Reader Spotlight: Jesse Baumgartner

Meet Jesse Baumgartner, a bassist who can thank two people for his love for bass and music. One was his own father, and another was the father of a friend, who gave him some music that started him on his path.

Jesse is this week’s reader in the spotlight (you can be next!) Here’s his story…

Bio:

I started playing acoustic guitar for my dad, (who to this day is a phenomenal banjo player) at age 14. My buddy’s dad gave me a “tape” of Frank Zappa’s greatest hits on the A side, and it had some guy named Jaco Pastorius on the B side. That same friend’s father also introduced me to this band called Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (anyone hear of them?) and my life was forever changed. After hearing what Jaco and Victor could do, I knew I had to learn to play the bass.

Since then I have been a part of 2nd Street Theatre’s (Bend, OR) production of Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, and The Man of La Mancha. I was the bass player for the Sublime tribute band “Subliminal” and one of the founders of the Bend Oregon based cover band “El Dante”.

Since then I have been working on home studio recordings for the band “Alien Birthing Sonnets” and “G-String Karate”.

Location:

Elko, NV USA

Day gig:

Mechanical Seal Sales

Years experience:

23 years

Bands & Gigs:

I am actively writing and recording.

Gear:

• Ibanez Ergodyn EDC (2002)
• Acoustic B800H head
• Peavey 4×10 cab

Why I play the bass:

My friend’s dad had an Ernie Ball Earthwood Acoustic bass. Whenever I went to his house, all I wanted to do was play that bass.

My bass superpower/claim to fame

I can play “If I only had a brain”, from the Wizard of Oz.

My influences

Hadrien Feraud, Victor Wooten, Jaco Pastorius, Scott Devine, Bootsy Collins.

More on the web:

• Bandmix Page