Home » Jazz Musicians » Dan Robbins

Dan Robbins

Dan Robbins has played and recorded in settings ranging from solo, duo, trio, etc. to big band and orchestra, and is known for driving, creative, harmonically and melodically rich background and lead parts on bass. He doubles on both acoustic bass, and four, five, six, and seven-string electric bass, in styles ranging from solo jazz chord-melody arrangements, to hard-swinging jazz double bass accompaniment, acoustic and electric funk, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Carribean, rock, R&B, blues, tango, Indian, and fusion styles, as well as arco (played with the bow) classical and comtemporary interpretations of composed music. He is also known to employ looping and effects to create the impression of a “one man band”.

He brings a fiery improvisational spirit and energy to all the projects he is involved with. Currently co-leading the funk trio Wasabi, and the acoustic jazz trio Source Field, he also has an ongoing duo project with distinguished California Poet Laureate Al Young, and plays bass for the Hristo Vitchev Quartet, Idiot Fish 3, Joe DeRose & Amici, the Weber Iago Trio, Rick Vandivier/Nate Pruitt and Primary Colors, the BR Jazz Band, and also does solo concerts. He also teaches at San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, runs a private teaching studio, and is involved as an educator with the Monterey Jazz Festival, Cabrillo Jazz Festival, and the San Jose Jazz Society. In addition, he also freelances as a performer, composer, and arranger in studios and venues in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

Tags

37
Album Review

Jason Keiser: Shaw's Groove

Read "Shaw's Groove" reviewed by Jack Bowers


The “Shaw" in guitarist Jason Keiser's album Shaw's Groove is the late great Woody Shaw, one of the more innovative and influential jazz trumpeters of the twentieth century. Even though he lived only forty-four years (he died in May 1989), Shaw was an important role model whose sweeping influence remains strong to this day, both as a player and composer. The first four songs on Shaw's Groove were written by Shaw himself, among the many he composed ...

3
Album Review

Sandra Marlowe: The Heart Always Remembers

Read "The Heart Always Remembers" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


The heart always remembers, but so too do the ears. Vocalist Sandra Marlowe, probably aware of that fact, quickly grabs attention by demonstrating a real métier for metric play and gymnastics on pianist Larry Dunlap's witty, album-opening arrangement of “Fascinating Rhythm." Once that focus is on her work, Marlowe doesn't let up. In short order there's a balladic “When Did You Leave Heaven?" which dials things down (and offers some space to bassist Dan Robbins), a waltzing take on Sting's ...

5
Album Review

Hristo Vitchev: Of Light and Shadows

Read "Of Light and Shadows" reviewed by Tyran Grillo


Guitarist Hristo Vitchev reconvenes his synergistic quartet with pianist Jasnam Daya Singh, bassist Dan Robbins and drummer Mike Shannon for a set of nine originals, each deeper than the last. It's the kind of session that happens perhaps once in a decade, where every detail dovetails into the next without the merest hint of force. The title track is a joyous opener, practicing what it preaches by virtue of its gradations. It exudes passionate musical ideas and exposition. ...

7
Album Review

Hristo Vitchev: Of Light and Shadows

Read "Of Light and Shadows" reviewed by Phillip Woolever


Vitchev's latest effort is another jewel in his growing catalogue of widespread genres. Given Vitchev's warmly ambitious range of projects, he may soon be able to center his own multi-themed festival. This presents his current, contemporary style quartet in an impressive showcase. The SF bay area group's core has played together in various ensembles for years, and their cohesive evolution is demonstrated throughout. Vitchev gives his band mates plenty of room to groove from the opening track on, ...

Read more articles

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Shaw's Groove

OA2 Records
2023

buy

The Heart Always...

LoveDog! Media
2021

buy

Of Light and Shadows

First Orbit Sounds
2018

buy

Organ Grinder

From: Shaw's Groove
By Dan Robbins

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.