Influences - Bass Players

Through the local music scene here in my hometown of Vancouver, BC, I have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know bass players that influence my playing and performing.  Aside from Mike Wedge, others have been a source of inspiration to me through my musical journey.  To them I salute and thank them for their kind words, encouragement and brotherhood!

Cameron Hood - I first met Cameron through the various jams around the lower mainland.  He has been one of my biggest influences on playing a 6 string bass over the years.  He is a monster player on the 6 and I always enjoy his bass lines.  I always appreciate the chats about gear, playing, and life when we see one another.

Rob Marr - I first met Rob when he was playing with The Mojo Stars.  From there I got to know him through the Jams at the Marine Pub on Sunday afternoons with the house band, Indigo.  Rob is another monster player and I am in awe of his playing.  I always tell people when I grow up I hope to play as good as him some day!  His fluid lines and ability to adapt to any playing situation is phenomenal! His kind words and encouragement have been a source of inspiration.  Rob is one of the most humble guys I have met and a great studio player as well.

Sam Shoichet - I met Sam through Brandon Issak in the Blues circles around Vancouver.  He has been my biggest influence when it comes to playing the Stand up bass.  It is always a pleasure to watch how easy he makes it all look, not to mention how much tone he can extract from the instrument with either fingers or a bow.  He mesmerizes me every time I see him play.

Dave Young - I first met Dave when I ran the Stormy Monday Blues Jams.  From there we became friends and I have enjoyed watching him play in his band Urban Affair and with The Longriders as well as The Chris Newton Band and the Working Stiffs.  His encouragement and friendship has been greatly appreciated.  It's truly my honour to watch and listen to his playing.

Mike Dallamore - I met Mike through the Amberjacks Jam that his Band, Worms Hate Rain hosted on Tuesday nights.  Mike showed me how to be a great host when it came to jams and through his encouragement I started to play at the jams.  It was also by watching and studying Mike, that I was able to put together and run the Stormy Monday Blues Jams with my own band.  I took what I learned from watching him and applied it at my own jam.

James Sanders - I have known James for many, many, moons.  Growing up in White Rock, we played in several bands during high school, him on bass and me on guitar.  It was because of James that I got back into music around 2004 after a 10 year hiatus.  He got me back into playing and introduced me to the Crescent Moon Coffee House in our hometown.  From there I met many players and put together a line up of Joe Kool to open for his band, Token Rhyme.  I owe this man the biggest thanks and gratitude, as he got me back into playing and making music once again.  For that I will always be thankful!

Mike Wedge

Through my musical journey I have discovered a wonderful network of performers, players, followers and fans.  Many great people have been helping and inspiring me along the way.  One of my favorite bass players is a fellow by the name of Mike Wedge.  I first met Mike when he was the part of Glen Pearson's house band playing at the Sandpiper Thursday night Blues Jam out in White Rock.  We chatted about equipment and I slowly got to know him as time rolled on.  From there I started visiting a place called the Flamingo Lounge out in North Surrey, or as we commonly knew it as the Flaming O, or Toilet (because of the design of the room).  Mike took over being the musical coordinator at the lounge and brought in many top acts such as Jim Byrnes, James Rogers, Brandon Issak, Big Daddy Mike, Frank Soda, James Shepherd, just to name a few.  He always ensured he provided a solid rhythm section for the artist with a regular rotation of top calibre drummers such as Jerry Adolphe, Doug Mockford and Marko Ibarra to name a few.  The music was always excellent and beyond just a typical bar band thing. 


Through talking with Mike and seeing his performances, I learned a great deal, more than just playing the notes on a bass.  Mike has taught me through his kind words and encouragement over the years, to always be humble and enjoy being a solid player.  I have learned through his examples how to deal with other players and the occasional "spirited" patron who might wander up onto stage.  He is always gracious and humble about his playing and truly is a gentleman.  When I was looking for a drummer, he put me in touch with one of the best players I have ever had the honour of sharing a stage with, Yoann Priolet.  He had met Yoann through the Blues jam shortly after Yoann relocated to Canada from Paris.  Mike spoke highly of him and thought he might be a good fit.  Mike has always encouraged me as a player and as a performer.  Many times we have enjoyed tales of days gone past, and he always has great stories of his musical journey that I have the privilege of taking in when we get to chat.  He is by far one of the biggest influences I have as a musician and am truly honoured to say we are friends.  Thanks Mike!