Custom Jazz Ensembles Serving the San Diego Area
What’s the Vibe?
Left-handed bassist Doug Walker draws from decades of experience to tailor First Bass Jazz to best fit the vibe of each event. He works directly with the client to consider the band’s size, volume, instrumentation, repertoire, and overall presentation, ensuring it will match your expectations and your budget.
Define Jazz…
From its early development to present day innovations, jazz has seen many distinct styles like Swing, Bebop, Cool Jazz, Bossa Nova, and Soul Jazz. First Bass Jazz faithfully represents these styles and more with both vintage & original arrangements, as well as some jazzified popular songs from other genres. This growing collection brings excitement to choosing what will be most suitable for any given event.
CELEBRATED STYLES
Some often celebrated styles include Great Gatsby theme (Roaring 20s), Gypsy Jazz (Django Reinhardt), Early String Bands (feat. banjo & mandolin), Swing Era, Bossa Nova, BeBop, 50s Cool Jazz, Soul Jazz, Boogaloo, Latin Jazz, and even Bluegrass & more.
PAST TRIBUTES
Past tributes have included Duke Ellington, Miles & Coltrane, Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline, Vince Guaraldi, Paul Simon, A.C. Jobim, Horace Silver, Bill Evans, Cannonball Adderley, Thelonious Monk & more.
Taking Shape
First Bass Jazz combos can be as small as a Duo, with Doug Walker on upright bass, plus one partner—usually a melodic/rhythm instrument, such as piano, guitar, or vibraphone. A Trio might add a lead instrument, such as saxophone, or—in the right space—a drummer / percussionist. A smaller group might fit a more intimate vibe, while a larger group can create a more energetic atmosphere. First Bass Jazz combos are extremely flexible from 2-6 members and guided by the client’s input.
Combo Suggestions
DUO: BASS + ONE
Bass + Chordal Instrument. Interplay between bass and either piano, guitar or vibraphone can create a surprisingly full sound that can fit even the most intimate of settings.
Bass + Melodic Instrument. Interplay between bass and horn leaves ample room for improvisation and spontaneous creativity.
DRUMMERLESS TRIO
Vibes/Guitar/Bass. Famous examples include the Red Norvo Trio with Tal Farlow & Charles Mingus, and the Milt Jackson Trio with Joe Pass & Ray Brown.
Trumpet/Guitar/Bass. Famous examples include the Chet Baker Trio with Doug Raney & Niels-Henning Ørsted Pederson, and the Nicholas Payton Trio with Mark Whitfield & Christian McBride.
CHORDLESS TRIO
Horn / Bass / Drums. A minimalist combo with lots of energy and improvisation. Famous examples have been lead by Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Joe Lovano, Kenny Garrett, Joshua Redman.
CLASSIC TRIO
The Most Bang for Your Buck! The most energetic atmosphere from the smallest combo.
Piano Trio with Bass & Drums. Famous examples include Bill Evans Trio, Keith Jarrett Trio
Guitar Trio with Bass & Drums. Famous Examples include Jim Hall, Pat Metheny, John Scofield
CLASSIC QUARTET
1 Horn + Rhythm Section. Perhaps the most versatile of small combos. A timeless instrumentation that can represent any style with freshness and familiarity.
Vocalist + Rhythm Section. A lyrical voice adds an unparalleled dimension.
JAZZ QUINTET/SEXTET
2-3 Horns + Rhythm Section. With horns playing in harmony and counterpoint, such ensembles can cover enough parts to approximate a Big Band on a much smaller budget. Famous examples include Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, Miles & Coltrane, Horace Silver, Joe Henderson, Benny Golson.
Pricing Tiers
Weddings & Corporate Events
Weddings and Corporate Parties are at the top of our price tier because they typically demand the most attention to strict detail. They also typically have the most unforeseen challenges that demand flexibility and problem solving. The buffered starting price ensures that the band is prepared to deal with those situations gracefully.
Starting at $800
Jazz Duo with up to 3 Hour Performance Window*
Private Parties
Whether it’s a backyard bash or a small business celebration, we’ll be there to entertain your guests and best create the desired atmosphere.
Starting at $600
Jazz Duo with up to 3 Hour Performance Window*
Non-Profit Fundraisers
We offer a generous discount to non-profit organizations attempting to raise funds for a worthy cause.
Starting at $400
Jazz Duo with up to 2 Hour Performance Window*
Free To The Public
We offer much of the same attention to detail for our lowest price tier, as we strive to create the desired atmosphere for the venue or event. We use whatever influence we have to invite and attract more patrons.
Starting at $300
Jazz Duo with Negotiable Performance Length*
* Starting prices assume minimum time on-site for loading in and out.
Get Started!
Curious about booking First Bass Jazz? Fill out our Booking Inquiry form and receive a rough estimate via email. Please give as many details as you can so we can offer an accurate quote.