Mark Schatz

Mark Schatz (bass) (born April 23, 1955) is an American bluegrass and acoustic-music bassist—and a wide-ranging multi-instrumentalist (also known for clawhammer banjo and percussive dance)—whose melodic, driving upright bass work has powered some of the genre’s most influential modern recordings and tours. Born in Philadelphia and raised near Boston, Schatz became a sought-after collaborator for artists across bluegrass, new acoustic, and Americana, with credits and touring work that include Béla Fleck, Tony Rice, John Hartford, Nickel Creek, Jerry Douglas, and many others. (Wikipedia)

Rather than being tied to a single “signature” band for decades, Schatz’s impact shows up in where his bass lands: he spent key years with the Tony Rice Unit (1985–1990)—including work on multiple Tony Rice and Bluegrass Album Band projects—and later became widely recognized as one of the premier session and touring bassists in the acoustic world. He’s also been celebrated by the International Bluegrass Music Association as Bass Player of the Year (two-time winner). (MarkSchatz.net) (IBMA)