TAURUS PLAYERS since 2008
Richard Bona
Multi-instrumentalist, bass guitarist, drummer and singer from Cameroon. Bona began learning to play the guitar at the age 11 of 1978. His career began 1989 in France. Bona started cooperation with French top jazzmen - Didier Lockwood, bassist Mark Ducter and African jazz stars - Manu Dibango and Salif Keita. Bona has spent 7 years in Paris, improving his musical skills and learning from the outstanding musicians such as Joe Zawinul.
In 1995, he moved to NY where he used to play with Larry Coryell, Mike Stern, Pat Metheney, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Jacky Terrasson, Bob James, Sadao Watanabe, Branford Marsalis, David Sanborn, Regina Carter, Bobby McFerrin and Randy Brecker.
Performing, Richard Bona immediately catches contact with the audience. He gives 100% of his own and the band's energy. His eclectic style mixes jazz, blues, african beats, carribean rhythm and a drop of pop. The technique of playing is very important to Bona. He is a great improviser, he sings very originaly and charming. His concerts are always great experience for the real conneseurs as well as for public who listens to music from time to time.
Richard Bona uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedals - Abigar, Tux, Vechoor, Zebu and the preamp T-Di.
Otto Williams
Otto Williams is a professional producer, musician and musical director who has performed on stages throughout the world. He has worked professionally within television, theatre and concert arenas. He performed live with Chaka Khan, Bobby Brown, Amy Winehouse, Ray Charles, Sia Furler, Roots Manuva, Michal Urbaniak and he worked in studio with Sia, Kalashnekoff, Cartel, Steve Swindle. He has also worked in Coca Cola „The Real Band”, BBC Queens Jubilee „Dancing in the streets” and Sapporo Beer commercials.
Otto Williams uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedal TUX Compressor-Limiter.
Nathan East
East has recorded, performed and co-written songs with Anita Baker, Babyface, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau, Kenny Loggins, and Herbie Hancock. He co-wrote the Number one hit song "Easy Lover" for Phil Collins and Philip Bailey.
He performed on the Grammy Award- winning Unplugged album with Eric Clapton which featured the classic song "Tears In Heaven" (1992). East, a long-time member of Eric Clapton's studio and touring bands since the early 1980s also played on Clapton's "Change The World" which won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1997. Other DVDs and videos Nathan appears on include Babyface Unplugged (1997), Phil Collins' "Live & Loose in Paris" (1998), Eric Clapton's 24 Nights (1991), One More Car, One More Rider (2001), Crossroads Guitar Festival (2004), Fourplay "Live in Cape Town (2006), Andrea Bocelli's, Vivere Live in Tuscany (2007) and David Foster & Friends (2008).
East was invited to play at We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 2009, with a cast of luminaries of all genres of music.
East is one of the original members of the contemporary jazz group Fourplay, along with Bob James (keyboards), Lee Ritenour (later replaced by Larry Carlton) and Harvey Mason (drums). Their Grammy Award-nominated albums have earned platinum status, and have topped Billboard's contemporary jazz charts.
Nathan East uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedals - Abigar, Tux, Vechoor, Zebu and the preamp T-Di.
"When I first saw the pedals I liked them, but now after playing through them, I don't like the pedals... I LOVE THEM!"
Wes Borland (Limp Bizkit)
Wesley Louden Borland is an American musician, best known as the guitarist for the band Limp Bizkit. He has been in several other bands as well, such as The Damning Well, Goatslayer and Big Dumb Face. He also recorded on From First to Last's Heroine album in 2006, and served as bass guitarist for the band's subsequent tour. Borland is well known for his dark and bizarre stage appearance and for his fondness of musical artists that differed greatly from the musical tastes of his bandmates in Limp Bizkit. Borland performed in Black Light Burns, in which he sang and wrote most of the music. As of 2009, Borland has rejoined Limp Bizkit to record the album Gold Cobra and start the Gold Cobra tour.
Wes Borland uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedals Vechoor and Zebu.
Felton Crews
Felton Crws is top Chicago bassist. He's one of the most unique and innovative bass players in music today, his signature style has been described as free, open and melodic. Picked up by legendary Miles Davis. Miles called on Felton to do his "Man with the Horn" album. This affiliation continued for several years. In 1986, Felton toured worldwide with Miles on the Warner Brothers Tutu tour. This tour led him to share the stage with such greats as George Duke, David Sanborn, Mike Stern, Robben Ford, and Carlos Santana. Felton appeared with Miles on many TV shows such as Dick Cavett, Crime Story, Amnesty International, and also various European and South American programs. At the same time that Felton was working with Miles he was also working with other well known artists. He recorded with Ramsey Lewis, Randy Hall, Robert Irving, and the Dells. He was also performing with Otis Clay, Otis Rush, Sun Seals, Junior Wells, Billy Branch and a host of others.
Felton Crews uses Qube-450 and Taurus Silver Line effect pedals - Abigar, Vechoor, Tux and the preamps T-Di, Tx-Cross.
"The Taurus Qube 450 Bass Amplifier , is The M.O.A.Bass amps (Mother Of All Bass Amps), the new revolutionary compact design is built with the working bassist in mind, while maintaining great sonic capability. It packs the punch & power to deliver the headroom needed for clean live bass power. Total lightweight construction ,it fit's on the palm of your hand. Try one !"
