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Who We Are
Born from years of shared history and chance encounters, Basement Collective emerged in 2019 as a progressive-fusion instrumental powerhouse. Founding members Jesse Wade, Sean Alvarez, and Mike Tabor's creative chemistry dates back to their time studying music together at Ball State University starting in 2014. The ensemble’s unique blend of sound was later matured by the addition of the two Evans. Evan Reyes met Mike after coming to a Shure Jazz Orchestra rehearsal early. A quick jam between the two led to the invitation to meet Jesse and Sean. Evan Borkstrom, who plays in a Doors tribute band with Mike’s brother, was invited to collaborate, which soon led to full induction into the group.
Born from years of shared history and chance encounters, Basement Collective emerged in 2019 as a progressive-fusion instrumental powerhouse. Founding members Jesse Wade, Sean Alvarez, and Mike Tabor's creative chemistry dates back to their time studying music together at Ball State University starting in 2014. The ensemble’s unique blend of sound was later matured by the addition of the two Evans. Evan Reyes met Mike after coming to a Shure Jazz Orchestra rehearsal early. A quick jam between the two led to the invitation to meet Jesse and Sean. Evan Borkstrom, who plays in a Doors tribute band with Mike’s brother, was invited to collaborate, which soon led to full induction into the group.
Driven by a philosophy of continuous artistic refinement, each rehearsal is used as an opportunity to push for the collaborative creation of unique, intricate, and highly dynamic music. All of their tunes are written together live, through trial-and-error experimentation and relentless artistic examination. The band doesn't believe in "completion," constantly revisiting and layering new rhythmic and harmonic elements to ensure their music possesses its signature richness and density.
The five-piece showcases its masterful orchestrations through a broad sonic spectrum, which includes electrified trumpet, flugelhorn, flute, and saxophone, alongside keys, electric guitar, key bass, synthesizer, and drums. Every bar reveals the continuous push to vary the sonic textures and shift harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic responsibilities among the instruments, creating an immersive, evolving soundscape. Rhythmically, the collective pushes boundaries with mixed meter passages and intricate metric modulations designed to keep the listener perpetually engaged, wondering where “1” is, all while maintaining an undeniable groove. Their music fuses vast knowledge of jazz and classical theory alongside a love for progressive rock and metal elements, evoking a sustained interest in the harmonic tapestry and melodic detail of their work.
The latest activities from Basement Collective surround the fostering of their growing popularity, while producing their next singles, which will soon lead to the culmination of their debut album release.
Jesse Wade
Jesse is an accomplished musician and private music teacher based in the north Chicago suburban area. Drawing on his diverse musical background, including a progressive rock upbringing, classical training, and extensive jazz fusion studies, Jesse brings a unique and sophisticated sound to his compositions.
Though you’ll mainly hear his voice through his trumpet and flugelhorn, Jesse is also a skilled player of an extensive array of brass and woodwind instruments including trombone, saxophone, flute, and clarinet. He has honed his craft through years of dedication and experimentation, and has an unquenchable thirst for new experiences and musical exploration.
Jesse's passion for music has taken him around the world, with performances in over 15 countries. He approaches each new opportunity with an open mind and a desire to learn and grow, always looking for new ways to expand his musical horizons and share his passion for music with others.
Sean Alvarez
Sean often acts as the glue that stitches the rhythmic and harmonic elements together. He also is the primary engineer of the group.
One of his favorite things is taking joyrides on his one-wheel to new places. He also enjoys tinkering with audio electronics and listening to vinyl. One of his favorite bands is EMEFE.