Written by a bass player for bass players, The Bassist’s Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health, in two volumes, is designed to point out common and not-so-common problems that the musician may encounter during practice or performing situations.
These books, written by Dr. Randy Kertz, a regular contributor to Making Music and creator of the MM “Playing Well with Dr. Kertz” video series, are useful reference guides for the amateur and professional musician as well as the teacher, student, or health care worker.
Volume one points out problems that the musician may encounter while playing. The injuries and conditions themselves are explained along with their prevention and treatment options. An easy-to-use symptom reference guide allows the reader to quickly look up the area of injury and find its source. A chapter of pro tips offers advice and exercises from some of the top bassists in their respective fields including Steve Bailey, John Clayton, Esperanza Spalding and Victor Wooten.
Volume Two picks up where volume one left off and presents all new material: common conditions seen in bassists and how to handle them — none of which are included in volume one — are covered, and an analysis of both double and electric bassists’ posture and right- and left-sided techniques are explored from an injury prevention perspective.
Volume two also includes a chapter of pro tips offering advice from top bassists and industry professionals is featured, including Ariane Cap, Ed Friedland, Stuart Hamm, Chris Jisi, Dino Monoxelos, Chi-chi Nwanoku, and John Patitucci.