Mark Egan
Mark Egan is American jazz bass guitarist and trumpeter. He is considered to be one of the most respected and in-demand electric bassists on the music scene today. His unique fretless bass sound and style is both distinctive and versatile and his musical contributions incomparable. With three platinum & three gold albums to his credit, Mark has recorded with the likes of the Pat Metheny Group, Sting, Arcadia, Roger Daltry and Joan Osborne; performed with the Gil Evans Orchestra, Marianne Faithful, David Sanborn, John McGlaughlin and Sophie B. Hawkins and has added his musical prowess to such movies and television shows as; Aladdin, The Color Of Money, A Chorus Line, NBC Sports, ABC’s All My Children, CNN/Headline News and numerous award winning television commercials.
Mark Egan uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedals - Tux, Vechoor, Zebu and the preamp T-Di.
"I am very impressed by the sound and flexibility of the Taurus pedals and find them useful for both live and studio situations"
Etienne Mbappe
Etienne Mbappe comes from Cameroon, but he’s living in Paris, the Jazz capital of Europe. He is just as hard as endeavour as attempting to get a one-shot global view of a multifaceted diamond. And to those who are not yet quite familiar with him, “ATN” so his friends call him, is nothing but a famous and exceptionally talented bass player. With his tremendous creativity, an amazing technique, along with an incredible sense of rhythm he created a full musical genre of his own transcending the boundaries between Jazz, Fusion/Funk, Rock and African sounds. “ATN” is undoubtedly one of the only musicians playing with black silk gloves on! As an astonishing musician, guitar and bass player, and a fabulous composer, singer and songwriter, he has revealed a most complete and varied musical capacity and fully justified the trust bestowed upon him by most great names of the musical scene as well as his public widely spread around the planet. He has worked together with Ray Charles, Salif Keita, Manu Dibango, Steps Ahead, Ray Lema, Mayra Andrare. He played in bands: Ultramarine, Zawinul Syndicate and in 2010 he joined John McLaughlin’s quartet “4th Dimension”.
Etienne has also released two solo albums: “Misiya” and “Su la Take”.
Etienne uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedals - Abigar, Tux, Vechoor, Zebu and the preamp T-Di.
Periphery
Hailing from Washington DC, Periphery is one of the freshest progressive metal acts on the scene today. With their signature blend of polymetric grooves and soaring melodies, the band continues to push the envelope of modern metal music. The Band released their first full length album 'Periphery' on April 20th in 2010. It debuted at 128 on the Billboard Top 200, as well as 2 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Periphery formed in 2005 and currently consists of Misha 'Bulb' Mansoor, Jake Bowen, and Alex Bois on guitars, Thomas Murphy on bass, Matt Halpern on drums, and Spencer Sotelo on vocals. Since its inception, the band has been relentless its effort to have their music be heard. Allowing free access to almost their entire catalog, including over one hundred and thirty download-able songs, this self produced band is seeking to redefine the way music is experienced. To listen and download Periphery’s music, head to www.myspace.com/periphery and www.soundclick.com/bulb. Misha "Bulb" Mansoor and Tom Murphy are delighted with the Taurus effect pedals! Misha has told us they've already recorded some new guitar tracks using Taurus effects.
Periphery uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedals Vechoor and Zebu and the preamp T-Di.
Pippo Matino
He is considered as one of the major specialists and virtuosos of the electric bass by the Italian national critique as well as internationally. Eclectic musician, who sprang from Jazz and its influences funky, blues and rock to Italian popular music. Pursuing a long and rich experience with all the best musicians of the Naples area of the time, he then relocates to Rome and undertakes a new series of collaborations, and, at the same time, initiates his solo career and band leader producing his first album ”Bassa Tensione”. Pippo participated to every Eurobassdays in Verona (Italy), to The Guitar Show of London, Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Bass Player Live of New York and Los Angeles, NAMM Show in LA. He performed with Jeff Berlin, Dominique di Piazza, Dario Deidda, Darryl Jones, Stu Hamm, Jonas Helborg, Linley Marthe, Mattew Garrison,Hadrien Feraud, etc. His current band is: ”PIPPO MATINO Trio”.
Pippo Matino uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedals - Tux, Vechoor, Zebu and the preamp T-Di.
Reggie Worthy
Reggie Worthy’s career as bassist, singer, and songwriter spans almost 4 decades. Already as a teenager in Plainfield, New Jersey, USA he played professionally. While still in school REGGIE played bass on his first local hit, “Let Me Be Your Man” by Tyrone Ashley. Most of his early experience came from playing live with his buddy Gregg “Daffy Duck” Fitz(Quazar, John Hickey Band, Bootsy Collins) in a band they had called Underground Funk. After finishing school he moved to Los Angeles, California where he became bassist for the Ike & Tina Turner Soul Revue(Nutbush City Limits, Proud Mary, etc) and the group STARGARD(Which Way is Up).
While living in LA, Reggie would often fly to Germany to play on a production or do some live playing. During this time he recorded albums or played live with Frank Diez(Peter Mafay), Eric Burdon(The Animals, War), Jackie Carter, Udo Lindenberg, Falco, Inga Rumpf, and more.
He came to Munich, Germany in the early 80’s to record an LP and play some live gigs for Patrick Gammon(Ike&Tina Turner) and ended up staying. Since that time REGGIE has played with or is playing with groups like US 5, N´Sync with Justin Timberlake, Stefan Gwidis, Albano & Romina Power, Arkarmo, Nico Suave, STOPPOK, Universal Supersession, D-Phunk, Käpt´n Kaos, The Giants(Australia), Denise M´baye, Aleksey, Emergency Room, Howard Carpendale, Jimi Voxx, and more.
