How did you get the muted tones on White Lies for Dark Times?I used a Fender Custom Shop ’59 Precision Bass reissue that I got while we were making the record. I strung it with La Bella flatwounds and created an improvised mute by stuffing foam under the metal bridge cover. I had never recorded with a pick before, but I found that playing with flatwounds, a pick, and a mute produced a subdued tone that jumped out in the high range. James Jamerson, Jaco Pastorius, and John Paul Jones originally inspired me to play fingerstyle, but I’ve learned that Jones often used a pick in the studio. I appreciate Paul McCartney’s tone in the Beatles more as I grow older; he always played with a pick.
What’s the story behind your driving bass line on “Up to You Now”?The guitar part was very open sounding, so it needed some support. I tried to fill in the space with a disco-style rhythm, and provide a countermelody. I played Ben’s ’66 P-Bass with roundwounds for a more aggressive rock tone.
It’s interesting to hear you with Harper after so many years of associating him with Juan Nelson’s playing in the Innocent Criminals. How would you compare your bass playing to his?I wouldn’t challenge him to a bass-off! I have lots of respect for Juan’s ability to play lots of things that I can’t, or that I don’t do much—like slapping. I have a totally different style. It’s easy to feel insecure compared to such a prolific and technically proficient bassist, but I quickly realized that Ben hired us because of who we are and what we do. My natural instinct is to play a rather hard, funky groove. You have to be true to yourself, and I’d recommend that anyone going into a similar situation play it that way. What comes most naturally is going to end up being your calling card.
CHECK HIM OUT
Ben Harper & Relentless7, White Lies for Dark Times [Virgin, 2009]; Taj Mahal, “Dust You Down” [Maestro, Heads Up, 2008]; Oliver Future, Pax Futura [Transit and Venus/Fireproof, 2007]
GEAR
Basses 1964 Gibson Thunderbird II, Fender Custom Shop ’59 Precision Bass Relic
Strings Thunderbird: D’Addario ProSteels (.045–.105); P-Bass: La Bella James Jamerson Original Oldies flatwounds
Rig Vintage Ampeg SVT head and 8x10 cabinet “In the studio I used Ben’s SVT head, which was modified by Alexander Dumble. We miked his 8x10 cabinet, ran a direct signal, and used a combination of both. I used an MXR M133 Microamp on a couple of occasions.”