PERFORMING
Having first picked up a bass at the age of 10, Glenn Schuetz began playing professionally at seventeen. He pursued his formal music training in Classical and Jazz Studies at the University of Illinois, and continued that work at the University of Texas at Austin. For the past few decades Austin has been his home, and he’s taken full advantage of its diverse music scene.
He is equally comfortable playing electric and upright bass and has played many different genres, including jazz and jazz fusion, Afro-Cuban, African soukous, Brazilian, rock, Americana, and folk. Though he has held down the rhythm section in many Austin-based bands over the years, he has spent much of his time with Brazilian band Susannah Sharp and the Samba Police (including over a dozen Carnavals) and African soukous band Tamasha Africana. And for the past 30 years, Glenn toured extensively in the U.S., Canada and Europe with the late, great Americana singer-songwriter and Woody Guthrie scholar Jimmy LaFave as part of his band, the Night Tribe. Even after LaFave’s untimely death in 2017, the band has continued to play tribute concerts with other artists at the helm, drawing material from Jimmy’s huge body of work.
One highlight of Glenn’s career has been touring with Jimmy as part of the Ribbon of Highway, Endless Skyway Tour (2004–2014), a series of Woody Guthrie tribute concerts across the country featuring LaFave, Eliza Gilkyson, Bob Childers, Kevin Welch, Slaid Cleaves, Michael Fracasso, Sara Lee Guthrie, and other respected folk and Americana artists.
In addition to his work with LaFave, Glenn has toured and/or performed with a host of other luminaries including Jack McDuff, Eddie Harris, Lonnie Smith, Lila Downs, Ronny Cox, and David Bromberg. He has shared the stage with Chick Corea, Larry Coryell, Herbie Hancock, Jaco Pastorius, Kris Kristofferson, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie and Gretchen Peters.
For over 20 years, Glenn has been anchoring the rhythm section of the Celebration band at UCOH (Unity Church of the Hills) in Austin every Sunday. He is also a member of the pit band at Austin’s Zach Theatre, playing bass in shows that included the popular Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill.
“I have traveled the world playing music live…
…and in the recording studio for close to half a century. In that time it has been my honor to have worked with some of the best musicians, singers, and songwriters on the planet and I have to say that Glenn Schuetz is shoulder to shoulder with the very best of them. Whether he's playing electric, upright, or quasi electric bass, his skill at virtually any style of music is second to none. A consummate professional, he always shows up prepared for the gig or session with the material at hand charted or memorized. Aside from his immaculate musicianship, he is a seasoned veteran of life on the road and only a road musician can know what that entails — it's a skill not everyone can master. In short, it's not surprising that Glenn Schuetz is so well respected and in demand. The man is bad to the bone.”
JOHN INMON | GUITARIST (JERRY JEFF WALKER, BILLY JOE SHAVER, JIMMY LAFAVE, ETC.)
Photo taken by Patricia Lumme, 2018.
“It’s always an honor to share the stage with Glenn Schuetz, such a talented artist with gifted instincts.”
Abra Moore | Singer/Songwriter
With Susanna Sharpe.
“I am a huge fan of Glenn Schuetz as a bassist. Whether it's American jazz, funk, gospel, Brazilian jazz, R&B, blues, rock, European classical . . . you name it, Glenn will bring it and bring it with mastery and heart! He is an industry expert of a master of his craft. He is always professional, prompt, and PREPARED, AND to top it off, he's a sweetheart and so so easy to work with whether it's for a live gig or for a studio session. You can't get any better than Glenn. He is the total package. Glenn is simply, the B.E.S.T!”
Kelley Glover | Founder and CEO of Ubettrsing | Teacher, vocalist, composer
© Brenda Ladd Photography
“As Director of Music Ministry at UCOH, I’ve worked beside Glenn for 20 years. He has backed Celebration (our music ensemble) since its inception. Glenn is dedicated, passionate about his music, and a leader, especially in assisting other members on the team. He is always teaching, patiently explaining so it makes sense to those of us who aren’t skilled in theory. Not only can he read and write a chart in a minute, but has the natural ear that requires listening rather than reading. Doesn’t matter what flavor of music you put in front of him, he will deliver with such depth, everyone is touched. One of the most talented guys on a bass in Austin!”
Susan Heinrichs | Director of Music Ministry, Celebration UCOH
© Rijno Boon Photography