Reggie Worthy uses Taurus THD-450T amplifier and the Silver Line effect pedal Abigar.
"The Taurus THD is one of the most powerful amps for it’s size I ever played on. Awesome!"
Marco Billiani (Alkbottle)
Marco Billiani, since 1990 Bassist of the most successful Austrian rock cover band ALKBOTTLE, founded in 2010, swears by the sound of his TAURUS Stacks:
"The amp quality, performance and design I was fully convinced, gig after gig runs smoothly requiring firearms license on foreign volume."
ALKBOTTLE sold 140 000 records, completed countless concerts including Supportgigs before bands like KISS, DEEP PURPLE, ZZ TOP, VAN HALEN etc.
ALKBOTTLE published an anniversary DVD & CD box in November 2010. Fans will find not only a qualitatively excellent audio retrospective of last year's "fat wia Christmas" - concert in the Gasometer,but alos a band documentary, Unplugged released recordings of Alkbottle 20 years celebration, commercials and all previously Music videos, from its beginnings to modern times. www.alkbottle.at
Marco Billiani uses Taurus THD-450T amplifier and the speakers TN-410 + TN-115.
"The THD 450T, I play since November 2010, delivers a very powerful bass sound. What I like best in this amp, is two preamps transistor and tube. This feature has infinite number of steps per controller, and provides a rich tube distortion. THD creates a very transparent sound. The transistor stage provides a clear low end, through the mix with the tube preamp gives a compact, powerful Rockbassmix. All the settings are intuitive and easy.
The combination with one 4x10 inch and 1x15 inch box delivers the sheer power in rehearsal rooms, clubs and concert halls. By using a digital amplifier, the amp weights 4.2 kg, and equipped with neodymium speakers boxes make it to about 30 kg each."
Paweł Mąciwoda (The Scorpions)
With the band The Scorpions, Paweł Mąciwoda recorded the albums: "Unbreakable", "Humanity - Hour 1" and "Sting In Tail". Earlier, he used to play in bands: TSA, Oddział Zamknięty, Funk de Nite, Redkot, LAPd, Virgin Snatch. He also worked with musicians such as: Grzegorz Markowski, Piotr Wróbel, Olaf Deriglasoff and Maciej Maleńczuk on the band's WU-HAE album "Opera Nowohucka". Paweł Mąciwoda took part in recording the Michał Urbaniak's album "Urbanator" Paweł Mąciwoda uses the Taurus Pedal Effects: Abigar multidrive, Tux compressor, Vechoor multichorus and Zebu reverb/delay.
Paweł Mąciwoda uses Taurus Silver Line efect pedals - Abigar, Tux, Vechoor, Zebu and the preamp T-Di.
Tommy Denander
Tommy is today one of the most hired guitar players, song writers and producers in the world with more than 40 gold and platinum rewards, 4 US Grammy nominations, an Australian Grammy for album of the year in 2008 and many other awards and readers poll wins around the world.
He works on 150-170 albums a year and has appeared on more than 2000 albums with artists like Michael Jackson, Paul Stanley, Ricky Martin, Alice Cooper, Steve Vai, Gary Moore, Jimmy Page, Carlos Santana, Richard Marx, Peter Cetera, Toto, BB King, Sheryl Crow, David Foster, Desmond Child, Bob Ezrin, Max Martin, Don Henley, Jeff Beck, Tokio Hotel, Backstreet Boys, Westlife, Jimi Jamison, Robin Beck, House Of Lords, David Roberts, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael McDonald, Kelly Keagy, Fee Waybill. as well on many movies including Gorillas InThe Mist (Sigourney Weaver), Code Baltic Storm (Donald Sutherland) and Alice In Wondeland (Johnny Depp) and much more!!
Tommy Denander uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedals - Tux and Zebu.
"I can honestly say that i'm completely blown away by these pedals and every pro player i meet and show them to react the same way!!!
I used to have a whole rack with top gear to help me get my perfect sound live but now i only use the incredible delay/reverb pedal in the loop of my Laboga amp and it sounds like i mixed it in a studio with zero loss of tone and a perfect blend of amp and effect sounds!"
Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation)
Within Temptation is a Dutch band playing gothic and symphonic metal that sold more than 1 000 000 albums and won "Pop Prize" reward. Ruud Jolie was performing with Within Temptation at music festivals, such as: PinkPop, Ozzfest, Lowlands, Dynamo, Rock Werchter, Summerbreeze. In 2007, Ruud announced his plans for a solo project, entitled "For All We Know". Recording this album, he was working with musicians from Pain of Salvation: Kristoff and Daniel Gildenlöw and Léo Margarit and also Damian Wilson from Threshold, Headspace and DWB. Ruud Jolie uses Taurus Pedal Effects: Abigar multidrive, Tux compressor, Vechoor multichorus and Zebu reverb/delay and says that they are:
Ruud Jolie uses the Silver Line effect pedals - Tux, Vechoor and Zebu.
"My Tux (Compressor), Vechoor (Multi-Chorus) and Zebu (Reverb-Delay) Taurus Pedals are the most versatile fx pedals I've owned or even known about. The multiple functions of each pedal are easily combined and give you many options to get every task done. Besides the great sound they also look really, really cool!"
