'Addario to LaBella to Dean Markley to GHS. My money is on Ken Smith. String quality has been consistent and predictable over the 4 years I've been buying them and the set is well balanc...(more)
    Equipment: Strings · Posted: 2/3/2004 by Sean Benedik (4277)
    
11. Sony MZ-N10 ·
    This is SONY's perfect MiniDisc recording unit. Every feature needed to record IRL is there. NO INTERNAL MIC though (button mics are cheap on ebay). Highly useful for recording jams and shows. Great for sampling FX for use in Reason or Sonar. ...(more)
    Equipment: Pro Audio Gear · Posted: 5/25/2004 by Sean Benedik (4277)