October 12 marks Hug-a-Bassist Day, a little-known but much-needed celebration that honors those who lay down the low end. This year, we\u2019re celebrating by shining the spotlight on Berklee Online\u2019s four bass instructors\u2014each as essential as the four strings on a standard bass guitar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But before we get ahead of ourselves, do bassists really need a hug? The responses from our instructors are as diverse as their musical backgrounds. Dave Clark<\/a> (whose birthday coincidentally falls on the October 12 day of celebration for Hug-a-Bassist Day) says, \u201cAbsolutely hugs! I do hope folks appreciate our contribution.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rich Appleman<\/a> echoes the sentiment, saying \u201cI haven’t heard of Hug-a-Bassist Day but I am interested.\u201d He goes on to say, \u201cOf course bass players deserve a hug \u2026 Many don\u2019t appreciate us.\u201d He shares a humorous anecdote about when bass legend Ron Carter spoke at Berklee Commencement in 2005. Carter began by saying, \u201cI am surprised you invited me to speak because no one notices the bass player \u2026 until they stop playing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Danny Morris<\/a> says he believes hugs are universal: \u201cEverybody needs a hug,\u201d he says, regardless if they play bass or not. \u201cSometimes it\u2019s a thankless job, but bassists are selfless people who love being part of a community.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Anthony Vitti<\/a> has a different perspective: \u201cNope,\u201d he says. \u201cThe people that matter know what we do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nBig Bass Moments<\/strong>
<\/h2>\nRICH APPLEMAN<\/a>: Charlie Haden on \u201cSong for Che\u201d from Liberation Music Orchestra<\/em> by Charlie Haden
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