Bruce Gaitsch
Bruce Gaitsch is an American guitarist, composer, and producer. He is best known for working with notable musicians such as Chicago, Peter Cetera, Madonna, Agnetha Fältskog and many others as a session musician and songwriter. Bruce was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. His father was a pedal steel player on the WLS Barndance for years and owned a music store. Bruce's exposure to all this led him to follow the same road. Bruce paid his dues in school by playing every possible kind of gig in Chicago. He joined Jim Petenck's band in 1975 and together they recorded an album for Epic Records. He went on to record more than 3000 sessions in Chicago up until he moved to Los Angeles in 1984. He has also collaborated with Patrick Leonard. Together with Madonna they wrote a song for her "True Blue" record and it became Bruce's first number one song: "La Isla Bonita." This song won Bruce an ASCAP most performed award for 1987. The song has gone on to be #1 in over 24 countries. Over 100 other artists have also recorded Bruce’s songs: Timothy B. Schmidt (Eagles), Peter Cetera, Kansas, The Fixx, Restless Heart, Poco, Phillip Bailey, Tom Scott, Agnetha Faltskog (ABBA), Lara Fabian, Chicago. Bruce has two songs on the new Chicago record "Stone of Sisyphus". He has appeared in Christopher Guests film “A Mighty Wind”. Bruce appears in the film as, you guessed it, a guitarist. Most recently Bruce has been touring with Peter Cetera and orchestra, and working on the "Bossa Nova Hotel" record with Michael Sembello and Janey Clewer.
Bruce uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedal ZEBU Reverb/Delay
„Since I turned on Zebu for the first time, I haven’t turned it off. I use it not as an effect, but as an integral sound component”
Wojtek Pilichowski and his TUX TT Signature
Wojtek Pilichowski has been working as a musician since 1992. He has realised 7 solo albums till now (over 70 000 copies). As a session bass guitar player He realised over 120 albums-most of them with the greatest stars of polish music world. He was repeatedly entreat for cooperation with famous worldwide musicians such as Enrique Iglesias, Tony Royster Jr or Chris de Burgh during their visit in Poland. Wojtek is one of the most famous and recognised bass guitar lecturer who lead the most prestige workshops in Poland. Pilichowski was nominated three times for Polish Phonographic Academy Award. He was selected seven times by readers of "Guitar and Bass" as the best polish bass guitar player. Since 2005 he was guest of festivals: Euro Bass Day (Italy), European Bass Day (Germany), UK Bass Day, Bass Player Live (US).He is invited for shows and concerts from Almaty to Los Angeles.
Wojtek Myspace
Wojtek Pilichowski uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedals - Abigar, Tux, Vechoor, Zebu and the preamp T-Di.
Sam Rivers (Limp Bizkit)
Sam Rivers - American bassist and one of the founding members of the band Limp Bizkit. He has been playing in Limp Bizkit since the very beginning. With the band, he has recorded albums "Significant Other" and "Chocolate Starfish and the Hotdog Flavoured Water". Both of them have reached the platinum status. Limp Bizkit was nominated to Grammys Award three times and won five MTV Awards. In 2000 Sam Rivers was announced the best bass player at Gibson Awards. In 2011, Limp Bizkit released the new album "Gold Cobra".
Sam Rivers uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedals - Abigar, Tux, Vechoor, Zebu and the preamp T-Di.
"I LOVE THEM ALL!!!"
Peter Cetera
Peter Paul Cetera is an American singer, songwriter, bassist and producer best known for being an original member of the rock band Chicago. With Chicago he has recorded the songs:„If you leave me now”, „Hard To Say I’m Sorry”. He also makes a successful solo career. As a solo artist, Cetera has scored five Top 40 singles, including two that reached number 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
Peter uses Taurus Qube-450 and speaker cabinet TN-112
Marcin „Dywan” (Mouga)
Marcin "Dywan" Misdzioł is a bass player of Polish band Mouga. Mouga plays music which combines hardcore energy, alternative melody with weight of heavy metal. In December 2009 firs album was released "The God & Devil's Schnapps" by Mystic Productions. Mouga was discovered very fast as a very promising band and fresh breeze in Polish musical market. It sounds like a compromise of numetal and alternative kinds of heavy music. Journalists evaluate them as the new hope of rock. However, the greatest advantage is the fact that their music cannot be easily pigeonholed. Dywan is going also to do his solo project, he was also playing with DJ’s and pop musicians.
www.myspace.com/dywanbass
www.myspace.com/mougaspace
"Dywan" uses Taurus TH-Cross amplifier.
Kristoffer Gildenlow (Dial, ex. Pain of Salvation)
Kristoffer Gildenlow is a Swedish bassist. He started playing the bass guitar at the age of 14 and less than a year later, he was asked to join Swedish prog-metal band 'Pain of Salvation'. After recording six full albums and one DVD they have decided to go separate ways (early 2006). Kristoffer has also recorded and toured with Lana Lane (US), Erik Norlander (US), Dark Suns (D) and Rocket Scientists (US), Ian Parry (NL), Damian Wilson (UK) and done additional recordings for bands such as Arkan's Origin (BE), Arcana (S), Chirra Niva (NL), Harmony (S) and Implosion (Gr). His new band Dial released its debut album- synchronized- in May 2007. At present he is working on his solo material. More info on official Kris website and his Myspace profile.
Kristoffer Gildenlow uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedals - Abigar, Tux, Vechoor, Zebu and the preamp T-Di.
Vasti Jackson - Taurus effects to the Blues!
