Backbone of the Groove
Since 2013, Steve Larkin has been laying down the kind of smooth, steady bass lines that give Vintage Noise its heartbeat. His playing is rich, understated, and deeply intuitive, effortlessly bridging the gap between swing and bossa nova. Whether walking a bass line through a Sinatra classic or locking into a Jobim groove, Steve’s sound is the foundation that lets the melodies soar. His presence has been a defining force in the group’s evolution, bringing warmth, depth, and just the right amount of swing to every performance.
Steve’s career has taken him to some of the most iconic stages in the Bay Area, including Top of the Mark in San Francisco, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, and Cinnabar Winery in Saratoga. A Santa Cruz local, he’s just as likely to be found holding down the rhythm at an intimate jazz club as he is commanding the low end at a packed venue. He frequently collaborates with fellow Vintage Noise alum Jack Bowers on piano, keeping the spirit of timeless jazz alive in every set they play.
Though his performances with Vintage Noise have become less frequent, Steve’s influence is still deeply woven into the band’s DNA. His unshakable sense of rhythm and effortless cool helped shape the sound of Vintage Noise, proving that the best bassists don’t just play the groove—they define it.
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