Stephen McQuay is a solo bassist who fronts his own songs — original, bass-forward songwriting based in San Jose, California, with live sessions and studio demos below. He also holds a working role on bass with the JC Smith Band, a Bay Area blues act whose leader has shared stages with B.B. King and Buddy Guy.
Listen
Firefly
Buddy Judas
Precipitate
Live
Recorded live on-air for KZSU 90.1 FM (Stanford), June 2025 — a nine-song solo set including “Firefly,” “Precipitate,” and “Buddy Judas.”
Firefly (KZSU live)
Buddy Judas (KZSU live)
Dim — Freight & Salvage, Berkeley
One of the Bay Area’s most respected listening rooms since 1968
Firefly — Cactus Cafe, Austin
Austin’s premier listening room, Dec 2025 · open mic, audience recording
Second World — Velour, Provo
Provo’s legendary indie listening room — launched Imagine Dragons and Neon Trees
Photos
Photos: Pat Johnson, 2025