Reader Spotlight: Elias Kesh

Meet Elias Kesh, a bassist from San Jose, California and our player in the spotlight for September 21, 2010.

Bio:

Elias began to perform music as a youth in the 70’s, followed by years studying music theory and jazz arranging in college. His primary genres of focus have been jazz/fusion and R&B. Some of Elias’ influences include Jeff Lorber, Brian Bromberg, Alain Caron and Jeff Berlin.

Elias has always pushed the traditional role and boundaries of the bass, expressing its versatility. To this end, his most recent explorations have been on an unpaired 8-string bass, allowing the flexibility to play bass, chords and melody. To be able to more fully expand on this Elias wanted to create group which could not only play jazz and funk, but that would be able to break some of the existing molds around this type of music.

Location:

San Jose, CA USA

Day gig:

Software engineer

Years experience:

33 Years

Bands & Gigs:

I wanted a group where I could play bass and guitar, including my 8-string bass. The Poblano Project includes myself, a keyboard player and a drummer/conga player. This allows us to perform at small jazz clubs and restaurants in addition to larger venues. We have played the San Jose Jazz Festival the last three years.

Gear:

• Galveston 8-string unpaired Bass w GK-3 Guitar Pickup
• Pedulla 6-string fretless w GK-3B Bass Pickup
• Accugrove Tri-15
• Gallien-Krueger MB2 560 power amp.
• M-Audio Fastrack Pro USB interface.
• Bass/Guitar effects and midi soundfonts are done by a linux computer on stage. No PedalBoard, just software.

Why I play the bass:

Started playing with the jazz band in junior high.

My bass superpower/claim to fame

Playing an unpaired 8-string midi bass

My influences

Jeff Berlin, Alan Caron, Dave Weckl and Adam Nitti

More on the web:

• Video: San Jose Jazz Festival (This track has bass, guitar lead and chords)
• Elias Music Page
• Facebook