Jazz series spotlights bassist Thursday

A big name from the jazz world comes to Yuma this week to take his turn in the spotlight during the Village Jazz Series.

Composer and bassist Rob Thorsen is the headlining performer during this week's installment of the popular series.

Free jazz performances are offered every Thursday through April 26 at the Village Area of the Yuma Palms Regional Center. Performances always run from 6 to 8 p.m.

Thorsen credits his mother with his musicality as she surrounded their home in San Diego with her classical guitar sounds and textile arts skills.

He's no stranger to different instrumental sounds since starting out playing baritone ukulele at age 6, switching to classical guitar at 8, then flute, saxophone and tuba through high school and finally buying his first electric bass at a garage sale in San Francisco at 19.

In his 20s, he discovered the upright bass and that became his one true love, beginning a long career that started with his first gig on a cruise ship.

Thorsen became interested and motivated in learning jazz after hearing some of the old Dave Brubeck recordings his mom had, along with Cannonball Adderly's “Live in San Francisco” and Rahsaan Roland Kirk's “I Talk With the Spirits.”

Although mostly self taught on bass, he attended the Musicians Institute in Hollywood and the University of Miami, giving him the opportunity to practice and work on theory and arranging. Besides private lessons in the past with Bert Turetzsky, Bob Magnusson, Rufus Reid and John Clayton, he continues to advance his skills by studying with Susan Wulff, assistant principal in the San Diego Symphony, and occasionally with the great alto saxophonist, Charles McPherson.

According to Thorsen, he has always loved playing music and “the feeling of performing music live is like no other. I would not want to be doing anything else as it brings a lot of joy into people's lives.”

Thorsen has performed with many major names in music and entertainment: Kenny Burrell, Anthony Wilson, Russell Malone, Mundell Lowe, Nick Brignola, Louis Bellson, Nestor Torres, Richie Cole, Bucky Pizzarelli, Ricky Woodard, Jackie Ryan, Lorna Luft, Monica Mancini, Charles McPherson, Holly Hofmann, Frankie Capp, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, James Moody, Bill Cunliffe, Brian Lynch, Eric Reed, Kenny Rankin, Don Rickles and John Lithgow.

Besides his contributions on other artist's recordings, Thorsen has produced his own CD's: “First Impression,” Evolution,” and “Moon Ray,” garnering noted reviews and radio airplay.

He has an extensive list of venues where he has performed throughout his career as both a sideman and leader that include The Great American Music Hall, Kimballs, Yoshi's, the Concord Jazz Festival, Newport Beach Jazz Party, Glenwood Springs Festival and tours in Mexico and Germany.

Source: www.robthorsen.com