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Brian Jon Bortz

Brian Jon Bortz - Experienced, Nuanced Professional Bassist

About Me

Throughout a career spanning nearly five decades, Brian Jon Bortz – Bassist, has always played music at a very high level with great musicians. Based in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, Brian has played across the US, Canada, the Caribbean and Europe. He has backed major show-business stars – George Burns, Joan Rivers, Don Rickles, Jay leno, Bobby Rydell, Patti Page and Clay Aiken to name just a few. He played for the President and Vice President of the US and enjoyed a 10-year run as bassist for the Freddy Awards. Brian's musical development has been profoundly influenced by a diverse range of genres. From the Big Band era and early Rock and Roll, through the Guitar-Rock of the 1960s, Fusion Jazz, R&B, and Progressive Rock of the 1970s, to various contemporary pop, rock and blues styles, each genre has significantly shaped his playing and comprehension of music. Renowned for his solid groove and prodigious soloing chops, Brian anchors several bands – The Last Thursday Band, Fusion Jazz Trio, Artisan Jazz Trio/Artisan Blue Band, Paul Boddy & The Slidewinder Blues Band, Boogie Stew and more. He is also a first-call substitute with several great regional bands, such as Craig Thatcher Band, Don Cunningham & Associates, and Corinne Mammana. Brian also has extensive recording credits and recently released a full-length album of mostly original material; Brian Jon Bortz and Friends – The Time is Now, available on CD and all streaming platforms.

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Playlist

Theme Song

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because of the rich textures in the harmonies and melodies. Jazz is also one of the freest forms of music there is, and no two performances are ever exactly the same. I call it the only "instant" art form - unless it's recorded, if you weren't there you missed it! I play and enjoy many styles/genres of music, but there is nothing like being deep in a moment of spontaneous improvisation among skilled players who are feeding off each other. It is a spiritual moment, indeed.

My House Concert Story

A friend of mine - local business owner and jazz afficionado and singer, had held a series of house concerts a few years back (pre-Covid), featuring up-and-coming young players in our region. It was a fabulous time and the music was brilliant. His home had a very nice parlor with a grand piano, and it was a truly special event.