Vasti Jackson is the guitarist, songwriter and producer. He may well be the busiest musician in Missisipi. In the last several years, the Hattiesburg resident has appeared in several feature films, a documentary and a TV show, co-produced a Grammy-nominated album, and worked as a session man and road musician for numerous artists. Jackson also performs with his own band and as a solo acoustic act, and recently stepped up front with a new CD, "No Border to the Blues", that might be seen as a distillation of all the work he's accomplished to date. "I love collaborating, but this CD is me putting the music out there from my own personal inspiration", Jackson explains. "There's music that's more traditional blues, acoustic, electrified and more rocking, but at the core of it is a compelling Mississippi attitude."
"Vasti Jackson is the real deal! He plays the blues, he sings the blues, he writes the blues, he produces the blues, and yes, he feels the blues. When you understand the blues, the blues like Vasti has had since his Mississippi childhood, you know that there are no boundaries to the music. It permeates every experience in life. Vasti has proven it with his expansive look at the future of the blues." - Art Tipaldi (Blues Revue Magazine)
Official website of Vasti Jackson.
Vasti Jackson uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedals - Abigar, Tux, Vechoor and Zebu.
Apostolis Anthimos
Apostolis Anthimos ('Lakis' as he is called by friends) was born in 1954 in Siemianowice Slaskie to a family of Greek immigrants. He is most significantly known as guitaristof the Polish rock supergroup SBB. He has also been involved in co-operation with Czeslaw Niemen, Tomasz Stanko, George Dalaras, Vangelis Katsoulis, and also a number of bands, including Krzak and Dzem. Anthimos is a musician of exquisite subtlety, playing both the guitar and percussion instruments. Since 1971 he has continually appeared with Jozef Skrzek in the consecutive SBB incarnations. Starting with the eighties, he has split his time between Poland and Greece, where he became a highly regarded session musician. Back in Poland, he worked with Tomasz Stanko as a drummer and guitarist. During the nineties he has run his own trio, Trias. The new millennium saw the emergence of Apostolis Anthimos Trio. The line-up featured Lakis and two young Polish musicians: the bassist Robert Szewczuga and the drummer Krzysztof Dziedzic. Apostolis Anthimos has participated in the recording of over fifty albums, including thee of his own: Days We Can't Forget (1994, backed by Gil Goldstein, Jim Beard, Matthew Garrison & Paul Wertico), Theatro (1999) and the latest release called Back to the North (2006, backed by Paul Wertico and Marcin Pospieszalski).
Anthimos Apostolis uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedal TUX.
Joe Chemay
Joe Chemay is a well-known bass player & background singer. This top session bassist has played and recorded with names including Elton John, Lionel Ritchie, Christopher Cross, The Beach Boys and Pink Floyd (for the famous album "The Wall"). He has also played with: Shania Twain, Kenny Rogers, Roger Waters, Rascal Flatts, Dixie Chicks, Roy Orbison. Joe formed his own band and recorded their own album in 1980. As the Joe Chemay Band, they got a deal with Unicorn Records, distributed by MCA. They released "The Riper The Finer" in early 1981 in the States, with a 1st single "Proud". Joe's solo venture entitled "Unformattable" from 2007 is the culmination of a life devoted to music. The record is produced by Ed Seay (Martina McBride, Colin Raye) for Trifectone, a writing, producing, publishing and recording partnership between Joe Chemay, Ed Seay himself and Biff Watson.
Joe uses Taurus Qube-450 and speaker cabinet TN-112
Per Schelander (Pain of Salvation)
Per Schelander really hooks the listener into this album with his exciting yet unobtrusive bass lines. In some songs, Per shows he can hang back and just fatten up the song with some impressive low-end bass, and he also shows he can carry a track too, like in the song "You Are". Schelander can also make you stand up and take notice with his unison tap solo on "Uncontrolled" ( quote from review by Metalexpressradio.com).
Music in all shapes and forms has been Per Schelanders style since he picked up the bassguitar when he was fifteen. Around 1988 Per discovered Billy Sheehan and thought that his playing was the coolest thing he had ever heard. He started studying music seriously at the age of 18, starting off with two years in Sweden before he headed for Los Angeles to attend the Musicians Institute. Since then Per have played and recorded with a lot of bands and artist and here's a few of them: House of Shakira, Royal Hunt, Pain of Salvation, Spyke, The Furillos, Coste Apetrea, Ingemar Olsson, Stefan Jämtbäck, Ingmar Johansson, Charlotte Perelli, Bromstens Kapell, Jade Ell, Mercury Fang, Daniel Flores - you can check out my myspace site for more info Per Schelander.
Pain of Salvation has joined "Progressive Nation 2009" together with Dream Theater, Zappa plays Zappa and Beardfish.
Per Schelander uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedal TUX.
Lars Lehmann
Lars Lehmann is a top freelance bassplayer, editor, author and teacher from Germany.
He has worked with artists like U.F.O., Uli Jon Roth, Simon Phillips, Vinnie Moore, Marty Friedman, Gus G., Mousse T., Roachford, Sydney Youngblood, Clyde Stubblefield, Bobby Byrd, Pee Wee Ellis, Randy Hansen, Mark Boals, Lyn Collins, Martha High, Vicky Anderson and many, many more.
In 2010 he released his debut solo album MUSIC LIKE PICTURES which is being distributed via his webside. He is also the author of one of the most highly acclaimed teaching method books for slap bass entitled „Slap Attack“.
