The Bass Geek

I’m unable to find the permalink, so my apologies if this gets pushed down a slot or two over the next few days. But one of my favorite groups is losing one of my favorite bassists, and it’s causing some pain. Leonard Hubbard may have been the perfect bassist for hip-hop (not to slight the contributions of Preston Crump and Mike Elizando in any way) because he knew exactly when to emulate the 808 or take off on his own line and let everything else follow him. From the mostly upright contributions on the early albums to the more electric sounds on the last few, there was nothing Hub couldn’t handle. Listening to some of the cuts on live Roots tracks perked my ears, especially on songs like “The Next Movement.” He was taking hip-hop and playing counterpoint while still making it funky. He knew what to do and when to do it, and he will be missed.

The Indianapolis Star’s business section devoted some column inches to my fair district today. They forgot to mention the free wireless, but that’s more of an incentive than a business. Anyway, it looks like the green stripe of paint is become more than just pigment of promise, and thus it is news pleasantly accepted.

The Excellent Virtu Fine Art Gallery was a sight to behold when I browsed through it last Friday. I usually only get to peek in the windows during early-morning dog walks, so it was great to get a look inside. It was an interesting assortment of original works and movie memorabilia, and you had to be VERY careful which comics you chose to let your children peruse. Damn fine work.

I should also mention that the article left out an stellar graphic designer and a talented freelance bassist/author, but let me know if you want to talk to them.

I moved a little music to the iPod this weekend, between the monthly re-up at eMusic and some rummage sale finds. Anymore, I seem to just be shuffling podcast on and off my player, and it can sometimes be a chore keeping up with them. There are the can’t-miss episodes from Downtown Soulville, Coffee2Go, the Indiefeed hip-hop show, and the Onion, and some others sprinkled in that I can take or leave. Still, I managed to fit some albums in there, including music from:

• Charles Mingus And Max Roach - an interesting collaborative album on some standards; I actually got this after an NPR story on Governor Faubus, and I wanted to associate that name with something good
• Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers - a collection of live stuff (the only way to listen to go-go) that showcases his groove and easy transition from one song to another (just to keep the dancers moving). He’s also got his priorities straight - he spent at least half of one song instructing the men to back up so the ladies could get to the front of the stage
• Little Axe - the Sugar Hill rhythm section attacking the blues dub-style; like most dub albums, I think the entire disc what sets the mood, and picking and choosing individual songs is kinda useless. This sets the mood well.
• Roger and Zapp - yeah, it’s a greatest hits thing; so what?
• Jason Moran - excellent young pianist

Upon reflection, I think I need to go find some newer albums. Catalog stuff is fine, but I’d like to see what else is out there. Any suggestions (besides the new Dethklok and Me’shell N’degeocello albums coming out on 9/25, that is)?