Jeff Stephen
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   Jeff  puts the “Drive” in Shut Up And Drive. You won’t see him yapping into a microphone like the rest of the band; he prefers to let his solid, punchy bass lines do the talking. Jeff means business on the bass, and his no-nonsense approach and fat tone guarantees Shut Up And Drive always has a groove as deep as the Grand Canyon. The guy has infectious, smoldering energy that just plain rocks!  That combination is what every band wants, but few can seem to find! “Microphone, schmicrophone” Jeff says,  “Just Shut Up And Drive!!”

 

 

    Jeff began playing bass in 1977  He studied music formally for 2 years, and also copped the bass parts from every record and tape he could get his hands on. Most importantly during these formative years, Jeff practiced every day until a solid foundation was laid. This diligence and discipline would certainly pay off later in his musical career.

Jeff has always enjoyed many styles of music, from classical and jazz to blues and rock, but it was a Rolling Stones concert that convinced him to take his bass playing to the next level. With the spirit of Bill Wyman looking after him, Jeff soon began “laying down the low end groove” professionally.   The first band he joined was a Southern / Classic Rock band playing gigs every weekend for 15 years! That’s dedication and discipline in action! Bill Wyman was proud!

  Jeff then relocated to Omaha, Nebraska (why?…we don’t ask) and soon put together a blues band that played in clubs throughout Omaha. Two solid years of weekend gigs in this band further honed Jeff’s skill at playing bass. At the same time Jeff become an animal expert via watching reruns of “Wild Kingdom” in his hotel room. Go ahead; ask him anything about animals, we’re not kidding!

  He moved to Arizona in 1999, and wasted no time assembling yet another band. Rapid Fire was formed, and for the next two years they played their popular brand of classic rock in bars and clubs throughout The Valley. They called it quits in 2002, but still remain friends. How could you meet Jeff and not want to be his friend? He’s the band’s Mr. Congeniality!

  Still possessing a burning desire to make bar patrons dance like maniacs, Jeff began recruiting some of the best musical talent in The Valley, and in August of 2002 Shut Up And Drive’s lineup was complete.
 
  Jeff says, "I feel very fortunate to play with a band that has more energy than a nuclear power plant, and by far the best talent around". The truth is, if “Plutonium” wasn’t such a dorky nickname, it would suit Jeff Stephen perfectly. He’s the band’s “bass-ic” element!

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