Reader Spotlight: Caleb Denton Evans

by Corey Brown Tuesday, October 21st, 2014

Caleb Denton Evans

To me, one of the greatest joys of publishing No Treble is our weekly reader spotlight. And it is an even bigger joy when we can spotlight someone who is getting their start in music with a ton of energy and dedication.

Bassist Caleb Denton Evans fits that description perfectly. Not just that, but he also seems like a super humble guy.

Caleb is No Treble’s reader in the spotlight for the week of October 20, 2014. Here’s his story…

Bio:

Like many bassists, I tried a variety of instruments before settling on bass. I started off with drums then eventually gravitated toward electric bass. After a few years playing electric, I challenged myself to learn double bass techniques over one summer and try out for my school’s orchestra in the fall. It’s awesome to be rocking out to the Beatles one week, then play Gershwin’s “American in Paris” with a 100 piece orchestra the next. It’s crazy but I love it!

Location:

Double Oak, Texas, USA

Day gig:

School, orchestra and Mojo Haiku keep me busy most of the time. I’m a full-time student at the moment.

Years experience:

About 9 years, give or take.

Bands & Gigs:

I split my time between the alternative/indie rock band Mojo Haiku and playing in my school’s orchestra, which is one of the top three schools in the U.S. to have been chosen to receive a special GRAMMY (Signature Schools Gold) Award in 2013, for music education. I’m fortunate to be in a public school that supports the fine arts as much as it does its athletic programs.

Mojo Haiku has a very fun and energetic vibe, and the band has improved immensely since our beginning in the summer of 2013. Now together over a year, we gig regularly around Dallas and Denton (Oaktopia, Hard Rock Cafe, House of Blues, Lakewood Theater, The Rustic, etc.), and we are working on several originals.

Gear:

I play a 4-string Fender Jazz bass set-up with D’Addario Chromes. My rig is Carvin B1500 with 15 & 4×10 Mesa Cabs. My double bass is a Christopher Shen set up with D’Addario Kaplans.

Why I play the bass:

I’ve been playing bass guitar for over 9 years, starting off rocking with some friends when we decided to start a band. Originally the drummer, I decided to switch over to bass, but our band only performed one gig and only lasted a few short months.

My bass superpower/claim to fame:

Being a bassist with a solid orchestral background, I bring something unique to the table – particularly in the rock band setting. I also enjoy defying the stereotype that other musicians have toward bassists – if your music has emotion and soul, it likely has a quality bassist

My influences:

I’ve been fortunate to attend several bass camps at the University of North Texas and have had the fortunate to study under Jeff Bradetich, Lynn Seaton and Dr. Gudrun Raschen. Victor Wooton and Les Claypool are great influences, and I would be remiss if I did not mention Justin Chancellrr from Tool.