Heartcore Records announces masterclasses in collaboration with legendary jazz-rock/fusion bassist Tim Lefebvre, offering a rare and unique glimpse into the creative process of one of the industry’s most in-demand musicians.
Berlin-based independent music label Heartcore Records will release the instructional method Tim Lefebvre- New Bass Concepts Part 1 and 2 on September 20th, 2024 (available for pre-order now). Packed with vital information for bassists, improvisers, and music enthusiasts alike, the two-part video lesson series offers viewers an exclusive opportunity to sit one one-on-one with Lefebvre as he offers instruction culled from his vast experience playing alongside some of the foremost innovators in modern music. Tim is open and forthright throughout as he addresses conceptual subject matter, instrumental idiosyncrasies, and practical tips for the working musician. Split into two hour-long episodes, New Bass Concepts Part 1 and 2 is a concise but invaluable and expansive resource for students of all levels looking to expand their artistic palette.
Throughout his wide-ranging career, Tim Lefebvre has amassed a reputation for being one of the world’s most innovative bassists. His playing style is an addictive blend of vintage rock, jazz improvisation, soundtrack undertones, and electronic grooves that can be heard on his appearances on over 150 recordings, ranging from Grammy award-winning albums such as David Bowie’s “Blackstar” to the soundtracks of classic films such as The Departed and Ocean's 12. From 2013 to 2018, Lefebvre was the bassist of the dynamic blues rock ensemble Tedeschi Trucks Band and can be heard on three releases, “Let Me Get By,” “Live From The Fox Oakland,” and “Signs.” He has worked with groundbreaking artists Wayne Krantz, Boomish, Uri Caine, Chris Botti, and Leni Stern and was the substitute bassist in Saturday Night Live from 2001 to 2008. Now based in Los Angeles, Lefebvre is currently the bassist for the award-winning Michael Wollny Trio, improvisational free-jazz group Whose Hat Is This?, Blackstar bandmate Donny McCaslin, and Rachel Eckroth.
Episode One of New Bass Concepts covers Tim’s thoughts on the fundamentals of bass technique, groove and time, scales, influences, and stylistic playing. Interspersed between improvisational exercises and in-depth discussions on musical influences are anecdotes from Tim’s storied career as a bassist with Wayne Krantz, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Uri Caine, David Bowie, and many others. Appropriately, Tim shares his thoughts on ensemble playing in a wide variety of contexts and musical situations and reflects upon a definitive list of his “desert island” bass recordings. A practical-minded musician possessing a deft ability to cut through educational misinformation, Lefebvre offers his thoughts on the oft-neglected topic of “what not to do” when playing in a group, recording, and on the bandstand.
In Episode Two of New Bass Concepts, Tim unveils in exacting detail the essential secrets behind his own individualistic and signature style of bass playing. His in-depth discussion of pedalboard tips and tricks gives students a path to emulation of Lefebvre’s definitive style, as well as a springboard for their own original ideas. He also addresses an array of influences that have become foundational elements of his own personal sound- drum ‘n bass, D’Angelo style neo-soul grooves, and ambient electronic pads. Tim provides a myriad of examples, references and cornerstone recordings that define these unique forms of music, and offers a systematic method for bassists and other instrumentalists to approach playing confidently within these genres. Lefebvre circles back to address fundamentals discussed in Episode One against the backdrop of modern musical experimentalism, and displays an uncanny ability as a teacher to connect seemingly disparate influences into an organic whole.
Tim Lefebvre- New Bass Concepts Part 1 and Part 2 is sure to become an indispensable educational guide for the modern bassist and improvising musician. The two-part masterclass series is an effective and thorough method for improvisers and composers looking to advance toward the cutting edge of contemporary music and sonic possibility. Lefebvre’s no-nonsense approach gives the student a definitive pathway to growth and opens the doors to new realms of inventiveness and self-discovery through music-making. Available exclusively through Heartcore Records, New Bass Concepts Part 1 and Part 2 - individually and in a special bundle - will be released on September 20th, 2024, and available for digital download exclusively through heartcore-records.com.
