RECORDS
PHOTOS / POSTERS
So far I've recorded three solo records (CDs). All three are mostly composed of live recordings.
My last record is from 2006. Thanks to everyone who has purchased my recordings over the past several years. For those of you who have requested or inquired about a new record,
I'm hopeful that I can complete something soon.
ABOUT ME
Quick Quotes
"Hard to imagine this is just one man playing one instrument: the electric six string bass. Wires' playing is seamless and seemingly boundless ..."
- The Victory Review
"Set aside the stunning fingerwork and virtuosity, Brendan's gorgeous sound is the most original thing I've heard in decades ..."
- Pacific Jazz Review
"Like zombies, people wandered across the fesival grounds when their senses became aware of the unusually intoxicating and rhythmically complete solo bass performance ..."
- Two Louis Magazine
"Bass solos that you'll want to stick around to hear ..."
- The Spectator
"An entirely unique soloist, Brendan speaks with his 6 string bass
like no one I've ever heard. A moving musical performer ..."
- Beyond Bassics
PORTFOLIO
WHEN THE DRUMS STOP
Recorded at Deepsleepr Studios October 2001 except track 6 which was recorded live at the Pink Door (Seattle, WA) on October 23, 2001.
All artwork and music Copyright 2002 Brendan Wires
BASS SOLOIST
Tracks 1 through 4 recorded at a live performance at Jazzbones (Tacoma, WA) 08.03.2003
Track 5 recorded live at the Pink Door (Seattle, WA) on October 23,2001.
Track 6 is a previously recorded studio track.
All artwork and music Copyright 2004 Brendan Wires
LITTLE GIRL SMILE
Recorded on two different live performances. Three tunes on 08.21.2005 at the Paragon (Seattle, WA) and three other on 06.17.2006 at the Spotted Cow (Mill Creek, WA)
All artwork and music Copyright 2006 Brendan Wires
PERFORMANCES
Brendan Wires
bass soloist
Root Beer Float (1 min. 7 sec.)
Recorded live at the Spotted Cow (Mill Creek, WA), 06.17.2005
Hirundo Rustica (1 min. 5 sec.)
Recorded live at the Spotted Cow (Mill Creek, WA), 06.17.2006
AUDIO CLIPS
Little Girl Smile (1 min. 7 sec.)
Recorded live at the Paragon (Seattle, WA), 08.21.2005
The Waiting (1 min. 21 sec.)
Recorded live at the Spotted Cow (Mill Creek, WA), 06.17.2006
BEGINNINGS
After playing trumpet for years, I started on the bass guitar in 1981-82. I quickly fell in love with it. I studied with some exceptional private instructors, and performed in the Jr. High School, High School and College competition jazz bands. I threw myself into as many band situations as I could.
Over many years, I played in countless bands and performed in most of the Seattle area clubs and bars - many of which are no longer in operation. I remember feeling like I had hit the the big-time at my first gigs at places like the Vogue, the Far Side, the Offramp, the Crocodile and the Ballard Firehouse. In many cases, I was still under-age, and recall that I had to make a B-line between the backstage area (often an alley) and the stage, or I would get into trouble. I never personally tested that threat - but I had friends who did, and nothing ever happened to them. I remember having so much fun with my bandmates at that time.
In 1991, I started doing solo bass gigs. I loved playing around with melodies, harmonies, improvisation, and finding ways to to get all three to come alive through a bass guitar.
25+ years later, and I'm still discovering ways to do that.
If I was describing my music to someone who hadn't heard it, I'd say that I probably borrow most heavily from Stanley Jordan, Stuart Hamm, Michael Manring, Michael Hedges, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, Pat Metheny, Stan Getz and Motorhead. Blend it all together, send it through the bass channel, and press "play".
PAST PERFORMANCES
After 25+ years of performing solo bass gigs, I've been fortunate to play at some great venues and events. Thanks to all the of the talent buyers, booking agents, event coordinators and business owners, who have taken a chance on a solo bass player. Below is a list of a just few of the cool places at which I've performed over the years.
SEATTLE & PUGET SOUND AREA VENUES
Experience Music Project (now known as MoPop)
Bellevue Jazz & Blues Festival
the Pink Door
Jazzbones
the Paragon
Salish Lodge
St. Michelle Winery
Alderbrook Resort & Spa
NW Folklife Festival
Evergreen State Fair
KSER 90.7 FM
KBCS 91.3 FM
OTHER NOTABLE VENUES
Vancouver Jazz Festival, BC
the Blue Note, Las Vegas, NV
the Knitting Factory, Los Angeles, CA
Downtown Disney, Anaheim, CA
Bastyr Herb & Food Festival
Bastyr University 14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA
Sarturday, May 30th, 2020, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Bellevue Downtown Arts Fair
NE 6th & 106th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA
Saturday, July 30th, 2022, 12:30 pm
Heart of Bellevue Summer Music (VIRTUAL EVENT)
Virtual Event
Wednesday, August 5th, 2020, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
2022 SCHEDULE
Bellevue Downtown Arts Fair
NE 6th & 106th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA
Saturday, July 29th, 2020, 12:00 pm
2020-21 SCHEDULE
Improvised Music Festival
Pioneer Arts Loft
Wednesday, September 24, 2021, 8:30 pm
Tumbleweed Music Festival
500 Amon Park Drive, Richland, WA
Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, 4:15 pm