I'm a dynamic bassist with extensive live performance experience and a knack for engaging audiences. I thrive on providing a solid rhythmic foundation, blending harmony with improvisation, and delivering high-energy performances that elevate the music and the moment. My collaborative approach, adaptability across genres, and commitment to creating memorable musical moments drive my work on stage and in the studio. I bring groove, versatility, and a strong work ethic to every project, whether I'm on lead bass foundations, supporting ensemble arrangements, or stepping into additional roles as needed. I excel at reading rooms, shaping bass lines to fit diverse styles, and contributing to cohesive and energetic performances that connect with audiences and fellow musicians alike.

Jon Steele

I'm a dynamic bassist with extensive live performance experience and a knack for engaging audiences. I thrive on providing a solid rhythmic foundation, blending harmony with improvisation, and delivering high-energy performances that elevate the music and the moment. My collaborative approach, adaptability across genres, and commitment to creating memorable musical moments drive my work on stage and in the studio. I bring groove, versatility, and a strong work ethic to every project, whether I'm on lead bass foundations, supporting ensemble arrangements, or stepping into additional roles as needed. I excel at reading rooms, shaping bass lines to fit diverse styles, and contributing to cohesive and energetic performances that connect with audiences and fellow musicians alike.

Available to hire

I’m a dynamic bassist with extensive live performance experience and a knack for engaging audiences. I thrive on providing a solid rhythmic foundation, blending harmony with improvisation, and delivering high-energy performances that elevate the music and the moment. My collaborative approach, adaptability across genres, and commitment to creating memorable musical moments drive my work on stage and in the studio.

I bring groove, versatility, and a strong work ethic to every project, whether I’m on lead bass foundations, supporting ensemble arrangements, or stepping into additional roles as needed. I excel at reading rooms, shaping bass lines to fit diverse styles, and contributing to cohesive and energetic performances that connect with audiences and fellow musicians alike.

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Work Experience

Bass Player at Lower Broadway
May 1, 2025 - Present
Performing standard repertoire for a wide audience visiting the Broadway Historic District in downtown Nashville. Adapted quickly to diverse musical styles and genres during live shows. Built a lively atmosphere with high-energy stage presence and audience engagement. Collaborated with band members to create cohesive performances, provided rhythmic foundations and harmonizing, and demonstrated walking bass lines and groove mastery. Recorded and contributed to studio work as needed.
Bass Player at Same As It Ever Was
August 1, 2023 - Present
Performing shows throughout the Southeast U.S. and expanding the repertoire by learning new songs, techniques, and styles. Elevated audience engagement with high-energy performances and crowd interaction. Occasionally served in additional roles within the band, such as keyboardist or backup vocalist.
Bass Player at Self-employed
July 1, 2023 - September 15, 2025
Performed in Washington, DC's Historic U Street District and Adams Morgan, toured the Mid-Atlantics and Southeast U.S. Built an online fan base by engaging followers on social media, sharing rehearsals, studio sessions, and performances. Provided rhythmic foundations for hundreds of groups across thousands of performances, adapting bass lines to fit diverse genres (jazz, R&B, funk, pop, salsa, samba, Middle Eastern and West African). Read music, memorized parts, and collaborated on innovative arrangements for original compositions. Promoted the career via website and social media; composed, recorded, and released songs for a jazz quintet; provided musical background for live shows (musical theatre, cabarets); mentored aspiring bass players through technique development, music theory, and improvisation.

Education

Bachelor of Music: Studio Music And Jazz at University of Tennessee - Knoxville
January 11, 2030 - September 15, 2025
Master of Music: Double Bass Performance at University of Tennessee - Knoxville
January 11, 2030 - September 15, 2025

Qualifications

WAMMIE Award
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Best Jazz Composition "Sun Shade"

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services