Howard Krebbs

Hometown: Derry, New Hampshire

Occupation: Machinist

Instrument: Stambaugh 4-string Shark Ristola 5-string High C, American Fender P Bass

Musical goals: To understand all aspects of how to play the bass. Appreciate artistry.

Current Influences: The Ventures, Project M, The Supremes, James Jamerson, Rufus Reid.

Howard epitomizes the perfect student.  He is highly motivated, open minded, and willing to work.  His enthusiasm is contagious and he improves weekly.   Through his bass studies, Howard has forced his ears wide open and expanded his joy of music. Howard has proven that middle-aged dogs can learn new tricks. I am very proud of Howard’s accomplishments.

Brent Rusinow

Hometown: Newton, Massachusettes

Occupation: Professional Musican

Instrument: Fodera Emperor 2- 6-string, Fodera VW Classic, “Guido” a remarkable double bass, circa 1850

Musical goals: Be the BEST

Current Influences: Joe Diorio, Chet Baker, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Wynton Kelly, PC, Jaco, Victor, Todd, Richard B, Pat Martino

An accomplished young professional, Brent Rusinow is beginning to make his mark.  His performances of Jaco’s music on youtube are revered.  Highly proficient on both electric and upright, Brent is a complete bassist and plays jazz, funk. classical, etc.  Watch in the next few years as Brent ascends to the pinnacle of contemporary bass playing.

Chris Mewhinney

Hometown: Highland Village, TX

Occupation: College Student

Instrument: Stambaugh 4-string fretless, Stambaugh 6-string Set Thru

Musical goals: To learn to play like my musical heroes in order to make the best music I possibly can.

Current Influences: Michael Manring, Steve Reich, Victor Wooten

If all the rules that apply to success are true, then Chris Mewhinney will surely become a great bassist. Besides his abundant natural talent, Chris is a hard worker and has proven that he is willing to pay the price. Desire, dedication, and persistence will win over all odds. Besides that, Chris is very pleasant person to be around. Now THAT'S A WINNING COMBINATION!

Dan Thompson

Hometown: Milford, New Hampshire

Occupation: High School Sophmore at Milford High

Instrument: Ristola 4-string

Musical goals: Tour with rock band. Cover of bass magazines.

Current Influences: Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Flea, Tom Morello

Talent not lacking, Dan Thompson's recent musical growth has been nothing short of tremendous! Dan began studying bass at age 14, and in a short time has developed into a very serious and dedicated young bassist. Dan has transcribed Victor and Jaco, as well as a host of other players. Dan's positive attitude and willingness to work have been the keys to unlocking his innate ability. It will be exciting to see what lies ahead for such a gifted young man.

AJ Reding

Home town: Enid Oklahoma

Occupation: Student

Instrument: Hamer-Artist Korina, Peavey-Wolfgang, Fender-Stratocaster, Stambaugh-Seven String Snake

Musical goals: The be a complete guitarist

Current Influences: Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, Eddie Van Halen

A recent graduate from Berklee College of Music, AJ Reding is a budding talent. An accomplished Rock player, AJ is now pursuing his mastery of the guitar. His past efforts include two years of classical guitar studies at Oklahoma University. AJ Reding is a delightful and serious young musician with a bright future.

Paul J Edwards

Hometown: Montclair, NJ

Occupation: Student at Wesleyan University

Instrument: American Fender Precision

Musical goals: Studio session work

Current Influences: Wilco, The Band, Beatles, James Jamerson

Paul Edwards is an excellent young bassist with a lot of potential. Paul currently lives in Middletown, Connecticut where he attends college as a full time music student. Paul also completed Berklee College of Music’s Summer Five-Week Performance Program in 2006. Paul’s dedication and talent will carry him far.

Ryan O’Connell

Home town: Chester, NH

Occupation: Software Developer

Instrument: Stambaugh 6-string, Ristola 5-string (high C), Music Man Stingray, American Jazz

Musical goals: Achieve high-level personal competency on the instrument.

Current Influences: Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten, G Money

Ryan O’Connell deserves “The Most Improved” award of recent months. Originally from Springfield, MA, Ryan spent his high school years playing pop music in local and regional bars. After many years away from music, Ryan’s need for relief from the stress of high tech jobs brought him back to his pursuit of the bass. His dedication to excellence in his practice has been the key to Ryan’s tremendous strides.