Rob Thorsen

**Rob Thorsen** is a versatile San Diego-based jazz bassist and composer known for his deep groove, lyrical phrasing, and collaborative spirit. A fixture of Southern California’s jazz scene since the 1990s, Thorsen has worked with luminaries like trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos and pianist Mike Wofford while carving out a niche as a bandleader. His recent releases, including the introspective *Bass Is the Space: Solos and Duos* (2023), the hard-swinging *Lasting Impression* (2021), and the lush, Shaw-inspired *Moon Ray* (2019), showcase his knack for balancing tradition with adventurous spontaneity. Whether holding down a walking bassline or exploring free-form textures, Thorsen’s playing radiates warmth and melodic intuition. When he’s not onstage, he’s often mentoring young musicians, proving jazz isn’t just his job—it’s a community he loves to nurture.