JV COLLIER

JV Collier (Bass) is one of the most sought-after bass players of his generation. As a student of legendary Motown bassist James Jamerson, JV learned from the best. JV was only 16 when Jamerson moved with Motown Records to Los Angeles, and the void left by James' departure gave JV the chance to record with some of the hottest R&B artists of the day including The Temptations, Earl Klugh, Freda Payne, Ron Banks and The Dramatics, Enchantment, The Floaters, and more. Soon after, The Emotions offered JV the chance to go on tour, which led to New York recording sessions with Frankie Valli, The Brecker Brothers and Kelly Patterson. Calls from L.A. led to work with such artists as Herbie Hancock, Ben E. King, Tyrone Davis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Alton McClain and Destiny. In the early 80's, JV met a struggling Detroit songwriter named Don Was. Their collaboration led to JV's laying the foundation for two albums for (and tours with) Was Not Was. In 1983, JV joined Gladys Knight & The Pips and was with them for 10 years. JV LAO worked with The 5th Dimension, The Pointer Sisters, Marilyn McCoo and Billly Davis, Jr., and Norman Connors. For the past two decades, JV has provided the bass groove for Bruce Hornsby, and has shared the stage with Bonnie Raitt, Chick Corea, Bela Fleck, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, The Band, Branford Marsalis, and others. JV has also played bass duets with Victor Wooten and Christian McBride.