Bryan McConnell is one of the most in demand double bass players on the West Coast. Educated in both classical and jazz, he has over 30 years of playing experience and has had the opportunity to work with the following jazz greats:
John Handy, Bobby Hutcherson, Phil Woods, James Moody, Harold Land, Bruce Forman, Buddy Montgomery, Richie Cole, Ernie Andrews, Ernie Watts, Red Halloway, Kenny Drew, Jr., Bud Shank, Laurindo Almeida, Calvin Keys, John Fadis, Lanny Morgan, Mose Allison, Martin Headman, and Dottie Dodgion.
Bryan has also toured Japan with John Handy in 1991 and 1992, and again with Dottie Dodgion in 1997.
While working as the house bassist and musical director at Storyville Classic Jazz Club in San Francisco during 1995-1997, Bryan organized non-profit jazz clinics, volunteering his time and expertise teaching bass and jazz improvisation in the local community.
In addition, Bryan is the "Artist in Residence" for the Monterey Mattress Marquee; a position which has entailed cooridinating educational forums and performances, as well as grant programs.
You can see Bryan perform in the San Diego area, from Croce's downtown with Shep Meyers, to the Del Mar Marriott with Mark Lessmann and The L'Auberge in Del Mar with Ruby Blue. Among other local musicians of which Bryan performs are Jaime Valle, Mike Wofford, Charles McPhearson, Peter Sprauge, Duncan Moore, Bob Boss and many others.
QUOTES...
"Bryan McConnell is a bassist with ageless mastery
of his instrument. He offers beautiful melodic lines
and the supporting anchor to the trio."
-Stella Cheung Brandt, Associate Publisher/Editor,
California Jazz Now Magazine
"Bassist Bryan McConnell is noted for his sensitive,
imaginative, hornlike solos and is always a wise and
logical choice in accompaniment!"
-Johnny Adams, Program/Music Director,
KRML Jazz Radio, Carmel, CA
"Bryan McConnell, bassist, takes on the Herculean
takes of ryhthmic pulse, providing hamronic support
and major soloist. He excels at all three duties,
and most imporantly, never seems to stuggle with the
responsiblity or call attention to its difficulty or
overcompensate. Don't' try that at home folks, this
guy is a trained professional. He plays with a sure-
footed strength and maturity that belie his relative
youth. Bryan's woody tone, deep and rich, support the
vocals in contrapuntal fashion, like delicate beadwork,
woven seamlessly."
-Bruce Forman, guitarist, Monterey, CA
"Bassist Bryan McConnell is highly innovative and a
true master of his instrument."
-Lee Prosser, Critic, JazzReview.com
"The very talented Bryan McConnell is one of San Diego
County's busiest and best bassists...and runs a crack trio..."
-Cam Miller, Critic, North County Times, San Diego, CA
Read more...