Basse, David (November 14, 1954)
Dates
- Existence: November 14, 1954
Biography
Born November 14, 1954, singer and percussionist David Basse is one of Kansas City's best-known contemporary jazz artists. Basse's musical idols growing up included icons Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Cream and the Beatles. He also developed an affinity for the jump blues, an up-tempo flavor of music personified by small groups featuring horns. But when Basse saw the superbly crafted talents of jazz artists Jay McShann and Claude "Fiddler" Williams at the Kansas State Fair, he saw his future flash before him.
Basse hosts the award-winning Jazz Scene Saturdays on Kansas Public Radio where he features new releases, classic jazz and information about area jazz concerts, festivals and performances. Guests have included Pat Metheny, Marian McPartland, Ramsey Lewis and Chick Corea, and even special visits from the big bands of KU and UMKC.
Basse lived in Los Angeles during most of the 1990s and relocated to Kansas City for the quality of life. The musician also wanted to return to the roots of the Kansas City sound and enmesh himself in the very fabric of the local jazz scene and the artistic climate Kansas City offers to serious musicians like himself.
Basse is an ardent preserver and promoter of Kansas City's legendary and illustrious musical history through his work with the Mutual Musicians Foundation, located in the heart of the historic 18th and Vine district.
Source: Excerpts taken from Kimberly Stern's article in the 435 South magazine of Johnson County.
