From AllAboutJazz Born: May 31, 1967 Grammy-winning bassist/composer Eric Revis has been one of the most solid and forceful voices in the contemporary jazz scene for over 15 years despite his young age. The deep-running power of his beat, his potent and gorgeous tone, and his dynamic approach to music keeps him in high demands among notable musicians such as Branford Marsalis and Jeff “Tain” Watts. Born in Los Angeles, CA on May 31, 1967, he grew up listening mostly to funk and rock music. It was not until when he was 14 years of age that he picked up an electric bass and taught himself how to play. After attending Southern University as biology major for a year, Eric relocated to San Antonio, TX where he got a regular gig playing 6 nights a week. As Eric worked the gig, his fellow band members introduced him to jazz. Eric recalls Kind of Blue as one of his first influential jazz recordings. As he discovered this new element of music, Eric decided to switch to an acoustic bass. Eric met Delfeayo Marsalis while volunteering for the Arts Council of San Antonio. Delfeayo strongly suggested that Eric study under his father's program in University of New Orleans. Eric then moved to New Orleans where he has studied under Ellis Marsalis, Harold Battiste, and Victor Goines from 1991 to 1992. New Orleans then offered fertile environment for growing musicians with huge appetite: Musicians whom Eric played with and learned from are Brian Blade, Nicholas Payton, Chris Thomas, Mark Turner, Troy Davis, Peter Martin, and Greg Tardy to name a few. It was through his association with Peter Martin that Eric learned of Betty Carter's “Jazz Ahead” program. Eric's persistent request to be in the program resulted in him playing in Ms. Carter's band which turned out to be a true schooling experience for Eric. Eric made his inevitable move to the New York City in 1994, as he became a regular bassist for Ms. Betty Carter. It did not take long for the New York musicians to take a notice in Eric. He had worked regularly with Billy Harper, Louis Hays, Lionel Hampton, Tess Marsalis, Russell Gunn, etc. Around this time, Small's Jazz Club in Greenwich Village provided a place for an array of young musicians to spend countless hours, days and nights, to practice, discuss, and experiment their musical ideas. Eric spent considerable amount of time there with his fellow musicians such as Sherman Irby, James Hurt, & JD Allen. In 1997, Eric met Branford Marsalis at a recording session with Russell Gunn. Mr. Marsalis who was impressed with the young bassist asked Eric to join him on his recording, Bug Shot along with Kenny Kirkland and Jeff “Tain” Watts. Eric has been Branford's most reliable allies since then. Rafi Zabor, author of The Bear Comes Home says, “Eric Revis seems to me the finest rhythm partner yet to join him in a working Marsalis group: a terrific band bassist whose work evades casual notice, the lunging, deep-running power of his beat, acuity of accent, and his instinct for the right propulsive run of notes have given this band stronger legs to stand on, and an increased capacity for friendly earthquake.” Eric Revis is a force to be reckoned with as he embarks on his own project. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.