Jon Steele
Nashville,TN
Summary
Dynamic bass player with extensive live performance experience, adept at engaging audiences. Proven ability to harmonize and provide rhythmic foundations, while showcasing strong improvisation skills. Recognized for elevating performances through high-energy stage presence and innovative arrangements, contributing to memorable musical experiences.
Known for excellent teamwork, adaptability, and delivering high-quality results. Skilled in various musical genres and sight-reading. Reliable and focused on creating impactful musical moments.
Experienced with creating dynamic and engaging bass lines that enhance musical compositions. Utilizes deep understanding of rhythm and harmony to contribute to cohesive and impactful performances.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Bass Player
Lower Broadway
05.2025 - Current
- Performed standard repertoire for a wide audience visiting the Broadway Historic District in downtown Nashville, TN.
- Adapted quickly to diverse musical styles and genres during live shows
- Collaborated with band members to create cohesive musical performances
- Harmonized with other musicians during songs.
- Engaged with audience, fostering a lively and entertaining atmosphere
Bass Player
Same As It Ever Was
08.2023 - Current
- Performed in shows throughout the Southeast U.S.
- Expanded musical repertoire by continuously learning new songs, techniques, and styles to diversify performances.
- Elevated audience engagement during live shows by delivering high-energy stage presence and interacting with the crowd.
- Showcased versatility as a musician by occasionally taking on additional roles within the band, such as keyboardist or backup vocalist.
Bass Player
Self-employeed
01.2006 - 07.2023
- Performed in the Historic U Street District and Adam's Morgan in Washington, DC.
- Increased online fan base by engaging with followers on social media platforms and sharing behind-the-scenes content from rehearsals, studio sessions, and performances.
- Provided rhythmic foundation for hundreds person group during thousands of performances.
- Enhanced live performances by skillfully adapting bass lines to complement different musical styles and genres.
- Read music and memorized parts for shows.
- Collaborated with band members to develop innovative arrangements for original compositions, resulting in a unique sound that gained recognition.
- Learned new songs for performances and tour concerts.
- Performed music in styles such as jazz, R&B, funk, pop, salsa, samba, Middle Eastern and West African.
- Promoted musical career by maintaining website or social media presence.
- Composed, recorded, and released songs for jazz quintet.
- Provided musical background for live shows such as musical theatre, and cabarets.
- Mentored aspiring bass players through one-on-one lessons focusing on technique development, music theory comprehension, and improvisation skills.
Bass Player
Self Employed
06.2004 - 10.2004
- Performed in shows in Los, Angeles and Orange and Riverside Counties.
- Jazz gigs and clubs with cover band.
- Elevated audience engagement during live shows by delivering high-energy stage presence and interacting with the crowd.
Bass Player
Self-employeed
09.1998 - 06.2004
- Performed in hundreds of shows in East Tennessee.
- Supported local music community by attending shows of fellow musicians, participating in open mic nights, and collaborating with other artists on various projects.
- Prepared comprehensive setlists for each show, ensuring smooth transitions between songs while maintaining audience interest throughout the performance.
- Collaborated with band members to create cohesive musical performances
- Read music and memorized parts for shows.
- Performed music in styles such as Orchestral, Chamber, Soca, Calypso, rock, blues and jazz.
- Applied knowledge of harmony, melody, and rhythm to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
- Studied scores at length to learn music in detail and develop suitable interpretations.
- Used printed text and musical notations to memorize musical selections and routines.
- Provided musical background for live shows such as operas, musical theatre, and cabarets.
- Mentored aspiring bass players through one-on-one lessons focusing on technique development, music theory comprehension, and improvisation skills.
Bass Player
Kings of the Killerfish
01.1993 - 09.1998
- Performed, composed, recorded, and toured with original band.
- Assisted in setting up sound equipment for rehearsals and performances
- Elevated audience engagement during live shows by delivering high-energy stage presence and interacting with the crowd.
- Practiced regularly to enhance technical skills and performance quality
- Performed in hundreds of shows.
- Balanced artistic expression with commercial viability when selecting song choices for recordings or public performances.
- Contributed to the successful recording of multiple albums by providing solid bass tracks and creative input during production sessions.
- Improved overall band dynamics through effective communication and constructive feedback during rehearsals and performances.
- Coordinated travel logistics for out-of-town performances, including transportation and accommodations arrangements.
- Assisted in budgeting and financial planning for recording projects, tours, and other band-related expenses.
- Interpreted and modified music to personalize performances.
- Supported lead vocalists with harmonies, strengthening the overall vocal performance of the group.
- Collaborated with band members to develop innovative arrangements for original compositions, resulting in a unique sound that gained recognition.
Education
Bachelor of Music - Studio Music And Jazz
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TNMaster of Music - Bass Performance
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TNSkills
- Live performance experience
- Music theory
- Stage presence
- Improvising
- Rhythmic foundations
- Harmonizing
- Walking bass lines
- Groove mastery
- Recording studio experience
- Adaptability to genres
- Tour experience
- Recording
"Best Jazz Composition 2023" Washington Area Music Awards
Original composition "Sun Shade" was recorded and released in July 2022. Included on the jazz quintet recording, are high-level musicians from Washington DC and Baltimore, MD.
Timeline
Bass Player
Lower Broadway
05.2025 - Current
Bass Player
Same As It Ever Was
08.2023 - Current
Bass Player
Self-employeed
01.2006 - 07.2023
Bass Player
Self Employed
06.2004 - 10.2004
Bass Player
Self-employeed
09.1998 - 06.2004
Bass Player
Kings of the Killerfish
01.1993 - 09.1998
Bachelor of Music - Studio Music And Jazz
University of Tennessee
Master of Music - Bass Performance
University of Tennessee
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