We’re checking in with bass players all over the globe to see how they’re staying busy and hanging in during the current lockdown
By Chris Jisi
As the world continues to recover from the Coronavirus, we’re all finding ourselves in unfamiliar territory given the subsequent lockdown that is keeping us off of stages and confined to our homes. Luckily, there’s comfort in the fact that we’re all in this together, and that there are still many outlets for us musicians to keep us active and sane throughout this quarantine. We’re checking in with bass players from all over the world to see what they’re doing to stay entertained, healthy, productive, and safe during this trying time.
Bass Player: Bunny Brunel
Bands & Artists: Chick Corea, Tony Williams, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Stanley Clarke, CAB, Solo artist
Home: Los Angeles, California
How have you been passing time during the lockdown?
I’ve been staying pretty close to my usual routine: I wake up, play tennis, take a shower and work on new music in my studio. I’ve done some remote sessions. I played on a killer song composed by Fredde Aberg called “The Color of Life.”
What have you been working on in terms of your bass practice routine?
I practice the electric and acoustic bass every day, playing scales up and down the neck. I also practice with the bow on upright. It’s very important to keep moving the fingers. If you don’t, your fingers will stop moving. It’s like sports, you have to keep training.
What music, songs, recordings, artists, bass players have you been listening to as a source of comfort and inspiration that you can recommend?
Listen to the music you like to play, as well as some classical music, to get inspired.
What bass gear have you been playing and trying out?
I haven’t tried anything new for awhile. I’ve been playing my signature ESP BB-1004 and BB-1005 basses, my Bunny Brunel Electric Upright Bass, my Eden TN2251 and Metromix amps, and DigiTech pedals.
What non-music activities, books, shows, movies, or workout recommendations do you have?
I play tennis, but do whatever keeps you moving. Reading is always recommended, but unfortunately everyone seems to be stuck on their telephone these days.
What projects do you have coming up when the world gets going again?
I’m finishing up Bass Ball 2, with Stanley Clarke, which is a follow-up to my last record, Bass Ball. I’m working on a new CAB album. We were supposed to tour Russia with Roman Miros on guitar, hopefully that gets rescheduled. And I’m about to produce an album for flutist Kaylene Peoples.
What advice can you offer fellow bassists for staying positive and keeping morale high?
Keep playing your music and avoid watching too much news. Too often the news outlets spread negativity. Stay true to yourself.
(Original Source: https://bassmagazine.com/artists/bass-magazine-lockdown-check-in-with-bunny-brunel)