Best of 2023: The Top 10 Reader Spotlights

The Reader Spotlight debuted in our first year (2009). It remains one of my favorite things on No Treble to this day. It is a chance to share the stories of our favorite people, who play our favorite instrument.

Here are the top 10 reader spotlight features from 2023.

If you haven’t shared your story with us, we hope you will. Check out our interview questionnaire.

1. Reader Spotlight: Evan Heird

Back in the day, Evan Heird had a roommate who had a bass. He picked it up, and that was that. Later, he focused on acting but returned to the bass once again. Evan is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight. Here’s his story...

2. Reader Spotlight: Matt Schalles

Meet Matt Schalles (aka Professor Hazmatt). Matt played guitar for three years (among other instruments) before switching to bass (yes to that!) Here’s his story...

3. Reader Spotlight: Matt Ross

Meet Matt Ross, who first thought he wanted to play the guitar (after hearing Hendrix), but realized “bass is infinitely cooler.” He has one of the most hilarious superpowers too.

4. Reader Spotlight: Alex Thompson

Meet Alex Thompson, a bassist of 35 years who got an early start in music before life took him in a different direction. Over time, he returned to performing, joining the band Rocket Gods.

5. Reader Spotlight: Steve Leggett

Meet Steve Leggett, a bassist from Manchester who is a very busy guy, as you’ll see in this new Reader Spotlight interview.

6. Reader Spotlight: Steve Steele

Meet Steve Steele, a bassist from New York City who seems to be as down to earth as he is funny. Here’s his story…

7. Reader Spotlight: Shaun Andree

Meet Shaun Andree, a bassist from Atlanta who has an extensive resume and has one of our favorite answers to the “superpower/claim to fame” question. Here’s his story...

8. Reader Spotlight: Chris Semal

Meet Chris Semal, a long-time bassist (and more). One of Chris’s superpower moments was jamming with Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones.

9. Reader Spotlight: Omer Al-Katib

Meet Omer Al-Katib (aka Omer Plays Bass), a bassist with 41 years of experience and an impressive collection. As you’ll see in his “superhero” response, he’s a pro’s pro.

10. Reader Spotlight: Jared Beckstead-Craan

Meet Jared Beckstead-Craan, a bassist living in Brooklyn, New York. Jared shared some great stories, including one about their parents and their bass superpower/claim to fame.