Stuart Hamm is a pioneering solo artist who has also been a sideman for Joe Satriani or Steve Vai. He has established himself as one the most influential electric bassesists of the last half-century. Hamm expanded the non-traditional electric bass function that was first revolutionized in 1970s by Stanley Clarke and Jaco Pastorius. He helped to redefine the modern concept of the bass guitar, which is an unaccompanied instrument. Hamm used polyphonic, two handed tapping, slapping, popping techniques, chords and harmonics. Hamm was not the first to use an unconventional approach to electric bass playing in the 1980s. Hamm is today’s most prominent bassist and has recorded four studio albums that have been critically acclaimed. Hamm’s unique approach to playing the bass in a solo setting and with various ensembles on a variety of genres, including radio, radio free albemuth (1988), Kings Of Sleep (89), The Urge (1991), Outbound (2000) showcased his ability to play the instrument as a lead instrument. Live Stu X 2, Hamm’s fifth solo album and his first in nearly seven year as a solo artist, was released January 2007. It features a variety of classic tracks that Hamm recorded during the Philadelphia leg of the Bx3 Tour last April. Also included are some previously unrecorded pieces from San Francisco in 2004, which were also recorded in front of a live audience. Hamm is known for his solo performances that broke barriers and his touring with Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and others. The long-standing associations he has had with Satriani and Vai have earned himHamm award-winning international recognition. As a result, Hamm received a wide range of accolades, including being voted multiple times “Best Jazz Bassist” as well as “Best Rock Bassist” in numerous magazine polls. Other than his Satriani-Vai projects, Hamm’s other studio-related productions have highlighted his trademark style and technical ability. These include his three collaborations with Frank Gambale (Chick Corea’s Elektric Band guitarist) and Steve Smith (Jazz drummer). Hamm has been touring as one of the most respected bass clinicians in the world for the past 20 years. Through his best-selling instructional videos, Slap, Pop, Hamm has demonstrated his unique techniques and methods to enthusiastic students.
