BassDuck51

Bio:
I play bass guitar, I’m humble and lovable, I’m a pragmatist, a realist, and an optimist!!!

I’ve worked with some of Chicago’s finest and some of Chicago’s least professional musicians and learned something from each and every one of them. I’ve played music with: Glenn Davis, Joe Moss, Hubert Sumlin, Rockin’ Johnny Burgin, Beatnik Turtle, Little Mac Simmonds, Scott Dirks, Son Seals, Liz Mandeville, Odetta, Billy Dean, Pat Soul, Katherine Davis, Shirley King, Carl Snyder, Steve Freund, Mark Hannon, Jimmy Dawkins, Lurrie Bell, Dawn O’Keefe-Williams, Studebaker John and the Hawks, Blue Watusis, Brewer Phillips & Ted Harvey (from Hound Dog Taylor’s Band,) Dave Weld, Suzy Brack and New Jack Lords, Smokin’ Section, Hidden Colors, Scraps of Brass, Eddy Clearwater, Chuckleheads, Reflex, among others.

Location:
Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Day gig:
I am retired

Years experience:
40+ years

Bands & Gigs:
I currently work with the Blue Monday Band,
and with Maggie Aliotta and the Mighty Fines.
I'm also available on a freelance basis in the Northern Illinois / Central – Southern Wisconsin area.


Gear:

• Fender Vintage ’62 P-Bass Reissue
• Fender American Professional P-Bass
  Fender American Performer J-Bass
  Fender Tony Franklin Model Fretless
  Fender Rumble 500 V3

Why I play the bass:
I’ve always wanted to play the bass since I first heard “Green Onions” on the radio! But my parents, in their wisdom, explained that if I take up guitar, I can learn chords and then I can accompany myself and won’t always be needing someone else to play along with to enjoy the instrument. So, I took up the guitar and learned chords and eventually learned how chords were built relative to their scales – then, I learned to read music.

In 1980 I was offered a gig as a bass player with a band of friends who ran a bar around the corner from where I lived. So I bought a used P-Bass and a bass amp and never looked back.

My bass superpower/claim to fame:
My time, and my ability to groove SOLIDLY.

Tom Susala

[email protected]
From West of Middle C!