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Sam Bevan

Since moving to San Francisco in 1999, Sam Bevan has established himself as one of the most versatile and creative bassists in the Bay Area. Bevan is able to canvas a large musical landscape where jazz, funk, r&b, folk and Afro-Cuban disciplines joyously intermingle. His sound is in response to the history of modern jazz, yet it’s his composer’s ear which informs his overall concept. Bevan explains, “Since I began my musical life as a pianist, including experiences composing and arranging for pop/rock, jazz and salsa bands, I have gained a much broader sense of the role of the bass. I am very content providing support and feel as a part of the rhythm section, as well as listening for appropriate moments to push the music into new territory. My goal is to introduce interpretations of the music which are interesting and creative without compromising the lead melodic instrument.”

The foundation was laid for Bevan’s career where he began classical piano lessons at the age of four. Sam's adoption of the electric and acoustic bass followed periods playing jazz and classical piano, singing professionally and getting a BA in French. After attending college in Salt Lake City, he now resides a few miles from where he was born in Oakland, California.

Throughout his professional life, Sam has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of artists including: David Grisman, Joe Craven, Geoff Muldaur, Jim Kweskin, Roswell Rudd, Joe Locke, Kenny Washington, Mary Wilson, Jacqui Naylor, Barbara Morrison, Dave Ellis, Bjorkestra, Industrial Jazz Group, Steve Lippia, Matt Flinner, Scott Nygaard, Fito Reinoso, Louie “Timbalito” Romero, Jesus Diaz, Carlos Caro, Raul Pineda, Marco Granados, Jackie Rago, The Vnote Ensemble, Mamadou Sidibe, Monk's Music Trio, Loose Wig, Lisa Engelken, Coto Pincheira, Chelle & Friends, the Kin, ALO, Aram Danesh and the Super Human Crew, Stevie Coyle, Walter Strauss, Calaveras, Telepathy, Nathan Clevenger Group, Ian Dogole & Hemispheres, Fil Lorenz Orchestra and the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra.

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26
Album Review

Eldad Tarmu: Tarmu Jazz Quartet

Read "Tarmu Jazz Quartet" reviewed by Jack Bowers


The vibraphone is not often heard on the jazz scene these days, which makes this new album by the Tarmu Jazz Quartet even more welcome than it might have been at a time when Red Norvo, Lionel Hampton, Terry Gibbs, Milt Jackson, Cal Tjader, Gary Burton, Bobby Hutcherson, Gary McFarland and their ilk were riding high. Los Angeles-born Eldad Tarmu, who leads the quartet, has his own approach to the instrument, softer and less frenzied than Hampton or Gibbs, leaning ...

3
Album Review

Vicki Burns: Lotus Blossom Days

Read "Lotus Blossom Days" reviewed by Richard J Salvucci


Who knew “Del Sasser" had lyrics? Part of the joy of listening to new recordings is finding such things out. And Vicki Burns does a convincing job of it. In this intriguing compilation of standards--yes, musicians can record from the Great American Songbook (GAS) without disgracing themselves, no matter what anyone says--bop heads and originals, Vicki Burns acquits herself admirably. She is solid evidence that the singer makes the song, rather than the other way around. ...

5
Album Review

Vicki Burns: Lotus Blossom Days

Read "Lotus Blossom Days" reviewed by Jeff Winbush


Whatever else can be said about jazz, there is little disagreement that it is best experienced in a live setting. Listening to Vicki Burns' Lotus Blossom Days is as close to a front-row seat in a New York nightclub as many of us are likely to get in these times of high fuel costs and crowded airports. Burns is not attempting to blow the roof off with vocal gyrations and tricks. She never oversings as she tries to ...

357
Album Review

Sam Bevan / Bryan Bowman / Mas Koga / Grant Levin: Hawkeye

Read "Hawkeye" reviewed by Bruce Lindsay


Hawkeye is the first release by a fine young quartet of musician, and a beautifully varied, eloquently played and intensely involving set of original compositions. The group, formed by bassist Sam Bevan and drummer Bryan Bowman, is based around the San Francisco area and brings together some young but talented players. Pianist Grant Levin and Japanese saxophonist/flautist Mas Koga complete the quartet. All four men contribute compositions to the album, also bringing their own ideas to the arrangements, leading to ...

241
Album Review

Sam Bevan: The Fine Line

Read "The Fine Line" reviewed by Matt Merewitz


If anything, Bay Area bassist Sam Bevan's debut instrumental album is appropriate for cold Sunday afternoons and rainy weekdays at work. Funk lite here, ambient guitar there... perhaps a brief swinging passage. For better or worse, the ever-so-familiar distorted guitar echoes are the foundation of The Fine Line, reflecting the unmistakable influence of Bill Frisell. Not surprising from a twenty-something jazz bassist. It seems this is the soundtrack of today's educated jazz musician. Very composed forms interspersed with a shuffle ...

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“Bay Area jazzman Bevan is a bassist for all occasions, as his quintet session bounces easily from hard-bop to groove-oriented jazz rock. It's Bevan's combination of tone, swing and chops that makes this line so fine.” JD Constantine, Guitar World’s Bass Guitar

“Articulate, focused and highly musical, Bevan's sense of melody and rhythmic thrust showcase his talent. Tight arrangements and well conceived writing goes to show that Bevan is a multi-dimensional artist with much to offer.” Randy McElligot, Jazzreview

Bassist Sam Bevan does not disappoint…Bevan’s heavy bass work provides a strong foundation not only on this track, but throughout the entire album. Jonah Berman, Jazz Times

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Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Tarmu Jazz Quartet

Queen Of Bohemia Productions
2023

buy

Hawkeye

Mystery Panda Alliance Records
2010

buy

The Fine Line

Self Produced
2006

buy

Cafe Sole

From: Tarmu Jazz Quartet
By Sam Bevan

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