Neil Stubenhaus

Career

He started his musical training playing drums and switched to bass guitar at the age of 12. He studied at the Berklee College of Music where he graduated in 1975. After graduation, he was recommended by Steve Swallow and started teaching while playing in a band with another Berklee student Steve Smith (Vital Information, Journey). While at Berklee, Neil met session drummers Vinnie Colaiuta (who has worked with famous musicians such as Sting, & Frank Zappa) and John JR Robinson (who has also worked with superstars, including Barbra Streisand, Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson).

In 1977 he joined Blood Sweat & Tears and recorded David Clayton-Thomas' first solo album. In 1978, he went on tour with Larry Carlton. That led him to move to the West Coast where, following recommendations from Carlton, he met Mike Post and other composers and started doing sessions. Since 1979, Stubenhaus performed on more than 600 albums (of which 70 + have been Grammy Award-nominated), over 20 Grammy-winning songs and 60 + Gold and/or Platinum records. He has also recorded over 150 movie soundtracks as well as countless jingles and commercials.

For over 20 years, Neil has been Barbra Streisand's and Quincy Jones' main bass player. Other artists he recorded/toured/played with include Aerosmith, Anita_Baker, Gigi D'Alessio, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Billy Joel, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Wilson, Patti LaBelle, Michael Bolton, Ricky Martin, Dan Fogelberg, John Fogerty, Cher, Shirley Bassey, Joe Cocker, Bobby Caldwell, Taylor Dayne, Vince Gill, George Benson, Al Jarreau, Don Henley, Luis Miguel, Julio Iglesias, BB King, Michael McDonald, Bette Midler, Hanson, The Corrs, Milton Nascimento, Pointer Sisters, Eros Ramazzotti, Bonnie Raitt, Lee Ritenour, Lionel Richie, Selena, Diane Schuur, Tom Scott, Kirk Whalum, Lisa Stansfield, and many others.

In 2000, Stubenhaus was a participant in Star Licks Productions', All-Star Bass Series.

He is featured on Laura Dickinson's debut album - One For My Baby - To Frank Sinatra With Love - playing "My Funny Valentine", a layered chordal electric bass and vocal duet that Ms. Dickinson arranged specifically for him.

Since January 2015, a FB page (www.facebook.com/NStubenhausbass)and a FB group (Neil Stubenhaus - Approved Fan Page) have been active. Run by a fan/friend of Neil's, both pages are approved by Mr. Stubenhaus, although he is not actively participating in their respective contents.