Reader Spotlight: Jared Lees
Meet Jared Lees, a 2nd generation bassist who credits his dad first in his list of influences, followed by Jaco. Jared is a bass player’s bass player, and he’s also the No Treble reader in the spotlight for the week of April 20, 2015.
Bio:
I’ve been a side man for most of my career, mostly in original groups, but I payed my dues playing a ton of cover material early on as well. I’d dabble playing solo gigs when I had time, but any group I could say yes to playing with, I would. I’ve been lucky enough to have played everything from Blues to Hip-Hop, Americana to Funk, Jazz to Punk, Motown to Country… And it’s always fun! Now I’m focused on releasing an album with my trio and playing solo gigs whenever I can.
Location:
Cuyahoga Falls/Ohio/USA
Day gig:
Stay at home dad.
Years experience:
20 years
Bands & Gigs:
I’m currently gigging mostly as a soloist and my Trio will be playing out more and more as the year goes on.
Gear:
- Prat Basses 6
- Prat Basses fretless 4
- warmoth p bass with Music Man style pickup
- Aguilar TH 500 and 2 DB112s
- Earthquaker Devices Dispatch Master/ Afterneath/ Organizer
- TC Electronic HOF Mini
- EHX Bass Balls
- MXR Phase 90
Why I play the bass:
My dad is a great bassist, and I always loved music. Everyone in my family plays music, so I had the instruments available… I started playing drums and guitar around the same time (and still do from time to time) but bass is the instrument that really spoke to me. Some of my earliest musical memories are actually the sound of the fretless bass… I just didn’t know what it was until much later.
My bass superpower/claim to fame:
No superpowers… More like Batman. I have the tools for any situation and I am a good problem solver.
My influences:
My Dad, Jaco & Felix Pastorius, Victor Wooten, Janek Gwizdala, Tom Drummond (Better Than Ezra), Chuck Rainey, John Paul Jones, Paul Denman, Stuart Zender.
More on the web:
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Who is his dad? Geddy Lee? Will Lee?
Tom.
I just checked out some of Jared’s youtube vids and he’s really good! He’s got a video on his reverb and delay settings which is cool, There are a couple of live vids with his trio that have a great groove and vibe going on. GOOD STUFF!!!
Thanks, Mike!
My dad texted me after he read this and informed me that I’m apparently a 3rd generation bassist… my great uncle, Hayes played upright!
Jared is a great bassist and super cool guy. All bass players should go buy a few of his tunes and check him out. Support each other! Jared keep up the great work man.
Thanks Patrick!
Jared is a awesome dude and equally awesome bassist!!
Thanks Steve!
Glad to see that you guys found Jared, He’s a wonderful player with the music to back it up! I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him play a solo set.
Thanks, Aaron!