Steve Jenkins

Steve Jenkins is taking the bass to new heights. His highly advanced technique enables him to tap like a guitarist and slap long extended lines, all improvised in the heat of the moment, and his musical vocabulary reveals a player of subtlety and at times real soul too. “I use whatever musical information I have to make a bassline work,” says Steve. “Even if it’s unconventional. I’m definitely not afraid to experiment!” Despite stints with Vernon Reid (Living Colour) and Dave Fiuczynski in Screaming Headless Torsos, Steve’s not lacked ambition in his solo career, with Steve Jenkins and the Coaxial Flutter his second album and most focused to date. On the subject of technique, Steve’s effortless command of a rather large-looking Callowhill OBS 5-string has marked him out as a bass player of real depth, but how exactly did he develop his staggeringly fluid command of slap bass? “I don’t really know how I go about doing it,” he smiles. “I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out different techniques and rhythms, but I’ve never put any limitations on what I should or shouldn’t do with the bass.” For more information visit www.stevejenkinsbass.com