Mike Downes

Ken Lister

Ken Lister has been a professional jazz bassist since 1983. (Junos: 2012-The Phil Dwyer Orchestra; 1997-The Hugh Fraser Quintet). Ken’s career took an interesting turn in the 90’s when he lived off-grid on a remote island, raising his…

Mike Downes

What are some important musical and other lessons you've learned that you can pass on to aspiring bassists?

Music is infinite, so I've learned to embrace the endlessness. If you build a shoe rack, you gather the materials…

Rene Worst

Rene Worst was voted Bassist of the Year by the BC CARAS Tribute to West Coast Music for the 4 years that the awards were given. Rene was co-leader of the now-legendary fusion band Skywalk with six CD’s…

David Piltch

David Piltch's career began at age 17 playing on the bandstand with:  Art Pepper, Chet Baker, Gil Evans, Ed Bickert, Zoot Simms, Kenny Wheeler, George Coleman , Lee Konitz, Sonny Stit, Art Farmer, Jack Sheldon, Cleo Lane…

Kieran Overs

Toronto-born bassist Kieran Overs has been active on the Canadian music scene since 1970, first on guitar and electric bass, and for the past 34 years on acoustic bass. Overs holds an Honours Diploma from Humber College, a…

Jason Raso

Over the past two decades, eight albums and countless live performances, Jason Raso has shown that he not only has the skills to pay the bills, but more often than not, enough musical currency left over at the…

Michel Donato

Michel Donato was born in Montreal on August 25, 1942. He began on the accordion at age 10, piano at 12 and then the bass at 14. He has performed and recorded with Sonny Greenwich, Oscar Peterson, Ian…

Dave Young

Multiple award-winning bassist and composer Dave Young is, without a doubt, one of Canada’s most valuable musical exports. The list of artists with whom Dave has shared the stage is a virtual “Who’s Who” of international jazz...including the…

Ross MacIntyre

Ross MacIntyre has been playing bass for over 25 years. He studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and got his degree in jazz performance from the University of Toronto. He's played with all sorts of…

Will Jarvis

Toronto-born Will Jarvis is a busy freelance bassist and educator. Over his career, Will has gained a reputation as a very versatile player and is equally comfortable playing jazz, R&B, funk, jazz-fusion along with Brazilian and Cuban music.…

Marc Rogers

Marc Rogers is a Toronto-based session bassist, producer, and arranger. Some of the artists he has recorded/performed with are Rachel Platten, Nelly Furtado, Chantal Kreviazuk, Nikki Yanofsky, Norah Jones, The Philosopher Kings, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Lionel…

Duncan Hopkins

Double bassist, composer and arranger Duncan Hopkins has worked with such luminaries as Rob McConnell, Scott Hamilton, Houston Person, Warren Vache, Bobo Stenson, Mark Murphy, Dianna Krall, Kenny Wheeler, Sam Rivers and Edward Simon to name but a …