Reader Spotlight: Scott Jehlik

Scott Jehlik

Meet Scott Jehlik, who got his start on bass after seeing Rush’s Exit Stage Left. He said once he experienced Geddy Lee’s “fire breathing Rickenbacker, there was no going back.”

Scott is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight. Here’s his story…

Bio:

Scott is a long time veteran of the Los Angeles and Orange County music scene. Scott has played with various cover, original, and tribute bands. Everything from blues bands to Rush tribute bands. While he’s played with many different types of bands and musical styles – his favorite axe is his 1968 Rickenbacker bass which he’s owned since 1992. E

Location:

Long Beach, CA

Day gig:

Production manager for retail marketing.

Years experience:

35 years

Bands & Gigs:

Currently Scott performs with The Usual Suspects. A Southern California original band that blends R&B and Prog Rock. They’ve performed with Blood Sweat & Tears, America, The Winery Dogs, Jefferson Airplane and many others. The Usual Suspect’s diverse blend of music allows them to cross over many genres and perform with a wide variety of acts. The Usual Suspects have amassed a following that has allowed them to move up the ranks from being an opening act to being a headliner.

Gear:

  • 1968 Rickenbacker 4000 bass with an added neck pickup.
  • Billy Sheehan EBS Distortion pedal
  • Sansamp RBI
  • MXR compressor
  • MXR EQ
  • Trace Elliot GP12 head
  • Hartke 4×10 cabinets

Why I play the bass:

I saw Rush’s Exit Stage Left and I was hooked. Once I saw that fire breathing Rickenbacker, there was no going back.

My bass superpower/claim to fame

We were fortunate enough to have the Tower of Power & East Bay Soul horn section perform on our debut CD and also perform live with us. It was humbling to share the stage with former members of the Wrecking Crew!

My influences

Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, Paul McCartney, John Paul Jones, James Jamerson, Carol Kaye, Larry Graham, Randy Jackson, Billy Sheehan, John Taylor, Victor Wooten, Aram Bedrosian, Amy Humphrey, Mike Kerr… I have many, many influences. I always enjoy learning new styles and techniques. There’s always more new and exciting things to learn about the bass!

More on the web:

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