JJ

Bands:
Mirage, Slimy and the Funk Slugs, Big Dave, Off the Wall, Blue Desert, Funk Trunk, Earth Shattering Kaboom, tons of fill in’s.

Favorite Music: Rush, Styx, Yes, Rascal Flatts, Journey, Queensryche, Earth Wind and Fire, Huey Lewis and the News, Michael Jackson, Steven Curtis Chapman, Toby Mac

Influences:
Geddy Lee, Steve Harris, Victor Wooten, John Patitucci, Jeff Berlin, Chris Squire, Christian McBride, James Jamerson, John Paul Jones, Stanley Clarke

Gear:
Modulus Guitars, Trace Elliot Amps, Avalon Pre, Line 6 POD X3 Live, EMG pickups, Ernie Ball strings (changed often), Sure PSM 700, Alien Ear custom in ear monitors.

I began playing bass when I was 12 years old. I was a piano player and my neighbors started a band. I asked if I could join it but they said they didn’t want a keyboard player, so I bought a bass and joined Mirage. We played a high school party and they gave me free soda and lots of girls came up to talk to me…. I was hooked!!

In 1989 I moved to Wisconsin and wanted to find some music connections. I joined a country band called Big Dave and the Country Rebels. This was probably the greatest event in my musical upbringing. “Key of A, 90 bpm, 1, 4, 5, turn it on 6. Ready…” The drummer would start counting off and the band would go. I had no idea what they were talking about. But was mentored by Howard Anderson (still one of my favorite musicians) and quickly learned the number system and how it was used. My playing took HUGE strides during this time.

Blue Desert was another key band in my past. For 6 years this band was my life. Re-joining with Howard Anderson, and some new friends, we set off on an adventure. This band quickly became a top country band in the area and we opened for lots of major label artist. We got to experience back stage and playing big shows. Some of my fondest memories are with Sawyer Brown, Faith Hill, Riccochet, Diamond Rio, and Vince Gil, just to name a few. I learned that I loved to entertain.

Funk Trunk was to this point my favorite of all bands. Mostly because it was a band with my best friends in it. Usually a band becomes best friends but this band was put together with my best friends. A 70’s disco/funk band including costumes, wigs and lots of laughter, wrapped in a package of great music. Oh and yes… the funk music. Never seen so many people “shakin what their mama gave them”. There is still room for funk music.

ESK is now an establishment of all my past wrapped into one. To take everything I’ve done and put it into 1 group. Very exciting. My love for 80’s music, attention to detail to make great music, great people, and a desire to entertain, helps to create a great sounding, looking and performing group. Look out!! This is gonna be fun! KaBoom Baby!!! Check us out.


- JJ Eaton