Album Notes

Looking for a smooth, R&B bass solo album? This is NOT what you’ll find! Instead, mix a traditional jazz guitar combo with Flecktone-ish quirk, and you have the debut album of original instrumental music from Brian Mulholland, last bassist for the late jazz trumpet player Maynard Ferguson. Supported by Ken Edwards, Tom Luer, Noel Johnston, and Stockton Helbing, Brian Mulholland showcases daring compositions along with his unique bass and tapped-chord stylings.

Brian Mulholland was born November 7, 1978, in Anderson, South Carolina, and began playing bass at age 10. By age 12, he was a protegé of Victor Wooten and was a featured soloist with Béla Fleck and the Flecktones and Aquarium Rescue Unit. He has gone on to perform, compose, and arrange for both large and small jazz ensembles. He holds degrees from the University of South Carolina (B.M., 2001) and the University of North Texas (M.M., 2005).

While at the University of North Texas, Mulholland was the UNT Jazz Bass and Jazz Theory Teaching Fellow and taught undergraduate and graduate jazz bass lessons. He also performed with Lynn Seaton and Jeff Eckels (Whatdyaknow) as part of the Lower Convergence Trio at the 2005 International Society of Bassists Conference in Kalamazoo, MI. In addition to studying with Seaton, Mulholland performed with the L5 Guitar Ensemble and the 3 O’Clock Lab Band. He also accompanied musicians such as Jeff “Tain” Watts, Terri Lyne Carrington, Hilton Ruiz, and Adam Rogers for workshops and clinics.

Before moving to Texas, Mulholland was a member of the USC Jazz Strings, created by pianist and jazz studies director Bert Ligon. He performed with them at the 1999 International Association of Jazz Educators Conference, alongside acclaimed violinist Darol Anger. Mulholland toured in France and England with the USC Left Bank Big Band in March 2000. In 2001, his transcription work was requested for the Victor Wooten: Bass Day ’98 DVD from Hudson Music and is available at www.hudsonmusic.com.