By Morgan James
Photo By Michelle Jeffers
I love rock music. A mellow, bluesy rock vibe just gets down deep and soothes my mind into oblivion with each passion filled note. If you have an ear for the sweet, heartfelt sounds of a bluesy rock vibe, you may already be a fan of the incredible Coachella Valley rock band, Basson, or you most definitely will be. Over the last few months I have heard of the band in passing numerous times, so I am happy to have finally been introduced to them and share about their music. This skilled foursome’s all original tunes please crowds with Victor Basson’s smooth voice in the lead, Tom Edwards’ guitar rocking intricate solos, Brian Jeffers’ incredibly rhythmic beats, and the strong bass backbone of Patrick Ellett. I spoke with lead singer and band founder, Victor Basson, about their accomplished members and what they are currently working on.
The band Basson is:
Victor Basson: (Lead vocals and rhythm guitar) Born in South Africa and started performing originals and covers at a young age. Victor’s first recording was at the age of 16. Victor came to America and started Basson Sound Equipment. This company successfully supplied musical equipment to many bands globally including Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue. Nikki used Basson gear for 7 years. Victor’s biggest contribution to Basson is primary lyricist. His musical influences include John Mayall, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin.
Tom Edwards: (Lead guitarist and vocals) Tom started gigging in 1989 in Palm Desert, CA with the band Jane Doe. He then joined the hard rock band Boetto and played throughout the Southwestern US. With Boetto he completed the album Desert Thunder. Tom performed with the band The Mighty Delta Tones for 7 years. Tom then created the band Feisty Joe and received a C.V. Music Award for Best Country Rock Band in 2005. His musical influences are SRV, Dire Straits, and Rush.
Patrick Ellett: (Bass guitar) Patrick recently arrived from North Carolina. He started his musical career on drums in local bands and transitioned to bass guitar in a project that had difficulty filling the position. The bass stuck and Pat played in numerous cover projects in NC and around SC as well. Rock, country, beach music, and originals have formed his playing style. The Basson sound is a natural extension of that style and a great fit. Pat’s musical influences are many from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s and beyond. His favorite band is
John Fogarty w/ Creedence Clearwater Revival. He is grateful to be affiliated with the other fine musicians in Basson.
Brian Jeffers: (Drums) Brian started playing jazz at a young age and recorded a jazz album at 15 years of age. Brian also played drumline in high school. He transformed from jazz to a hard rock cover drummer, then moved on to punk rock and performed throughout Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire. Brian’s influences are Buddy Rich, Steve Gadd, and Keith Moon.
MJ: Tell me how Basson was formed and some of your goals for the band.
VB: “Basson was created with the intent to write, arrange, and record original music that appeals to a diverse audience. Also, to create music for publishing, licensing and performing at select venues.”
MJ: I recently heard “The Heart You’ve Broken” at Esjay Jones’ studio. Tell me what the process was like recording with Esjay. How did this experience compare to other studio recording experiences you’ve had in the past?
VB: “Our recent experience with Esjay Jones on recording “The Heart You’ve Broken” was most delightful. Esjay is a brilliant engineer and her dedication shows in her work. She has a knack for creating a very comfortable, relaxed recording environment. Her positivity and energy is infectious. We have all had tense and stressful recording sessions before, but not with Esjay. We look forward to our future endeavors with her.”
MJ: What is next for Basson?
VB: “Basson is currently arranging additional songs to work on with Esjay Jones in the hopes of publishing and licensing this material for television and film and to share with the public.”
MJ: Where can our readers find your music online and where will you perform live next?
VB: “You can find music by Basson on Sound Cloud, iTunes, and CD Baby and make sure to catch us performing live next at The Hard Rock Hotel with Esjay and Friends in Palm Springs this Friday, August 12 from 8:00 – 11:00pm.”
