Along with the drummer, the bass player is considered the “backbone” of a good band.  While some are able to occasionally take the spotlight, most unsung heroes of the low end are content in the background, making sure the grooves are consistently funky and locked in so that people move on the dance floor.

Central Illinois certainly has no shortage of incredible musicians, and that includes bass players.  As a follow up to our popular Ask A Vocalist feature, we reached out to a collection of some of the best bassists in the area and asked them to talk a bit about their influences, their music, and their gear.  As always, this is not nearly a comprehensive list of the best bass players in the area, and if there are any that you don’t recognize, be sure to check out their band as soon as possible.

• Aaron Stanley
• Dean Mentjes
• Jim McCann
• Jonathan Dark
• Kylan Davis
• Matt Lang
• Matt Rigor
• Michael “Guido” Esteves
• Nick Beal
• Preston Searl
• Shane Osterholt
• Steve Gragert
• Tim Richter
• Vic Serbe