BIO
Eric Hitt brings a versatile and complementary sound to the music he plays. Equally adept at the upright and electric bass, his unique musical voice has garnered him a wide array of performing and recording opportunities. Eric is currently at home in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas, where he can be found performing frequently.
Eric was born in Belleville, Illinois to a musical family who supported his creative endeavors. His education is a unique combination of on-the-job experience and academic learning. He played his first gig with his pianist and vocalist mother Christine Hitt, at age 12 when he vividly remembers her asking him to "walk a blues" and having to figure it out as they played.
After relocating frequently throughout his formative years, he studied music under the instruction of International Society of Bassists Past President and current President-Elect Hans Sturm at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln (UNL). Some highlights from his time at UNL include performing internationally in China through the University of Nebraska's partnership with Xi'an Jiaotong University and performing concerts with Harry Allen and Victor Lewis.
Upon graduation from UNL, Eric continued his musical studies at the University of North Texas (UNT) under the instruction of renowned bassist Lynn Seaton. At UNT he had the privilege of being the bassist and rhythm section leader for the seven-time GRAMMY-nominated One O’Clock Lab Band and performed concerts with with Melissa Aldana, Kirk Whalum, and Kenny Werner. Eric has also participated in the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy led by Christian McBride, Shelly Berg, and Chuck Bergeron.
Eric's supportive bass lines coupled with his lyrical arco playing lend him to be a sought-after collaborator. His musical sensibilities have allowed him opportunities to perform and record alongside artists such as Ryan Kisor, Brad Leali, Quincy Davis, Deborah Brown, Jeff Hamilton, John Beasley, Bob Sheppard, Davy Mooney, Jerry Bergonzi, Lisa Henry, Dave Meder, Tatiana Mayfield, Fredrick Sanders, Ashlin Parker, Philip Dizack, Nick Finzer, Andre Hayward, Ed Soph, Dan Haerle, Lucas Pino, Rob Parton, Rich DeRosa, Jim Riggs, Neil Slater, Quamon Fowler, Quennel Gaskin, and Jason Thomas . He has also performed as an electric bassist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra featuring vocalist Shayna Steele. He has performed and recorded across the United States at places like Capitol Records, the Blue Room, the Green Lady, the Black Dolphin, Nocturne, and the Meyerson Symphony Center.
As an educator, Eric is the graduate teaching fellow for jazz bass at UNT, where he also directs the Four O'Clock Lab Band and assists with small jazz ensembles. He has also conducted rhythm section clinics and masterclasses at high schools and colleges in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Ohio.