Reader Spotlight: Jonathan Alvear
Meet Jonathan Alvear, a student of bass who also spends his time outside of school as a studio and solo bassist.
Jonathan is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight. Here’s his story…
Bio:
I’m currently a bachelor bass performance student at Musicians Institute. I play mostly 6 string bass. My specialty is playing looped solo bass compositions as well as guitar style chord melodies on bass. I would be happy to show recordings of any of those if they sound interesting.
Location:
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Day gig:
I am a full time student
Years experience:
About 7 years
Bands & Gigs:
I am more of a studio bassist, and I come in for writing sessions a lot. I recorded the bass for an up and coming metalcore band called Island in the City. I’m also helping a few people write their debut eps. My own solo ep is about a third finished and I plan to be gigging as a solo bass act sometime early next year.
Gear:
- Warp VI bass (designed by Ark Instruments and built by Jon Letts)
- Basswitch DI box
- Copley 6 string bass
Why I play the bass:
I started playing in high school. I had already switched around between playing a few woodwind/brasswind instruments and couldn’t find an instrument that fit me very well. Then I got offered by the jazz bands graduating bassist to be taught the ropes so to speak. I haven’t looked back since.
My bass superpower/claim to fame:
I like the challenge of condensing piano music down into complex chord voicings on bass. I play a two or three note chord and move the melody notes over top of them. Not a typical bass thing.
My influences:
I was heavily influenced by Jaco and Rocco Prestia when I was first learning bass. Now my influences are mostly piano players such as Thelonius Monk and Ryo Fukui.
More on the web:
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