Fullerton College

Bryant Simpson began playing bass while attending Fullerton Union High School. He then moved across the street to Fullerton College and for the next 2 years played electric and acoustic bass in their award winning jazz ensemble under the direction of Terry Blackley and Jim Linnahon, and in various other student-based groups including the jazz combo, vocal jazz ensemble and the ?Rising Sounds? show group. After graduating, Bryant studied privately while maintaining steady work in the Orange County area Top 40 scene and as a member of the jazz quartet ?Blueprint?, featuring FC alumnus Ron Kobayashi. Although his roots were in funk, R&B and jazz, Bryant also had a love for rock music and soon joined the local Orange County rock group ZOT. The group was soon signed to Elektra/Asylum records and enjoyed brief success until they disbanded in the mid 80?s. This began a virtual avalanche of performing and recording with artists from a variety of musical genres including Latin pop star Maria Conchita Alonso, Fleetwood Mac guitarist, Lindsey Buckingham, Duran Duran?s Andy Taylor, Sex Pistol?s Steve Jones, producers, Roy Thomas Baker (Queen, The Cars), Keith Olson (Fleetwood Mac, Ozzy Osborne), Pat Moran, (Robert Plant) and many other rock projects in the on the LA sence. Bryant returned to the jazz scene as a member of B-Sharp, a trio which featured the late recording artist Jeff Buckley. The following year Bryant began a two year stint with jazz saxophonist/recording artist Karl Densen (also a FC alumnus) and he continued performing and/or recording with artists in the jazz and R&B world include Big Jay McNealy, Jimmy Witherspoon, Miki Howard, Rashaan Patterson, Thelma Houston, Linda Clifford, Colour Club, Ce Ce Peneston and the Derek Bordoux Group, and also Contemporary Christian artists, BASIX, Joe Nathan, American Idol finalist, Mandeza and various LA area choirs. These days, you can find Bryant performing just about anywhere. He values the strong musical foundation that was built at Fullerton College and credits them for instilling the importance of embracing a wide variety of music, something that has benefited him greatly in his musical career.

Contact Bryant at bryant.simpson@sbcglobal.net