Jeffry Eckels and his daughter Ella
Lucille.
Every so often, we use this space to let
our listeners know what has happened to former staff members.
This installment features Jeffry Eckels, the original silent
bassist from Michael Feldman’s “Whad’ Ya
Know?”
So, where is Jeffry
now and what is he doing?
Right now,
Jeff’s pounding the books — as well as his
bass — in Denton, Texas, working toward a DMA as a
teaching fellow at the prestigious University of North Texas.
He was offered his
present position by the well-known classical bass virtuoso and
head of the bass department there, Jeff Bradetich, who heard of
his disconnection from the Feldman show and offered him the
opportunity. Eckels continues to study and play jazz, under the
tutelage of world renowned jazz bassist Lynn Seaton, in
classes, recitals, lecture series,
forums, and area venues; his
concentration, however, is in classical bass, and it is in that
field in which he will receive his advanced degree.
He has been surprised
by how much he and his family enjoy the University of North
Texas and Denton, his many new friends and colleagues, and the
relatively balmy winter climate. He hopes his work there will
eventually result in another satisfying career which he will
enjoy as much as he did being the silent bassist on
Feldman’s show. In the meantime, he’s “paying
his dues” as a student and professional musician and
doing his best in his new life. He wistfully admits, however,
that he continues to miss Michael and the gang and the fun and
excitement of “Whad’ Ya
Know?”
