Dan Robbins has played and recorded in settings ranging from solo, duo, trio, etc. to big band and orchestra, and is known for driving, creative, harmonically and melodically rich background and lead parts on bass. He doubles on both acoustic bass, and four, five, six, and seven-string electric bass, in styles ranging from solo jazz chord-melody arrangements, to hard-swinging jazz double bass accompaniment, acoustic and electric funk, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Carribean, rock, R&B, blues, tango, Indian, and fusion styles, as well as arco (played with the bow) classical and comtemporary interpretations of composed music. He is also known to employ looping and effects to create the impression of a “one man band”.
He brings a fiery improvisational spirit and energy to all the projects he is involved with. Currently co-leading the funk trio Wasabi, and the acoustic jazz trio Source Field, he also has an ongoing duo project with distinguished California Poet Laureate Al Young, and plays bass for the Hristo Vitchev Quartet, Idiot Fish 3, Joe DeRose & Amici, the Weber Iago Trio, Rick Vandivier/Nate Pruitt and Primary Colors, the BR Jazz Band, and also does solo concerts. He also teaches at San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, runs a private teaching studio, and is involved as an educator with the Monterey Jazz Festival, Cabrillo Jazz Festival, and the San Jose Jazz Society. In addition, he also freelances as a performer, composer, and arranger in studios and venues in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.