I've been playing bass since about 1970; before that I played violin in elementary school through junior high. As far as art goes I split time between music and photography. To see examples of what I do photographically, go here: http://samuel-sheats.artistwebsites.com/

As far as a famous band, maybe the Chambers Brothers at Pasadena City College in the 70's. Around that time I also saw the Jackson 5 and at a different show, Black Sabbath. Funny, Sabbath opened for Grand Funk Railroad at the LA Forum and had twice as many amps on stage (Marshalls) than GFR but GFR's stacks were taller and twice as loud. They were West amps, built by Pat Quilter. He went on to found Quilter Sound Company, now known as QSC!

Alembic Signature Deluxe 5-string bass ( http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_maryswish.html )
Line 6 Variac 4-string bass (mimics 24 bass instruments)
Radial Tonebone switcher/Crest power amp/Aguilar GS112 & Peavey bass PA cabinets

Hooking up with other musicians into odd meters and tribal space fingerstyle funk. Let's collaborate!

Hendrix, Cream and Led Zeppelin. Later got into the Golden Age of Fusion with Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return to Forever and Weather Report.

On bass, Stanley Clarke, Alphonso Johnson and Anthony Jackson were my biggest influences. Jonas Hellborg and Jeff Berlin are among the many bassists I listen to, now.

Played in Osiris, a band along the lines of the Grateful Dead, as well as Flokey Van Hook (a full-blown gospel group; I was the only non-Christian, which would make for an interesting sitcom).

Briefly hooked up in a sax/drum/bass group, Legion Kondor. VERY eclectic.

In later life played with Savant Guard trio for maybe 8 or 9 years. We specialized in instrumental progressive fusion. We get together every 9 -12 months and blow out the cobwebs.

Currently in Sizemo, a progressive fusion trio with monster drummer, Sam Markewich, and an innovative two-handed tapping guy, Micah Ball. Micah's one-of-a-kind dual necked instrument allows him to showcase his tapping skills. We play instrumental originals but frequently launch into spontaneous jams ranging from quietly evocative to raging craziness.

I share a rehearsal studio with drummer Peter Curzon. It's all stream-of-consciousness blowing; we start by just playing as though the other person isn't even there. As long as we're both doing something that repeats in it's own tempo/time signature, it creates a very interesting dual-layered mantra. Gradually -- almost subconsciously -- we begin to morph into something more and more complimentary until we're sharing the same groove. This may take anywhere from one to fifteen minutes. We've been using this approach for a couple of years and it's taken our musical relationship to a whole new level.

Since junior high school down in the Los Angeles area, I've been playing with drummer Paul Costa. He can only be described as off-the-charts insane. His volume, power and intensity are definitely not for the faint of heart!

I've been very lucky to have played with him, Peter, Sam, Andrew Bryan and Dave Allen.

Jimi Hendrix. He was not just a guitarist; he was a transcendant philosopher, astral traveler, psychic healer, etc.

I'd also like to play with Dennis Chambers, Narada Michael Walden, Bill Bruford, Omar Hakim, Vinnie Coliauta (sp), Virgil Donati, Van Romaine and Manu Katche!

Biggest (stationary): Stanford University's Frost Amphitheater when I was in Osiris, mid/late 70's. We opened for the Sons of Champlin and the place was packed.

Biggest (moving audience): Solano Avenue Stroll with Savant Guard (3 times)

Smallest: Too numerous to list where there were maybe 1 or 2 people besides the bartender....

Tie between Hendrix Band of Gypsy's Live at the Fillmore and the Michal Urbaniak Fusion 3 albums.