Professional Jazz Bassist

RON BRENDLE

Ron Brendle is a highly acclaimed jazz bassist and a cornerstone of the Charlotte music scene, celebrated for his artistry, versatility, and deep musical insight. A “first-call” musician for both local and international artists, Brendle has shared the stage with jazz legends including Mose Allison, Clark Terry, and Frank Kimbrough.  Over the course of his distinguished career, he has earned seven Jazz Artist of the Year awards from Creative Loafing Magazine and three Best Bass Player honors from Charlotte Magazine. His discography spans more than 50 recordings, including several acclaimed projects as a bandleader.  Twice awarded the North Carolina Arts Council Jazz Composer Fellowship Grant, Brendle continues to expand the boundaries of modern jazz through his own compositions and collaborations.

A graduate of Appalachian State University, Ron studied with the legendary bassist Charlie Haden at the Atlantic Center for the Arts. His influences range from jazz icons like Haden and Charles Mingus to rock innovators such as Jimi Hendrix — a range that informs his expressive, genre-blending approach to music.  Brendle performs regularly at many of Charlotte’s premier venues, including the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and the Neighborhood Theatre, and is currently featured with the Ziad Jazz Quartet, the Ron Brendle Electric Quartet, as well as the original-music ensemble Big Octave, which he co-founded.

His playing embodies both mastery and imagination — the sound of a true artist whose music continues to shape the soul of Charlotte jazz.

Don't miss his CW Jazz debut on November 9th!