Brian Cruse

While the musical setting around him frequently varies, versatile bassist Brian Cruse provides a solid harmonic & rhythmic foundation through his contributions in a diverse range of ensembles.

In addition to leading his own ensemble, Brian is currently an active member of Richmond, VA based bands The Larri Branch Agenda, Marionette, quux, Moruza, The J Smith Trio & Super 64. These groups cover a vast array of genres including Jazz, R&B, Rock, Singer-Songwriter & 20th Century.

A member since 2005, Brian is currently the Principle Bassist of The Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. Under the direction of Ulysses Kirksey, Brian has had the opportunity to perform a variety of pieces, including compositions by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Bruckner, Dvorak, Handel, Haydn, Ives, Mozart, Mussorgsky, Shostakovich, Sibelius, Smetana & Vivaldi.

In 2008 Brian was a member of the Endless Mountain Music Festival Orchestra. Based in Wellsboro, PA, The EMMF Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Stephen Gunzenhauser, performed a variety of pieces including Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 2, Bizet's Carmen & Sym. in C Maj., Tchaikovsky's Sym. No. 5 & "Variations on a Rococo Theme." During the 3-week festival the EMMF Orchestra performed at many venues in the region including the Corning Museum of Glass & Mansfield University. Guest artists, including string quartet Sweet Plantain & violinist Sandy Cameron also performed alongside the EMMF Orchestra.

Performing such a variety of music has allowed Brian to perform in an equally wide array of venues & locations. These include The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage & the historic Twins Lounge in Washington DC, as well as The Verizon Amphitheater in Norfolk VA. In Richmond he has performed at many well known venues such as The National, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Dogwood Dell, The Richmond Convention Center & Balliceaux. You can also find Brian performing in the pits of Richmond's theaters, restaurants, clubs, bars, churches, and other Richmond venues. On tour, Brian has performed in cities along the east coast including, New York, NY Atlanta, GA Knoxville, TN Clemson University, UNC, & Ashville NC

Brian has also participated in a number of eclectic festivals in the VA area as well, including The Vans Warped Tour & Richmond's own 2nd St, Watermelon, Jazz on the James, Beer & Wine, Italian, & Music Circus festivals. He has also enjoyed performing on Richmond's CBS 6 "Virginia This Morning" & Richmond radio stations WRIR, WDCE & RadioRubberRoom.

Over the years, Brian has been able to share the stage with many wonderful musicians. He is grateful to have worked alongside local Richmond & VA greats such as Steve Kessler, Charlie Kilpatrick, Kip Williams, James Gates, Weldon Hill, Hodd O'Brien, Dave Triplett, Adrian Duke & Bill Evans. Recently, Brian has shared the bill and opened for international touring bands including The National, Tortoise, The Whigs & Tune Yards. He has also had the opportunity to perform as a member of The Upper East Side Big Band, Gypsy Roots, The Rhythmasters, Bossa Brava, The Butterbean Jazz Quartet & The Kip Williams Quartet.

In addition to performing, Brian shares his love of music through education. He currently maintains a private studio teaching upright & electric bass, guitar, piano & music theory lessons. As an instructor Brian also leads group master classes & clinics at schools in the Richmond area. In 2010 he joined the faculty of the Greater Richmond School of Music.

Brian grew up in Arlington, VA and first began playing the bass at the age of 13. At 14, he began studying electric bass, guitar & music theory with John McCain. During high school he was a drum major in the marching band and member of the Concert & Jazz Bands. While pursing his degree at Virginia Commonwealth University Brian studied classical and jazz double bass under the direction of Kelly Ali and Victor Dvoskin. Also studying under Doug Richards & Skip Gailes, Brian graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor's degree in Bass Performance with a concentration in Jazz Studies.

In addition to music, Brian enjoys catching up on some of his other interests including rooting for his favorite sports teams: FC Barcelona & The Washington Redskins, hanging with his pets, watching an episode of Seinfeld, traveling to other countries & on a nice day, doing some

Gear

Upright bass - 1920's