Todd Snyder
Todd Snyder’s musical journey is a rich tapestry woven with the threads of nostalgia, passion, and an unwavering dedication to the art of sound. Born into a household resonating with the soulful notes of the 1950s, Todd’s musical education began by absorbing the tunes imprinted on his father’s cherished 45s. These vinyl gems served as the foundation for a lifelong love affair with music, sparking a curiosity that would shape the course of his artistic endeavors.
In the sixth grade, Todd took his first deliberate step into the world of instrumental expression, picking up the trumpet. As the brass instrument became an extension of his musical identity, Todd’s journey took an unexpected turn in the eighth grade when he embraced the French horn. This early divergence showcased not only his versatility but also a willingness to explore the nuances of different instruments.
Throughout high school, Todd’s commitment to music remained steadfast. Whether it was the triumphant blare of the trumpet or the melodic resonance of the French horn, he continued to refine his craft, becoming a fixture in the school’s musical landscape. His senior year, however, marked a distinct chapter in his musical evolution as he took center stage in the jazz band, unleashing the improvisational spirit of the trumpet to the delight of his peers and mentors.
In 1988, a new chapter unfolded as Todd ventured into uncharted territory—his hands wrapped around the neck of a bass guitar. This pivotal moment marked a seismic shift in his sonic exploration, opening doors to a world of rhythmic possibilities. The garage and living room became the canvas for Todd’s sonic experimentation, as he jammed with friends, exploring the raw, unfiltered joy of creating music for the sheer pleasure of it.
The year 1991 marked a new phase in Todd’s musical journey, as he joined the FCCJ jazz band, this time wielding the bass. The profound resonance of the instrument allowed him to anchor the band with a rhythmic foundation, showcasing a newfound depth in his musical expression. The jazz band became a melting pot of creativity, a space where Todd’s bass lines added layers of complexity to the ensemble’s sonic landscape.
Life, however, has its ebbs and flows. After years of continuous musical exploration, Todd took a brief hiatus from playing. But the call of the bass proved too strong to resist. In 1996, he picked up a new bass, rekindling the flames of his musical passion. Since then, the strings of the bass have been a constant companion, providing a channel for Todd to articulate his emotions, thoughts, and experiences.
While Todd’s musical journey has been characterized by personal exploration and experimentation, he also dipped his toes into the world of performance in the early 1990s. Joining a band during this period, Todd and his fellow musicians had the opportunity to share their sonic creations with a live audience, experiencing the unique thrill of connecting with listeners through the medium of music.
Central to Todd Snyder’s musical identity are the influences that have shaped his artistic perspective. James Jamerson, the legendary bassist whose soulful grooves became the heartbeat of Motown, left an indelible mark on Todd’s approach to the bass. Mike Watt, known for his groundbreaking work with punk rock outfit Minutemen, introduced Todd to the rebellious spirit of the bass as a lead instrument. And then there’s Charles Mingus, the avant-garde jazz giant whose compositions pushed the boundaries of the genre, inspiring Todd to embrace the limitless possibilities of musical expression.
In the intricate interplay of notes, in the rhythmic pulsations of the bass, Todd Snyder finds his voice. His musical journey is not just a chronological progression of instruments and genres; it’s a testament to the enduring power of music to shape and redefine one’s identity. Through the bass guitar, Todd continues to weave his sonic narrative—a narrative that resonates with the echoes of the past, the joys of the present, and the limitless potential of the future.
