Trevor Dunn

Trevor Dunn
Dunn performing in 2012
Dunn performing in 2012
Background information
Birth nameTrevor Roy Dunn
Born (1968-01-30) January 30, 1968 (age 56)
Eureka, California, U.S.
GenresAvant-garde, experimental, Avant-garde jazz, free jazz, free improvisation, heavy metal, alternative rock, punk rock, jazz-rock
OccupationMusician
InstrumentsBass guitar, double bass, vocals
Years active1983–present
LabelsIpecac, Tzadik
Websitetrevordunn.net
Trevor Dunn in Aarhus, Denmark (2016)

Trevor Roy Dunn (born January 30, 1968) is an American composer, bass guitarist, and double bassist. He came to prominence in the 1990s with the experimental band Mr. Bungle. While performing with Mr. Bungle, Dunn would dress similar to the St. Pauli Girl.[1] He has since worked in an array of musical styles, including with saxophonist/composer John Zorn, Secret Chiefs 3 and with his own avant-garde jazz/rock ensemble Trevor Dunn's Trio-Convulsant. He is also a member of the band Tomahawk.

Biography

Early life and career

After four years of studying the clarinet, Dunn began playing electric bass at the age of 13.[2] His earliest musical influences included the Beach Boys, Blondie, Cheap Trick, and Kiss.[3]

Trevor Dunn's Trio-Convulsant

In 1998, Dunn formed his Trio-Convulsant. Their first release, Debutantes & Centipedes, features Dunn on bass, Adam Levy on guitar, and Kenny Wollesen on drums. The album Sister Phantom Owl Fish on Ipecac (2004) includes Ches Smith on percussion and Mary Halvorson on guitar.[4]

Other works

Trevor Dunn, Saalfelden Jazz Festival, 2009

Dunn has participated in dozens of other recordings, both as a main collaborator and a guest musician. He is part of Mike Pride's MPThree, David Krakauer's Klezmer Madness, and the Nels Cline Singers. He has contributed to or played with: Afro-Mystic, Ben Goldberg, Brian "Head" Welch, Graham Connah's Sour Note Seven, Jess Jones Quartet, Junk Genius, Laplante/Dunn/Smith, John Zorn's Electric Masada, Matisyahu, Rova Saxophone Quartet, Sean Lennon, Suit of Lights, Rob Price Quartet, Tin Hat Trio, and Tipsy.[5]

Bass guitars

  • 1975 Fender P-Bass (his primary electric bass tuned to B-E-A-D for Fantômas)
  • 1950s Czech Contrabass used with Trevor Dunn's Trio-Convulsant, occasionally with Mr. Bungle and with King Buzzo
  • 1991 Alembic 5-string Europa
  • Ken Lawrence 5-string fretless
  • Guild Ashbory
  • 1966 Guild Starfire[6]

Discography

As leader or co-leader

As band member

With Mr. Bungle

With Secret Chiefs 3

With Fantômas

With Melvins (Lite)

With The Nels Cline Singers

With Tomahawk

With Ahleuchatistas

  • 2023 – Expansion (also on Trevor's label Riverworm Records]

As sideman

With Erik Friedlander

With Eyvind Kang

With Jamie Saft

With John Zorn

With Jozef Dumoulin Trio

  • 2011 − Rainbow Body with Jozef Dumoulin (Rhodes) and Eric Thielemans (drums)

With the Rob Price Quartet

With King Buzzo

  • 2020 − Gift of Sacrifice (Ipecac)

Album collaborations

Guest appearances

References

  1. ^ "Mr. Bungle Beats Queen; Neil Young Under the Stars". Nypress.com. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  2. ^ Andy Couch. "Ipecac Recordings – Trevor Dunn's Trio Convulsant". Ipecac.com. Retrieved July 7, 2011.
  3. ^ "Biography". Trevordunn.net. Retrieved July 7, 2011.
  4. ^ "Discography". Trevordunn.net. Retrieved July 7, 2011.
  5. ^ "Laplante / Dunn / Smith". Nnatapes.com. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  6. ^ "Geeking Out". Trevordunn.net. Retrieved July 7, 2011.