Los Angeles Bassist 1

In a city where excellence and versatility are the benchmarks for any working bassist worth the gear in his gig bag, this Los Angeles Bassist has carved out a healthy piece of the pie.

On any given night in Los Angeles, this Los Angeles Bassist can be found on stage lending his solid and creative support to an array of artists covering a broad range of stylistic demands. His sensitive accompaniment and lyrical soloing has, in addition to making him a favorite among many artists and composers, put him in the spotlight as leader of his own Jazz band.

Los Angeles Bassist credits

Indeed, this Los Angeles Bassist prowess on both the acoustic and 6-string electric bass has found him sharing both stage and studio with the likes of Ernie Watts, Ray Charles, John Klemmer, Maxine Nightingale, Gregg Karukas, Tim Weisberg, Connie Stevens, Grant Geissman, and, most recently, Engelbert Humperdinck‘s 2005 world tour and concert DVD. As a recording artist, his playing and composing is showcased on his two solo albums.

Born in Queens, New York, his introduction to music began at age 5 in the form of piano lessons given by his father. It is at the piano where the foundation of his musicianship lies. At age 14, his attraction to the sound of the bass as both a supportive and melodic instrument led him to private study with classical bassist Frank Blake. In addition to his lessons on the acoustic bass, this Los Angeles Bassist began honing his electric bass chops by emulating the styles of Verdine White, Paul McCartney, Peter Cetera, Stanley Clarke and Francis “Rocco” Prestia.

While still in high school, this Los Angeles Bassist got the position as bassist for the local college jazz ensemble. This led to an increasing interest in jazz music and the early development of a solo voice on the bass. The next several years brought numerous experiences and challenges to him; bassist with the Los Angeles City College Blues Band, road work, club gigs and further study with Bunny Brunel, John Novello, Jeff Berlin, and Gary Willis. Regarding his melodic approach, he says, “I’ve always sought to emulate the lyricism and phrasing of horn-players, pianists and guitarists. At the same time, I don’t want to ignore the inherent qualities and responsibilities of my chosen instrument.”

Los Angeles Bassist band

After many years working as a sideman, this Los Angeles Bassist developed an interest in writing his own music. Finally, those piano lessons would come in handy! In the early 90’s, he would begin an ongoing series of “jam sessions” with some of Los Angeles best musicians which led to the formation of his own group.

In the summer of ‘94, this Los Angeles Bassist recorded his first album. His solo debut, a collection of nine tunes all written and arranged by him, went on to receive excellent reviews in the Los Angeles Jazz Scene and the online music journal Jazz World. His new album is the culmination of several years of growth and experience. With a new level of depth and personal expression, his new record is sure to have something for everyone as the bassist and his compositions explore straight-ahead jazz, fusion, samba, ballads, and world music.

Armed with an ever-expanding body of work, this Los Angeles Bassist continues to play and seek out gigs as a leader and sideman while striving to grow as a bassist, composer, soloist…musician.