Lars has been the editor in chief of german bass magazine BASS PROFESSOR ever since 1996. Besides that he also teaches bass guitar at the university of the city of Hannover, Germany, and is also a guest lecturer at the „Academy Of Contemporary Music“ in London, UK. Lars is endorsing Music Man basses and Markbass amps and cabs. www.larslehmann.com.
Lars Lehmann uses the Taurus Silver Line effect pedal TUX as well as the preamp T-Di.
Annihilator
Canadian metal band Annihilator is the lifework of guitarist Jeff Waters. Founded in 1984, the band took the metal scene by storm with their debut 1989 release "Alice In Hell", upped the ante with 1990's "Never, Neverland" and finished off their 3-record deal (Roadrunner Records) with "Set The World On Fire". While most late-80's era metal bands disappeared, Annihilator went on to forge 9 more studio cds, dvds and live releases, all consistently selling well and remaining true to the heavy metal cause. Tours with everyone from Judas Priest to Pantera to Trivium plus dozens of headlining tours, festivals around the world have been going on since 1989 for this band; no rest for the wicked. In 2003, Dave Padden joined the band as vocalist and eventually took on the role of guitar player as well, a la Hetfield. Dave has sang on the last 4 studio releases and has now etched his name in stone as a top front man in the biz. Jeff Waters and company tear through each release with honest, raw power and energy, along with excellent technical skill and a live show that is considered one of the best in the business. Annihilator has given the metal world a sound that is one of the clearest, most tasteful mixture of huge, metal riffs with the idea of the perfect song. In fact, many non-metal acts and musicians cite Waters and Co. as huge influences in their rock/metal careers. 2 years in the making, Annihilator's 13th studio (self-titled) offering will now be unleashed this May 2010 and promises to give Annihilator the attention it deserves. www.annihilatormetal.com.
Annihilator uses Taurus SLT-300H amplifier and the speakers TN-410.
Samy Saemann (Freedom Call)
Samy is a bass player since 1984, studied at Meistersinger Konservatorium Nürnberg and Bass-School-Munich. he teaches bass for more than 15 years. He has worked with many bands playing different music from Jazz to Funk to Metal. He participated in workshops by John Patitucci, Alphonso Johnson, Jimmy Earl, TM Stevens, Gary Willis. Since 2007 he is a bassist of "Freedom Call", a band playing Power "Happy" Metal www.freedomcall.de.
In 2009 he has started his solo Fun-k-BassPopJazz project "Saemann Combo", CD release in December 2009.
Samy is the endorser for Taurus amps & cabinets, Marleaux and Maruszczyk Basses.
Samy Saemann uses Taurus TH-Cross amplifier and the speaker cabinets TN-210 + TN-410.
Alex Ments
Alex Ments, from Ukraine living in Khmelnitskiy city started to play bass when he was 9 years old. He also went to primary musical school to learn piano. When he was 15, he decided to go further with bass plying and went to Khmelnitskiy Musical College and learn duble-bass and electric bass at the same time.
He has played a lot of gigs and presentations in Ukraine and abroad.
He often used to be invited to Poland to take part in Bassdays Poland. He is also a big fan of Wojtek Pilichowski. You can read more about him listen to his songs on www.myspace.com/alexments
www.ments.com.ua .
Mark Brekelmans
Mark Brekelmans is a metal and rock bass player from the Netherlands. Mark is currently involved in the melodic metal band Edge of Serenity but also cooperates on numerous live and studio projects.
Over the course of the last 5 years Mark has did live shows and recordings for Melora Rain, Forfeit, Grain, Noud Smeets, and many more. He also joined the band Xystus for the stunning ‘Equilibrio, A Rock Opera’ which was performed for thousands of people and was released world wide on CD, live DVD and live CD. Mark is currently working on the follow up album for Edge of Serenity’s 2009 debut album ‘The Chaos Theory’ which will see a global release in 2011.
Mark Brekelmans uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedals - Abigar, Vechoor and TUX.
" I’ve been playing bass for a lot of years and I’ve been searching for good effect pedals for almost as long. I’ve played a lot of different brands, types and flavors, but none of them can hold a candle up to Taurus. If you’re a bass player, and you want effects, Taurus is the best choice.
The Abigar pedal can handle everything from the real vintage, slightly overdriven, sound to big modern distortion. But there is not one setting on the pedal that is useless. It always compliments my sound and it keeps the low end tight and round, no matter what setting I’m in. The Vechoor pedal has the same qualities. It compliments my sound instead of changing it or sucking the life out of it, and every setting is usable! I never found this in a pedal. Normally I would be glad to have one or two sounds that I could use. But with Taurus I have a lot more! Especially in the studio, but also live, this is a great quality! "
Sotirios Kelekidis (Sinew)
Soti, born 1975 in Germany, has played bass-guitar in several Bands since 1991, ranging from Pop/Rock/Hip-Hop/Fusion to Progressive/Thrash-Metal. With his bands he played numerous gigs all across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. His actual band Sinew integrates elements of Indie, Alternativ, Pop, Rock and Progressive music. SINEW's 1st album "The Beauty Of Contrast", released 2008 by Alveran-Records, got excellent reviews. The 2nd album is actually in the making and will probably be released in november 2010. On Sinew's official Myspace you can watch video-clips showing the recording sessions: www.myspace.com/sinewmusic. In the past Soti had been a member in several bands, including Force Trankill (www.myspace.com/forcetrankill) and Psycho Gambola. (http://www.myspace.com/psychogambolamusic). Furthermore he is going to support the metal-band Arms To Amen at some of their live performances (www.myspace.com/armstoamen). Another recent project is in the works.
