Jeff Lopez is an exceptionally talented bassist and composer. Born and raised in New York City, he rebelled against his father’s interest in jug band music, gravitating towards jazz at an early age. Despite a desire to play drums, he was denied a drum kit in his young teens, so he covertly borrowed his brother’s bass. He bonded with the instrument, and a life long love of music and bass playing began, as well as a new found way to freely channel his emotions through musical expression. As a relatively late starter (15 years old), Jeff, determined to catch up with his peers, dedicated himself to excel at his instrument. He was accepted at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he earned a Bachelors of Music degree. He attended Manhattan School of Music for graduate studies on a Eubie Blake Scholarship, and received his Masters of Music in 1993. He also studied bass privately, including an influential period with the late Jaco Pastorius.		Jeff then began his professional career, performing with various ensembles. He became accustomed to the road, frequently touring. His music has taken him around the globe, mostly as a long-standing member of the very elite U.S. Army field band, the Jazz Ambassadors. The Jazz Ambassadors can boast of many famous and accomplished alumni. Jeff has toured in 35 countries and through 49 of the 50 states. He is still waiting for the elusive Alaska gig! He even managed to impress his jug band loving father with a performance at Carnegie Hall (practice, practice, practice)! Some of Jeff’s major influences have been Charles Mingus, Charlie Haden and Jaco, three multifaceted bassists. As with these three jazz bass giants, Jeff is not only an accomplished bassist, but also a talented bandleader, composer, and arranger. This is more than evident on his first CD release, comprised entirely of his original compositions, The Sun And The Rain. A second release as leader is currently in progress. Jeff is still a member of the Jazz Ambassadors, freelances with other musicians and groups, and lives with his wife and two daughters in Hanover, Maryland near Washington, D.C..