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: Ed Friedland

Bands & Artists: The Mavericks

Home: Tucson, Arizona

How have you been passing time during the lockdown?

Desert hiking, road biking, and catching up on all those series I said I’d watch before I die.

What have you been working on in terms of your bass practice routine?

I occasionally plunk out a few riffs, but I’m not feeling super motivated to practice.

What music, songs, recordings, artists, bass players have you been listening to as a source of comfort and inspiration that you can recommend?

The music that’s been saving my soul is Aretha Live at Fillmore West (with Jerry Jemmott), Donny Hathaway Live (Willie Weeks, y’all), and Chick Corea’s Three Quartets (with Eddie Gomez), to name a few. It’s been a good time to revisit the wisdom of Spinal Tap, deleted scenes and all. It reminds me of the important things in life: “I suppose as long as there’s sex and drugs, I could do without the rock ’n’ roll.” – Mick Shrimpton.

What bass gear have you been playing and trying out?

I tend to pick up my G&L Fallout Bass these days; it’s fun. My home rig is a Phil Jones Bass Bass Cub BG-100 combo, with a PB-100 powered extension cabinet. It’s all my living room can handle.

What non-music activities books, shows, movies or workout recommendations do you have?

It took a while to get over the initial shock, but I finally got back to riding my bike. Physical, mental, and spiritual health all from one activity! And I’ve found life becomes easier once your social distancing-partner becomes a King Of The Hill fan.

What projects do you have coming up when the world gets going again?

The Mavericks will be shooting some full-production, live video soon for the upcoming Latin album, so we’re looking at ways to stay productive without touring, which doesn’t seem viable in the immediate future.

What advice can you offer fellow bassists for staying positive and keeping morale high?

Staying positive is tough, but I remind myself to take stock of where I am in the present moment, and for now, I’m fine. For me, the key has always been to not get too attached to the way things are. Enjoy what you have while you have it, but never expect it will last forever. I keep my morale high by continuing to take care of myself with real food, exercise, fresh air, sunshine, good (but limited) company, cannabis, and watching the news from Arlen, Texas.

Follow Ed: Here 

www.bassguru.com/artists/ed-friedland

Read all 180+ Bass Magazine Check-in Features: Here

All check-ins compiled and edited by Jon D’Auria & Chris Jisi