Steve LaSpina


Steven Frank LaSpina is an American jazz bassist who plays both upright and electric bass.

Life and career

Steve LaSpina was born in Wichita Falls, Texas; his father and grandfather both played in dance bands. He attended the University of Illinois and DePaul University, and first began playing professionally in Chicago in the 1970s. He played with Bunky Green, Larry Novak, Joe Daley, and Chet Baker. In 1978 he also began working with Marian McPartland, with whom he would collaborate until 1986.
He moved to New York City in 1979 and played with Mel Lewis's orchestra, Stan Getz, Jim Hall, Andy LaVerne, and Benny Carter. Aside from these associations, LaSpina has played with Toots Thielemans, Joe Williams, Dave Liebman, Richie Beirach, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Pat Martino, and Tommy Flanagan. He has taught bass and improvisation at New York University and the College of St. Rose. LaSpina is currently on the faculty at William Paterson University. LaSpina has recorded extensively as a leader for Steeplechase Records since the early 1990s.

Discography

As leader

With Benny Carter
With Chris Connor
With Joe Diorio
With Jim Hall
With Morgana King
With Andy LaVerne
With Susannah McCorkle
With Marian McPartland
With Larry Schneider
With Jack Wilkins
With others