Brian Jon Bortz

Brian Jon Bortz – Bassist, Guitarist
Throughout a career spanning nearly five decades, Brian Jon Bortz – Bassist, has always played music at a very high level with great musicians. Hailing from the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, Brian has played across the US, Canada, the Caribbean and Europe. He has backed major show-business stars – George Burns, Joan Rivers, Don Rickles, Jay leno, Bobby Rydell, Patti Page and Clay Aiken to name a few. He played for the President and Vice President of the US and enjoyed a 10-year run as bassist for the Freddy Awards. Locally, Brian anchors several bands – Artisan Trio/Artisan Blue Band, The Last Thursday Band, Fusion Jazz Trio, Paul Boddy & Slidewinder Blues Band, and others. He is also a first-call sub with several great regional bands, such as Craig Thatcher Band, Don Cunningham & Associates, Corinne Mammana and Eric Mintel Quartet. Brian also has extensive recording credits and recently released a full-length album of mostly original material.
Brian’s influences are wide-ranging, and his broad musical ability is a result. Growing up hearing everything from Big Band to early Rock and Roll, the Guitar-Rock of the 60’s, Fusion Jazz, R&B and Progressive Rock of the 70’s - and everything beyond (all of it) - has all continually impacted Brian’s playing and understanding of music.