Jim TroxellVital Stats
Age: 49.
Instruments: Electric upright bass, electric bass and vocals.
Bands you perform with on a regular basis: L.A. Robinson and Streetlife, Reuben Morgan and Cooljams, Toots Lorraine and the Traffic, Jake Niceley.
Day job: I gave up road gigs in 1994. Since then, I've worked as a carpenter with Augustine Builders in Daytona Beach.
Hometown: Springfield, Ill.
Current residence: Ormond Beach.
Type of music you perform: Jazz, blues, R&B, country.
Repertoire sampler: "Let It Roll" (Little Feat), "Treat Her Right" (Roy Buchanan's version), "Confidence Man" (Jeff Healey), "Crossfire" and "The Sky Is Cryin'" (Stevie Ray Vaughan), "So What" (Miles Davis).
Upcoming area gigs: With the Denny Weaver Trio, Olympic Splashdown 2009, 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 30, Daytona State College, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Web site: geocities.com/troxellbass.
Taking Notes
Who or what inspired you to take up music?
My dad. He was a successful composer and woodwind player. I remember sitting at the piano with him when I was 6, learning rhythms and notes so I could move up to playing an instrument.
I studied the trumpet for about 11 years until I discovered the bass. Dad insisted that if I played electric bass, I should also study the double bass. I think that gave me a better foundation, from being exposed to more diverse kinds of music. My playing style comes from what I have been able to absorb from the people I've worked with.
What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?
There was a reunion last April of a band from Springfield, the Tonguesnatcher Revue, that I went on the road with when I was 18. I played with some of them in other bands in the '80s, but that night was the first time in 30-plus years that all of us were together again.
It was such an amazing feeling, picking up exactly where we left off a long time ago. To me, it is a reminder that good music really is timeless.
What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?
Bassist Charlie Haden. Not only a legendary bassist, but very politically active throughout his career. He and my dad were born in the same tiny Iowa town about a year apart. I always saw that as proof that music can take you anywhere you want to go.
What was the last book you read?
"I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This: And Other Things That Strike Me as Funny" by Bob Newhart.
What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?
Jeff Beck, Waylon Jennings, Michael Manring, Eric Todd.
What is your favorite movie?
"Ray." Jamie Foxx did an excellent job of telling the story of one of the greatest musicians of our time.
What was the best concert you ever attended?
Herbie Hancock and friends, University of Illinois, 1976. Herbie Hancock started out by introducing a special guest on bass, Jaco Pastorius. In an hour and a half, he changed everything I thought I knew about the bass. The whole group was great, but to see him play up close was a rare treat.
"If I didn't play music, I would ... ":
Like to try being a comedian. I have made people laugh on several occasions, sometimes even when I'm not playing. Comedians, like musicians, have to connect with an audience to succeed. Making that connection is one of the most satisfying rewards in music.
"I'd sell my soul for ...":
Definitely not for sale. I need it more and more as I grow older. Besides, a bass player needs all the soul he can get.
Who or what inspired you to take up music?
My dad. He was a successful composer and woodwind player. I remember sitting at the piano with him when I was 6, learning rhythms and notes so I could move up to playing an instrument.
I studied the trumpet for about 11 years until I discovered the bass. Dad insisted that if I played electric bass, I should also study the double bass. I think that gave me a better foundation, from being exposed to more diverse kinds of music. My playing style comes from what I have been able to absorb from the people I've worked with.
What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?
There was a reunion last April of a band from Springfield, the Tonguesnatcher Revue, that I went on the road with when I was 18. I played with some of them in other bands in the '80s, but that night was the first time in 30-plus years that all of us were together again.
It was such an amazing feeling, picking up exactly where we left off a long time ago. To me, it is a reminder that good music really is timeless.
What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?
Bassist Charlie Haden. Not only a legendary bassist, but very politically active throughout his career. He and my dad were born in the same tiny Iowa town about a year apart. I always saw that as proof that music can take you anywhere you want to go.
What was the last book you read?
"I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This: And Other Things That Strike Me as Funny" by Bob Newhart.
What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?
Jeff Beck, Waylon Jennings, Michael Manring, Eric Todd.
What is your favorite movie?
"Ray." Jamie Foxx did an excellent job of telling the story of one of the greatest musicians of our time.
What was the best concert you ever attended?
Herbie Hancock and friends, University of Illinois, 1976. Herbie Hancock started out by introducing a special guest on bass, Jaco Pastorius. In an hour and a half, he changed everything I thought I knew about the bass. The whole group was great, but to see him play up close was a rare treat.
"If I didn't play music, I would ... ":
Like to try being a comedian. I have made people laugh on several occasions, sometimes even when I'm not playing. Comedians, like musicians, have to connect with an audience to succeed. Making that connection is one of the most satisfying rewards in music.
"I'd sell my soul for ...":
Definitely not for sale. I need it more and more as I grow older. Besides, a bass player needs all the soul he can get.
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