Need a bassist who can step in and deliver immediately? I’m a veteran bassist in the Tampa Bay area. A longtime first-call sub in Chicago, I’ve performed with hundreds of bands and supported musical directors and event producers in fast-paced, high-demand settings. Prepared, adaptable, and easy to work with, I read music and learn material quickly. Credits include Chuck Berry, Martha and the Vandellas, The Drifters, The Platters, and The Coasters. Styles include R&B, Motown, funk, jazz, blues, Latin, pop, rock, and big band. Available to sub for bands, weddings, corporate events, theater, studio work throughout Tampa Bay and central/SW FL. Don’t just believe me, read the many reviews here.
12 reviews
Peter N.
April 7, 2026Recently hired on Steve for a very high end Easter brunch here in Florida. Format was to be a jazz quartet. We needed to be flexible in material as well. Steve was well prepared and nailed every nuance of every tune. He is more than well versed in all genres of music and plays with masterful authority creating the groove and pocket so necessary in a rhythm section. When opportunity came to solo he sparked the audience and band members alike with phenomenal facility on his instrument. A real pleasure to work with some at such a high level as Steve!!!!
Hired as: Bassist
Steve King
Thanks Peter! That band was outstanding, and hope we get to do it again soon!
Edward C.
March 28, 2026polite, professional, lends good advice as he plays with you. We greatly enjoyed meeting Steve.
Hired as: Bassist
Todd D.
September 30, 2025I have worked with Steve for many years as a sub bassist for my band Mr. Myers. Since the very first time he played with us he has been a complete professional in every way- not only in his amazing playing but also his promptness and overall work ethic! He has mastered our band's Caribbean styles as well as our jazz and rock tunes and always sounds great! He is also an excellent sight reader.
I will continue to use Steve when he's available and I highly recommend him!
Hired as: Bassist
Traci C.
September 2, 2025It’s never easy performing a show with a group of sub musicians. But Steve made it easy and comfortable. He really is the definition of a great musician. He showed up early, helped set up and break down, suggested songs for the set, and was extremely easy to work with. While we did have a set list for our show, we threw in some random requests and Steve nailed all of them. He’s intuitive and just overall a great player. 1000% recommend.
Hired as: Bassist
Michael B.
September 2, 2025I’ve been playing my instrument since 1972, playing in bands since 1981, and I’ve been a full-time musician since 1990. Along the way, I’ve met many musicians of all different caliber. I seek out the ones who are not just great players, but are also professional in behavior and respectful to the band members and the clientele. A player with those attributes is what I consider an, “A-Lister.”
Steve King is an A-Lister!
Hired as: Bassist
Price range: Tbd - based upon gig length, location
Gig length: 30 - 360 minutes
If you hire me, you can expect a number of things...
Professionalism: I will be a timely and precise communicator. I will show up early for the rehearsal or gig. I will be as prepared as I'm able to given time constraints and/or prep materials provided to me.
You will have a groove: The bass, along with the drums, are the foundation of any band. As a recovering drummer, I combine the rhythmic groove and timing of percussion, while laying down a foundation for the rest of the band.
I will watch and listen: I'm attentive to the bandleader, vocalists, and others in the band.
Steve King is a professional bassist who spent decades making his musical living as one of Chicago’s most dependable freelance musicians.
Throughout his career, Steve developed a reputation for successfully stepping into unfamiliar situations, quickly learning material, and delivering polished performances with minimal or no rehearsal. As a result, he became a trusted call for countless bandleaders, musical directors, and fellow musicians throughout the Chicago area.
His experience ranges from jazz clubs and theaters to corporate events, festivals, wedding bands, recording sessions, and national touring acts. Steve has performed with artists including Chuck Berry, Martha and the Vandellas, The Drifters, The Platters, and The Coasters, while maintaining an active schedule with regional bands covering styles from Motown and funk to jazz, blues, Latin, fusion, rock, and big band.
A strong reader with excellent ears and decades of real-world experience, Steve is comfortable working from notation, chord charts, or completely by ear. He believes the bass player’s job is simple: create a great groove, support the music, and make everyone on stage sound better.
Now based in the Tampa Bay area, Steve is actively performing and available for live, studio, substitute, and touring opportunities throughout Florida.
I play electric bass guitar. I play a 1989 Tobias (of Mike Tobias fame) Signature 5 String Bass. I have pro JH Audio In-Ear Monitors, and multiple pro bass amp/combos from EBS, David Eden, and MarkBass to accommodate the smallest jazz gig through large stages/halls/festival set-ups.
Friday
Nonprofit Event
7:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Bradenton, FL
Tuesday
Studio Session
10:30am - 2:30pm
•
St Petersburg, FL
I've been influenced by so many styles and instrumentalists over the years. However, as a bass player, there are no two more influential than Richard Patterson from Chicago (went on to play with Miles Davis), and Marcus Miller. 'Nuff said....
I will bring everything needed for the gig
Bassist
