bio
My name is Jonas Saks. I currently live in Austin Texas. I have extensive performing and touring experience and a modest recorded discography. I am well versed in the traditional forms of Blues, Zydeco, Latin, Rock, Classic Rock, Metal, Funk, Rap and R&B and have combined them all in some form at one time or another. My groove is solid as well as my time. I've played with arrangements from 2 to 20 pieces, to empty clubs and sold-out concerts at major venues. Originally from Scranton Pennsylvania, I made the move to Los Angeles Ca. at an early age to attend Musician’s Institute in Hollywood. After graduation, I moved to the “Live Music Capital of the World” Austin Tx. Hungry and “green”, I hit 6th st. with dreams and business cards, and was rewarded with an amazing blues band, The Ronnie Taylor Band. Having consistently played with the top Austin blues musicians for 3 years, recording and touring the States, I left that scene to pursue a more groove-oriented, original style, which I found in Rhythm Child. The project culminated in opening for Blues Traveller in Anchorage Ak. For the next 2 years I played mostly subordinate roles in many start-up projects, honing skills in wildly different musical genres. I soon found myself playing bass for the much-respected Austinite Mike Kindred, who authored “Cold Shot” for, and played with Stevie Ray Vaughn. We recorded the LP “Bleedin’ Fool” and toured that CD throughout Texas before recording another EP of Blues and Classic R&B tunes.When I had the opportunity to start my own original band, I took it. The Heat Fantastic was an 8-piece groovy pop-rock band in which I did most of the writing and all of the booking and recording of our EP. That project culminated in opening for the legendary Buddy Miles. My next major endeavour was with Dahebegebees, a 3-piece rock-pop band led by the son of Tejano legend “Little Joe” Hernandez. “Daheebs” had a large local following and did a lot of touring. In Nashville Tn., we recorded and showcased for many major labels but were turned down by many short-sighted reps. Dahebegebees continued to play important showcases and opened for major acts such as Pink and No Doubt, KC and the Sunshine Band and Heart. During that time we recorded 2 LP and 2 EP CDs.After 11 years!, I had an opportunity to join a financially secure variety band playing hits from the 40’s to modern music. London Calling plays weddings, corporate events and college parties. I also currently play in a heavy groove blues band called Swamp Sauce.I am proud to be a full-time bassist for 10 years now. I have solid projects every week with substitute work and studio time filling the gaps. That said, I am always looking for sub work, studio work, or a full-time position with an established original band; touring, recording, working hard, having fun. I am prepared to relocate for the right project. I have no hang-ups and no personal baggage. I am fully committed, hard working, low maintenance, easy going, fast learning, musically diverse, personally versatile, and I thrive on playing live.