At Musikmesse Frankfurt was the first time to hear the amazing sound of Taurus. So he had to get the TUX-Pi signature and the Qube-450.
Soti Kelekidis uses Taurus Qube-450 bass head and Silver Line effect pedal TUX.
Adam Fulara
Adam Fulara is a musician, composer, guitar player using two-handed tapping technique, author of method book and DVD: "Two-handed tapping - guitar workshop" (ABsonic 2009), 1st Prize on the Polish National Competition of Guitar Improvisation in Kielce (2005), Honourable (special prize) for "expanding jazz guitar area" in most prestige jazz guitar competition in Europe "Guitar City" (2005), Best Musician Prize on the Polish National Jazz Competition (Sieradz 2004), The Undiscovered talent by Guitar 9 Records (April, May 2006), "Gitarzysta" - Polish guitar magazine editor, plays mostly jazz and polyphony tunes of J. S. Bach.
Adam Fulara & Fool-X trio - official website
Adam uses Taurus SLT-12 combo.
Hellspawn
Hellspawn was formed in 2003 by the following members: Robert Kolman - drums, Daniel Drosinski - guitar, Mariusz Konieczny - bass/vocals. Marcin Garyga joined the group in 2004 and filled the second guitar. In this lineup, Hellspawn has played many gigs and recorded Demo 2005 at Selani Studio, The demo has been released by two labels - as a MCD by Chilean 'Infernal Overkill' and as a split CD by French 'Nihilistic Holocaust'. In the year 2007 Hellspawn decided to build their own recording studio in which they have recorded 'REH 12.07.', as a sample of forthcoming material more of which will be known soon.
Hellspawn uses Taurus preamp T-Di.
"Favorable reviews from both users and critics about Taurus products are not unjustified. The variety of options presented by T-Di is more than satisfying. I can't imagine a situation where the possibilities offered by T-Di would not be enough. Magnificient eq and the vast possibilities of distortion modulation will certainly satisfy every player out there. What is more, when set properly, T-Di can be used more like a compressor than just a simple distortion, which will apparently be favored by those who are afraid to distort their bass. If you need a DI box, a distortion and a compressor all at once, and you have money for only one, look no further. T-Di is more than good at its job, and takes no prisoners."
Ives O'Sullivan (Xerosun)
Ives O'Sullivan is the bassist and main vocalist of the band Xerosun since 2006. Xerosun are a four piece metal band originating from Dublin, Ireland. Combining an eclectic mix of influences, Xerosun produce a melodic, powerful, aggressive and above all, original sound. Xerosun began cutting their teeth by gigging relentlessly across Ireland and England. As the band progressed, the crafting of their sound and vision continued with music videos shot to coincide with two EP releases. These efforts culminated in the band making their live television début to an audience of 500,000 people on Irish national television. Crossing the boundaries of heavy music with soaring and passionate vocals, Xerosun has carved a place for themselves in modern metal. Their debut album “Absence of Light” was awarded the maximum 5 out of 5 by UK's Black Velvet Magazine who described it as a "…dark sounding industrial monster… drawn together brilliantly and magnificently done". The album can be purchased on-line at www.xerosun.com in a limited edition digipak with stunning artwork provided by Seth Siro Anton. Xerosun recorded a version of Paradise Lost's seminal, gothic metal classic 'True Belief'. It pricked the ears of Paradise Lost's guitarist, Gregor Mackintosh, who voiced his approval in an email to the band saying "Cracking cover lads, made me feel very nostalgic". With a strong, grass-roots support in the US college radio circuit and a fast growing fan base in Europe, XEROSUN are set to conquer the world one crushing, melodic step at a time."
Ives uses Taurus Silver Line effect pedals - Abigar and Tux.
"The Taurus Silver Line Tux Compressor/Limiter is basically a nuclear reactor in a stomp box. Not only did it even out my Bass tone, but it brought it to a whole new level, and then propelled it in to the stratosphere! Adding a myriad of dimensions and possibilities to my tone, this is the pedal God would use if he played Bass."
"The Taurus Silver Line Abigar Multi drive is unreal. I mean this thing is lethal, I am now armed and dangerous! My Bass tone has been turned into a raging monster with bone crushing, soul meting power, I was gob smacked. If I was to lead an assault on an attacking horde, I would level them with the Abigar! "
Read the whole review written by Ives on Facebook.
Read more about Xerosun here.
Walter Cerasani
Born in 1969, he started playing at age 15 by himself. During his career he has strengthened and corroborated his eclectic ability playing in various musical contexts (blues, rock, jazz, pop, ethno, dance, funky ...).. In the past he has been part of some Italian pop bands (O.R.O., 6come6, Alessandro Amato ..) going on tours and making studio recordings. In 1997 he began his collaboration with international artists, working closely with Chicago rock/blues musicians and singers (Peaches Staten, Nellie Tiger Travis, Russ Green, Eric Guitar Davis) and European (Stevie Zee). At the same time he also began working with Stan Skibby making several tours with the "World J. Hendrix tribute" in Italy and Europe. Furthermore, he met the great american guitarist “Neil Zaza” and began a musical collaboration, still active, recording and touring in Europe America and Asia becaming the official bassist in “N. Zaza Band”. In the studio he took part in several "cd" by various artists, including "212" (the last work by Neil Zaza). Planned, for the near future, others tours and studio recordings. Actually he is endorser of “Meridian” craft basses.
