Don Bassey

Don has 40 years of professional playing and recording experience, he's a respected bass player who is ready to share his knowledge and experience with the students of 851 Music Studio. He is available for private lessons, band coaching and private clinics.

Don started playing bass at age fifteen back in his native Michigan, and he’s been singing as long as he can remember. He spent the late Sixties and early Seventies touring in the Midwest with the rock band Touchstone and moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1972.

Over the years, Don has shared the stage and recorded with some of the Bay Area’s finest rock, blues and alternative musicians. He frequently works with producer/guitarist extraordinaire Kevin Russell, and multi-talented singer/songwriters Jessie Turner and Ira Marlowe. Along the way, Don has also logged time with such greats as the Detroit Disciples, Daniel Castro, Ron Thompson, Steve Gornall, Bobby Walker, Guy Arrostuto, and the legendary Alameda All Stars.

AAS bandleader Tommy Thompson says, "Don continues to lend his solid bass, formidable vocals and stellar stage presence to The Alameda All Stars as an essential member of their illustrious alumni association."

When blues guitarist Volker Strifler was putting his new band together seven years ago, he called Don Bassey to fill the bass slot and team with award-winning drummer Gary Silva in the Volker Strifler Band rhythm section. Don’s playing is featured on the band’s Blue Rock’It Records release “Dance Goes On."