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Stephen Durham

Do you need a bassist/vocalist for a gig or longer (Including fill-in gigs, touring (I have a current Passport) & studio session work)?

Search no further - my name is Stephen & I've been playing electric bass/singing for decades.

I have my own gear (4-string fretted & fretless electric basses), great amps & transportation. My nirvana is being in the pocket with a great drummer, actively listening and being a creative, supporting player to the rest of the band. Non- smoker and substance-free.

I'm professional & on time - NO restrictions on travel or length of time to be on tour. Dedication to performance excellence is all that matters to me - no ego here. I live to create quality music with talented & dedicated musicians.

Vocal range is high tenor (Great harmony & lead parts). I can find a part immediately and make accurate (In-key) adjustments up or down when necessary; example: if the lead singer (Or another singer) suddenly starts singing my part, I immediately find another part and continue. . .

Main genres I am competent in are Rock, Pop, Blues, R & B, Acoustic, Funk & Reggae, Jazz (Contemporary/Traditional/Fusion plus solos), Gospel/Praise & Worship, Orchestral, Big Band, Country, New World, Experimental, Indie, etc. NOTE: If I don't know it, I learn it — most importantly, I always do my homework BEFORE a rehearsal or performance, NOT during. . .

Of major importance to me is "playing with dynamics" & being tight, but I also have the ability to jam out when necessary! I've been blessed with a great ear, so I can get on track very quickly, having the ability to "lift" or duplicate exact bass or vocal lines with 99% of tunes.

I have extensive experience in playing clubs & private parties, recording, touring, and songwriting - I also have a sixth sense to hear "outside-the-box" options which can help a song or creative ideas come to life.

I read chord charts & improvise from there. I do read written bass lines with some preparation; however, I need some improvement with sight-reading (My ear saves me). The bottom line is that I do whatever it takes to make it happen on an excellent scale. I have experience in playing several other instruments as well, which puts me in a good position as a listening musician. Having music to review in advance of a performance is preferable, but not always necessary. It helps that I already know a large song repertoire in many genres and can adapt "on the fly" even if I have never heard the song before. I have some Fake Books as well.

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