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Photograph by Mark Sheldon

Jack Helsley is a bassist and educator based in Oklahoma City. He is a recent graduate of The University of North Texas where he was a teaching fellow and bassist with the One O’Clock Lab Band. After receiving a Bachelors Degree in Music from the University of Louisville, he toured extensively throughout Europe, Africa and the U.S. with the United States Air Force Band.  As a freelance bassist, he has been featured on numerous recordings of jazz, pop, rock, and country artists, and has performed with such notable talents as Jamey Aebersold, Lynne Arriale, David Baker, Bob Berg, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Joey Calderazzo, Bob Dorough, Michael Feinstein, Benny Golsen, Ernie Watts, and Jeff Watts.  He holds a Doctor of Music in Performance from The University of North Texas and a Masters in Jazz Studies from Indiana University. He has been on faculty at Anderson University, DePauw University, Eastern Illinois University, Marian University, University of Indianapolis, Wabash College, and Western Illinois University.  He is also formerly the co-host of the Jazz Radio show “Have You Heard” on WICR-FM.