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Julian Vaughn

A dynamic lead bass player from Kansas City, bassist Julian Vaughn has made a international name for himself since 2010 as a bassist in the smooth jazz which is dominated by artist who play sax. Although the bass is often associated with funk, Vaughn likes to play with more of a finesse style as well as some funk.

Vaughn grew up in the church where his grandfather pastored until turning over the reins to Vaughn’s father. Like other kids at the church, he began his music career playing the drums, but says, “Trying to play the drums at church was like ten football players going after a fumble. Everyone wanted to play.” Years went by and the fight over the drums got old. At 15 Vaughn decided to try the bass guitar that another man in his church was playing and immediately fell in love. This was truly love at first sight. Vaughn taught himself how to play and soon realized he had the ability to play by ear. He soon discovered how to play songs and special techniques. When Vaughn was 19 his grandfather bought him a 6-string bass guitar. It was black with gold trim. He discovered the art of bass soloing and knew at that point it was more than just a hobby but was his life’s passion. “My friends use to get on me because I would stop playing the bass line and start soloing,” he remembers.

Julian Vaughn has toured all over the U.S. playing at some of the largest jazz festivals and abroad in places like Dubai, Nairobi, Italy, Spain and Germany. As an artist, he debut on the scene in 2010 with his CD titled “The Purpose Project” an album that would later pave the way to his 2012 album “Breakthrough”. Vaughn has had 2 number ones on the Bilboards. His hit single “On Your Feet” made head waves as the #1 most added out of the box on the Jazz Billboards Chart and stayed there for 3 weeks along with the single “Ride Along” which debut at number 1 from his CD titled “Limitless” in 2015. In 2017 Vaughn released his 4th record titled “Bona Fide”. Bona Fide ended up delivering 3 top 5 Billboard singles including “18th & Vine which was selected as the #7 single out of the top 100 songs of 2018 on Billboards. Vaughn is expecting to release his 5th album in April 2019, which he says will be his best! Vaughn takes pride in being able to write and produce most of his music.

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Album Review

Julian Vaughn: Breakthough

Read "Breakthough" reviewed by Jeff Winbush


Within the first 30 seconds of the stomping “On Your Feet," the lead-off track on Breakthrough, it's hard not to think, “Darned if this guy doesn't sound just like Wayman Tisdale." Hopefully Julian Vaughn will take the comparison as a compliment because his “lead bass" playing style is eerily reminiscent of Tisdale, who passed away in 2009.The publicity notes for Vaughn's third album say he “doesn't try to be any other bassist than who he is." That's nice ...

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Performance / Tour

Jazz this week: John Scofield & Joe Lovano, Julian Vaughn, Eddie Gomez Trio, and more

Jazz this week: John Scofield & Joe Lovano, Julian Vaughn, Eddie Gomez Trio, and more

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman

This week's calendar of live jazz and creative music in St. Louis includes the reunion tour of two major jazz stars; a rare visit from a famed bassist; a couple of tributes to Duke Ellington; and plenty of other sounds ranging from vintage to experimental. Let's go to the highlights... Wednesday, April 25 Guitarist John Scofield and saxophonist Joe Lovano bring their quartet to Jazz at the Bistro for the first of four nights, continuing through Saturday. Though their musical ...

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Jun 15 Sat

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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Breakthough

Trippin n Rhythm Records
2012

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