Jeremy Nichols
Hailing from Jonesboro, Arkansas, Jeremy Nichols’ obsession with the bass guitar began after his cousin received one as a birthday gift. Soon after, with nothing more than a Mel Bay instructional book and an awful pawn shop Les Paul knockoff bass in hand, Jeremy set out to learn how to play. After a couple years of practicing the basics and jamming with fellow friends, he started playing regularly with a local country/rock band while still in high school. This exposure led him to frequent subbing with other area bands as well.
Later majoring in music education at Arkansas State University, Jeremy became the bassist for ASU’s top jazz band “The Tribe” after a friend and fellow bassist exited the program. Jeremy also began to play bass with other college ensembles, including a 6-piece pep ensemble supporting the ASU women’s basketball team, and also Dad’s Bones, a jazz/pop trombone ensemble. He also continued to regularly play bar/club/party dates on the weekends with various groups. Seeing value in sharing his love of music, he also began to teach bass lessons to a handful of young students.
Word of mouth began to spread and he also began to pick up studio work with area sound engineers. This led to first-call opportunities on many rock, pop, gospel, country, and even a few commercial jingle sessions.
After relocating to the Cincinnati area in 1998, he was accepted to the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music’s jazz program but chose not to attend at that time due to financial reasons. Instead he joined the workforce by day and played sub gigs with local artists whenever possible. In 2000 he joined the Cinci-area original band Endive, playing throughout the SE Ohio/Northern Kentucky area.
Through a series of life events,
Jeremy relocated in 2004 but continued to find consistent bass work to keep sharp. Upon returning to the Cincinnati area in 2011 he rejoined Endive, who continues today to play an increasing number of original and cover gigs. Released in August 2018, Endive’s 3rd album “Car Ride Philosophy” features Jeremy’s work on fretted and fretless bass.
