Bren Plummer

Double bassist, composer, improviser and educator, BREN PLUMMER was born in Seattle, WA, where, early on, he was exposed to the diverse musical traditions of jazz, the blues, classical music, hip hop and funk as well as Seattle’s heavy underground grunge-rock scene.

"People like to put me in a box and ask if I am `'classically trained'. While yes I am, I have always been a jammer and always wanted to make sure that I could make music with anyone, whether they can read music or not. I enjoy being able to read and write, but before I was ever trained to play classical music I was a professional bass player. I also play bass guitar and have been in hundereds of bands. I don't think people even know what `'classically trained' means. I began several periods of deep study on my instrument with master musicians so that I could do my craft justice. I believe one must master their instrument if they want to master music, and I am still in pursuit of that goal."

Bren is a jazz bassist, principal bass of the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, section bass in Symphony Tacoma and a regular sub around the Pacific Northwest with various groups. In addition to performing as a sideman and in various orchestras and chamber groups, he leads his own ensembles, has recorded several jazz albums under his own name, and is active on the Seattle jazz scene. Bren is on the faculty at Edmonds College, coaches high school players locally and maintains his own private teaching studio.

Bren Plummer: Moldy Figs

Read "Moldy Figs" reviewed by Paul Rauch

by Paul Rauch
July 10, 2017

Bassist/Composer Bren Plummer has been walking that fine line between classical music and modern jazz since he first introduced himself to the jazz world via piano trio with his debut recording, Nocturnal (Bren Plummer Music, 2015). His musical energies have been directed into two respected orchestras in Washington state, the Yakima Symphony, and Symphony Tacoma. His forward thinking vision is a sort of musical crossroads between the two musical forms. For his follow up recording Moldy Figs, Plummer ...

"He is an awesome bass player" -- Christian Pincock

"...always stylistically appropriate..." -- Chris Burns

“Forward thinking vision “ -- Paul Rauch, All About Jazz

“Plummer has shown himself to be a fine musician, with a deep, thick tonality that is original and engaging.” --Paul Rauch, All About Jazz

“Arco or pizzicato, Plummer solos impressively” -- Doug Ramsey, Rifftides

“Plummer keeps a busy schedule of appearances with local symphonies, plus a plethora of jazz gigs, and sports a fat, woody tone, with a deep sound and calm authority to his playing, as well as considerable bowing skills.” -- Andrew Luthringer, Earshot Jazz