Aaron Holthus Music

Upright and Electric Bass

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21 Reviews (4 Verified)
Aaron Holthus Music on SoundBetter

Aaron Holthus is a professional bassist with 10+ years of experience performing and recording with diverse artists including the Grammy nominated One O'clock Lab Band. Holthus is at home both on the upright and electric bass, following in the footsteps of his legendary mentor, John Patitucci. Holthus works out of his home studio in Brooklyn, NY.

Aaron Holthus is a bassist and producer in Brooklyn, NY. He is co-leader of Oak Trio and founder of Tasting Notes, a project bringing together musicians and culinary artists for unprecedented collaborations.

Holthus constantly gains momentum as a young artist, performing and teaching around the world in festivals like Generations in Jazz (Australia), the Athens Jazz Festival, Chile Jazz por la Paz, the Panama Percussion Festival, FiJazz Costa Rica, and others.

Holthus’ first album as a leader was Oak Trio’s Liminality, released in March of 2018, followed in 2021 by the first release from Tasting Notes--Coffee Songs: Vol 1, an EP of original compositions by Holthus based on single-origin coffees from around the world.

Holthus has performed with notable artists such as the One O'clock Lab Band, ERINI, Jas Kayser, Margaux Vranken, Anna Jalkeus, Randal Despommier, Horace Bray, and many others.

Since he started his musical career in Kansas City, Holthus has been consistently recognized as a rising star. He was honored by the faculty at his alma mater the University of North Texas as the single “Outstanding Undergraduate in Jazz Studies,” invited to the Ravinia-Steans jazz composer/performer residency, and awarded full scholarship both for his master’s degree at Berklee College of Music, where he studied with John Patitucci, and his undergraduate at North Texas.

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Credits

Discogs verified credits for Aaron Holthus
  • The One O'Clock Lab Band* Directed By Jay Saunders
  • Garrett Wingfield's Octopod
  • Jas Kayser
  • Margaux Vranken

21 Reviews

Endorse Aaron Holthus Music
  1. Review by Zachary H.
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    Aaron was easy, quick, accommodating, and played what I needed great. Would love to work with him again sometime! Definitely recommend.

  2. Review by aderhim
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    I recently had the pleasure of working with Aaron. His musicality and creativity, combined with his communication and professionalism make him an ideal partner for any recording project. Highly recommended!

  3. Review by Shehrose
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    Aaron produced excellent work with surprisingly strong efficiency. Musically, he knew when to add more melodic interest in his bass part and when to lay back into a groove--all with a great hand and ear for technique. Finally, his professionalism demonstrated a great care for meticulous and compassionate sociability. Highly recommended!

  4. Review by Ethan Stalbaum
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    Working with Aaron was an exciting, smooth, and professional experience. The track he provided was top quality, and he gave detailed feedback and direction. Looking forward to hearing more from him and hopefully working together again!

  5. Review by Peach Row Productions
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    Aaron played some killer upright bass for me on a jazz track! Great feel, great intonation, great sound, and he turned it around extremely quickly! I will DEFINITELY be hiring him again.

  6. Review by Peach Row Productions
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    I had a great experience working for Aaron! He was very communicative and professional, and I really liked the track he had me play on. 5/5 and would love to work with him again!

  7. Review by Fernanda Sardaneta
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    by Fernanda Sardaneta

    Aaron es lo maximo!

    He tenido la oportunidad de colaborar con el y a demas de ser gran musico es increible persona. Escucha, ayuda y es muy dedicado, disfruto mucho trabajar con el. Altamente recomendado.

  8. Review by Simona Smirnova
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    by Simona Smirnova

    I have worked with Aaron on many performances around New York City. He is very professional, highly skilled, easy to work with. Absolutely amazing improvisor! Highly recommended!

  9. Review by Monica Pabelonio
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    by Monica Pabelonio

    Aaron is my first call for all my gigs - playing bass or engineering! Super versatile, very professional, and highly skilled! Would definitely recommend!

  10. Review by Margaux Vranken
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    by Margaux Vranken

    Aaron is THE best person to work with! A great musician but also just a great person! Incredible musical skills and interpersonal skills. I had the chance to collaborate with him many times: he is a gem. He is super professional and he’s very dedicated to his craft. I highly recommend working with Aaron!