Walter Cerasani uses Taurus Silver Line Effect pedals Vechoor, Zebu, Abigar
“I was really surprised when during Neil Zaza Poland Tour i heard the sound of Abigar....it was simply extraordinary…from that moment i start to love All Taurus pedals….”
Ruggero Robin
Ruggero Robin was born in Padova (Italy) on 29th april 1962. Guitarist of an excellent communicative technique, he has very soon acquired a wide music culture, the guitar of Ruggero Robin is present in over 60 million cd sold all over the world having participated in very important productions performing on an international basis, with artists such as: Zucchero Fornaciari, Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Paul Young, B.B. King, Dolores O’Riordan, Giorgia, Nomadi, Riccardo Fogli and many others great artist as: Bruce Gaitsch, Janey Clewer, Joe Diorio, Trilok Gurtu, Enzo Todesco, Alex Acuna, Oskar Cartaya, Marc Jordan, John Patitucci, Steve Gadd, Joey De Francesco,Byron Landham, Marc Quinones, Richie Gajate García, Giulio Capiozzo, Flavio Boltro, Robert Bonisolo, Frank Tontoh, George Acogny, Thoss Panos and other great artists
He his also a maker an arranger and composer in his studios. He is an "itinerant" artist and he works always with talented musicians. Always accompanied by very experienced artists of the international jazz scene.
Ruggero uses Taurus Stomp-Head and Silver Line effect pedals - Zebu, Vechoor, Tux.
"There are men who make great things and there are little things that make the men great ... With this "little bastard" I can do great things"
Oscar Morgado
Bass Guitarist, Double-bass player and Singer born in Madrid - SPAIN in 1975.
He has worked with great Spanish artists like NACHO CANO , MALU, AMISTADES PELIGROSAS, ANDY Y LUCAS, MIGUEL BOSÉ and he has been musical Director of DAVID BUSTAMANTE and EDURNE
Has recorded songs with MIGUEL BOSÉ, ANTONIO VEGA, MARTA BOTIA, NIKA, MALU…
It has shared scene with international guitarists like Scott Henderson, John Scofield and is the bassist of the prestigious Spanish guitarist (PEDRO ANDREA)
Oscar uses Qube-450, speaker cabinet TN-410 and Silver Line effect pedals - Tux, Vechoor and preamp T-Di
A long time ago it looked for a compact equipment and with a great sound, with TAURUS I have been able to discover all a range of possibilities for the low one, great sound in its ranges of effects and the versatility of the Qube-450, it has to me made an impression, is as a great perfume in a small bottle.
REED
Born and raised in Birmingham, UK, Reed is one of the most versatile and charismatic musicians to come out of the city in recent years. With nearly 30 years experience performing and recording with countless artists covering a wide variety of styles, Reed is a dedicated musician who complements any band situation while maintaining a high professional standard. After graduating from Birmingham Conservatoire, earning a first-class Bachelors of Music degree, Reed began his career as a professional musician.
His breakthrough came in 1999, when he was recommended to play bass for Day One’s [Virgin/Melankolic] debut gig supporting Everlast at the Astoria in London. (Music from their album ‘Ordinary Man’ was used in film soundtracks such as Cruel Intentions, The Big Tease and TV productions such as Six Feet Under and Trigger Happy TV) This then led to performances, recordings and programming for many artists including Wiley, Soweto Kinch, Mis-teeq, Busted, Lighthouse Family, Heatwave, Musical Youth, Lady Leshurr, Andy Hamilton, Daniel 2Dark Richards, The Drifters and Hillsong to name a few.
With an outstanding technical ability, Reed’s performances are often described as electric and mesmerizing. However, few players can ‘groove’ with the creative style and musicality that has made Reed one of Birmingham’s first-call bassists for many of the visiting artistes to the city.
REED uses Qube-450 and speaker cabinets TN-112
Pedro Andrea
Pedro Andrea is guitarist whose originality is outstanding, recognized by musicians such as Carlos Santana, Greg Walsh or Scott Henderson (you can listen or read his comentaries about Pedro in Mention´s Paragraph), and by his winning of the first prize of the American magazine Guitar Player (January 1996 Demo of the month)
website
Pedro uses amplifier Stomp-Head 4.SL and silver line pedal effects: Tux-compressor, Vechoor-multichorus.
"Finally, the amplifier with a great and universal / versatile sound, with huge capabilities, and all this in such a small form. With Taurus you just need to plug in, amp does the rest."
Or Lubianiker
Or Lubianiker has made quite a name for himself as an original and innovative Bass player & teacher, on his "Rule of Thump" YouTube channel he makes video lessons, demos and original music. Together with BassTheWorld.com founder, Gregor Fris, they produce high quality videos of what is happening in the Bass scene. BassTheWorld.com is a huge online community that is all around Bass. As a very diverse musician Or plays in ensembles and bands of all genera - from Jazz trios to hardcore metal bands. His current projects include:
Oceanic - An alternative metal band that just finished recording an EP with world renowned guitar player and producer Yossi Sassi.
Mindless Echoes - A progressive rock band from Israel, currently touring in Israel and Europe.
Or Lubianikers' YouTube Channel - www.youtube.com/ruleofthump
Rule of Thump Facebook Page - www.facebook.com/ruleofthump
BassTheWorld.com YouTube Channel - http://youtu.be/FrtdbH31Ka4
Or is endorsing the Silver Line series of pedals.
"I never thought I'd use a compressor but the Taurus TUX felt just right for my style"
Polski


