Born: May 31, 1967 Primary Instrument: Bass
Grammy-winning bassist/composer Eric Revis has been one of the most solid and forceful voices in the contemporary jazz scene for over 15 years despite his young age. The deep-running power of his beat, his potent and gorgeous tone, and his dynamic approach to music keeps him in high demands among notable musicians such as Branford Marsalis and Jeff “Tain” Watts.
Born in Los Angeles, CA on May 31, 1967, he grew up listening mostly to funk and rock music. It was not until when he was 14 years of age that he picked up an electric bass and taught himself how to play. After attending Southern University as biology major for a year, Eric relocated to San Antonio, TX where he got a regular gig playing 6 nights a week.
As Eric worked the gig, his fellow band members introduced him to jazz. Eric recalls Kind of Blue as one of his first influential jazz recordings. As he discovered this new element of music, Eric decided to switch to an acoustic bass.
Eric met Delfeayo Marsalis while volunteering for the Arts Council of San Antonio. Delfeayo strongly suggested that Eric study under his father's program in University of New Orleans. Eric then moved to New Orleans where he has studied under Ellis Marsalis, Harold Battiste, and Victor Goines from 1991 to 1992. New Orleans then offered fertile environment for growing musicians with huge appetite: Musicians whom Eric played with and learned from are Brian Blade, Nicholas Payton, Chris Thomas, Mark Turner, Troy Davis, Peter Martin, and Greg Tardy to name a few.
It was through his association with Peter Martin that Eric learned of Betty Carter's “Jazz Ahead” program. Eric's persistent request to be in the program resulted in him playing in Ms. Carter's band which turned out to be a true schooling experience for Eric.
Eric made his inevitable move to the New York City in 1994, as he became a regular bassist for Ms. Betty Carter. It did not take long for the New York musicians to take a notice in Eric. He had worked regularly with Billy Harper, Louis Hays, Lionel Hampton, Tess Marsalis, Russell Gunn, etc. Around this time, Small's Jazz Club in Greenwich Village provided a place for an array of young musicians to spend countless hours, days and nights, to practice, discuss, and experiment their musical ideas. Eric spent considerable amount of time there with his fellow musicians such as Sherman Irby, James Hurt, & JD Allen.
In 1997, Eric met Branford Marsalis at a recording session with Russell Gunn. Mr. Marsalis who was impressed with the young bassist asked Eric to join him on his recording, Bug Shot along with Kenny Kirkland and Jeff “Tain” Watts. Eric has been Branford's most reliable allies since then. Rafi Zabor, author of The Bear Comes Home says, “Eric Revis seems to me the finest rhythm partner yet to join him in a working Marsalis group: a terrific band bassist whose work evades casual notice, the lunging, deep-running power of his beat, acuity of accent, and his instinct for the right propulsive run of notes have given this band stronger legs to stand on, and an increased capacity for friendly earthquake.”
Eric Revis is a force to be reckoned with as he embarks on his own project.
“Voted the Best Debut Disc in 2004” --All About Jazz
“Eric stretches the jazz fabric without ripping it apart. The results are a greatly varied….thoroughly rewarding and entertaining set.” --Jazz Times
“Mr. Revis... along with the drummer Jeff Watts, gives that group its tight, smacking sound. His vision of jazz begins with a strong rhythm section, and he has used Mr. Watts as the drummer on his own first album. But he is also one of jazz's relativists, interested in importing other sounds and forms and rhythms, and to this end he uses a dozen extra guests outside of his group in his original music.” --New York Times
“I've been waiting for this album, and my hunch is confirmed: Eric Revis is an exciting bandleader who can stomp on the bass without overshadowing his ensemble. Eric also goes beyond the expected sounds. Great sounds, and very promising writing!” --David Adler, Downbeat
“Like (Jaco) Pastorius, he plants his flag neither in the past now present of music. Revis chooses to gather from his favorite music both jazz and non-jazz. Quite beautiful. “ --Marc Corroto, All About Jazz
“Revis has a huge sound, unshakable rhythmic confidence and a penchant for cohesive, logical baselines.” --Ted Panken, Downbeat
Eric Revis
Tales of The Stuttering Mime
2003
Branford Marsalis
Romare Bearden Revealed
2002
Orrin Evans
Meant To Shine
2002
Russell Gunn
Blue On The D.L.
2002
Branford Marsalis
Footsteps Of Our Fathers
2002
Jeff "Tain" Watts
Bar Talk
2001
Joe Locke
Storytellin
2001
Ralph Peterson Quintet
Art Of War
2000
Branford Marsalis
Contemporary Jazz
2000
Russell Gunn
Smokin Gunn
2000
Lara & Reyes
World Jazz
2000
Frank Mccomb
Love Stories
1999
J.D. Allen III
In Search Of...
1999
Russell Gunn
Love Requiem
1999
Winard Harper
Winard
1999
James Hurt
Dark Grooves - Mystical Rhythms
1999
Branford Marsalis
Requiem
1999
Jeff "Tain" Watts
Citizen Tain
1998
Russell Gunn
Young Gunn Plus
1998
Winard Harper
Trap Dancer
1997
Buckshot Lefonque
Music Evolution
1997
Russell Gunn
Gunn Fu
1997
Sherman Irby
Full Circle
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