Hailing from the Sacramento area, versatile left-handed bassist and jazz composer Doug Walker has been working the San Diego scene for over two decades, backing up many of the city’s renowned artists across all musical genres. His particular passion for modern jazz lead him to an M.M. in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University, frequent performances with many local legends, and inspired numerous original compositions and arrangements. Whether he’s accompanying the various styles of jazz, soul, country, or rock, Walker’s formal training merges with his stylistic faithfulness; a rare combination that has earned him praise among these intersecting circles of musicians, receptive audiences, and favorable press.
Walker plays an integral role in every project that comes his way, whether as a leader or as a supporting artist. On stage, he plays in the moment, ready to roll with any spontaneous change of direction. In the studio, he delivers thoughtfully supportive bass lines worthy of their permanence. Recent recordings include Tim Flannery The Restless Kind, Berkley Hart Crow, Gregory Page One Hell of a Memory, David Borgo Uplift and Relational, Victor Baker As The Crow Flies, and his debut as a leader Concurrent Lines; a nominee for Best Jazz Album in the 2025 San Diego Music Awards.
- M.M. Jazz Studies, SDSU, 2007
- Double Bass performance since 2001
- Electric Bass performance since 1998
Doug Walker was born and raised in El Dorado Hills, northern California, just east of Sacramento. His interest in music began as far back as he can remember. He first studied saxophone before discovering electric bass at age fourteen. Inspired by the bass-dominated bands of Les Claypool and Flea, he became serious about the craft that would soon lead to such predecessors as Larry Graham, Bootsy Collins, Paul Jackson, Rocco Prestia, and Jaco Pastorius. Walker’s interest in jazz and the upright bass flourished while studying with Dr. Joe Gilman at American River College, where he sought after the sound of a deeper line of heroes like Ron Carter, Ray Brown, Paul Chambers, Scott LaFaro, and far more. Walker later transferred to San Diego State University on a full scholarship. There he performed in orchestra, jazz big band and small combos while studying privately with renowned bassists Gunnar Biggs and Bob Magnusson, ultimately earning a Master of Music degree in jazz studies in 2007. Walker continues to teach, compose and perform throughout San Diego, where he is often recognized as one of the few left-handed upright bassists on the planet.
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