  11. Review by Simona D
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    by Simona D

    Aaron is such a joy to work with! He is a wonderful musician always prepared, with great knowledge of a vast variety of genres and with a positive and relaxed attitude. I have been working with him for years and he never let down the expectations. I strongly recommend Aaron if you need a solid, talented and sensitive musician for your next project!

  12. Review by Aaron Dutton
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    by Aaron Dutton

    Aaron is one of the most versatile and professional musicians I've ever had the pleasure of working with! His deep musical knowledge and his incredible ears elevate every project he's a part of, and his preparation and professionalism are top-notch. He always comes totally prepared with anything you throw his way. In addition, he's simply a joy to work with on a human level. Can't recommend him highly enough.

  13. Review by Javier Rosario
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    by Javier Rosario

    Aaron is the most prepared musician I have ever met! I remember hiring him to play my music in NYC. Aaron played everything without a mistake and we didn't even rehearse the music before. I was in awe of how incredible he sounded, his improvisation level, confidence, bass choice, preparedness, chemistry and personality. My favorite bassist!

  14. Review by Nicholas Olynciw
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    by Nicholas Olynciw

    Aaron is my first call when it comes to all production, recording, and bass needs! His diverse skill-set, deep well of knowledge, and can-do attitude make any project with him a breeze! Even when a project is challenging, I know I will be supported by his kind spirit and reliable nature.

  15. Review by Amanda Ekery
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    by Amanda Ekery

    Aaron is the best! I've worked with him in a variety of settings playing improvised music, jazz, pop, and even country and he can do it all at the highest level. Aaron is engaged, thoughtful, and will make a wonderful addition to any project.

  16. Review by Emilio Mesa
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    by Emilio Mesa

    Aaron is the epitome of a musician. He always coms into projects prepared to the utmost degree, contributing to the musical dialogue in such a way that inspires and motivates everyone in the ensemble to rise to the occasion. Aaron's time-feel is contagious, his musical personality impossible to overlook, and his spirit wonderful enough to lift up an entire room
    I've had the extreme pleasure of working with Aaron on many projects, including my album "Constructed Reality." This project wouldn't have been the same without him! If u are looking for a bassist, engineer, composer...look no further!

  17. Review by Conner Eisenmenger
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    by Conner Eisenmenger

    Aaron Holthus is a complete professional in every sense of the word. I have worked with Aaron on a variety of remote recording projects with tight deadlines and complicated music. Aaron approaches every project with precision and efficiency that exceeds my expectations. Additionally, Aaron's creativity and depth of musicianship always serve to elevate the music in a way that can only come from a musician that truly cares about the art they are creating. All of this in addition to mastery of the recording process and quick communication make Aaron a uniquely qualified recording artist.

  18. Review by Chase Elodia
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    by Chase Elodia

    Aaron’s musicianship, recording/mixing prowess, and compositional creativity have been consistent sources of inspiration for me over our four years working together. I’ve had the privilege of making music with him in a variety of contexts, and he unfailingly delivers exactly what each musical moment requires. Additionally, he’s kind, patient, hilarious, and an excellent chef. I recommend his services to anyone looking for their music to sound and feel as good as it possibly can.

  19. Review by Kayla Schwartz
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    by Kayla Schwartz

    I've had the pleasure of hiring Aaron both as a bass player and as an engineer, and he is always an absolute dream to work with! He is extremely patient and kind, and has incredibly valuable input and insight that will enhance any project. I couldn't recommend him more highly!

  20. Review by Jenn Petersen
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    by Jenn Petersen

    Aaron is a phenomenal musician, and an equally phenomenal human being. He is always professional, prepared, kind, and flexible. He is truly one of the most tasteful and talented bassists I've ever had the pleasure of working with.

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Aaron Holthus Studio Reel

I was the Upright/Electric Bass in this production

GenresSounds Like
  • John Patitucci
  • Pino Palladino
  • Jaco Pastorius
Gear Highlights
  • Fully carved KC Strings "KC Series" 2009 Upright Bass
  • 2014 American Deluxe Fender P-Bass
  • 1996 Japanese Standard Fretless J-Bass
  • UAD Apollo Twin X Interface/Preamps
  • AKG C414 XLII Condenser Microphone
More Photos