Having started out as a guitar player, Jocko MacNelly bought his first bass early in 1977 -  shortly after being hired as a bassist by Carnival Cruise Lines.   In the ensuing years he has performed or recorded (occasionally under equally false pretenses) on the electric and acoustic basses; electric, acoustic and classical guitars, banjo, mandolin, steel drums, chromatic harmonica, and tuba.  Though he considers the Blues to be his "base camp," he takes great joy in covering a range of styles: Jazz, R & B, calypso, reggae, Afro-Cuban, country, bluegrass, various styles from Brazil and Africa, Arab and Jewish music, along with European classical music from all periods, including so-called "early music." 

His recording experience covers soundtracks, jingles, and albums: he has performed with such diverse talents as Billy Eckstine, Lou Donaldson, Phyllis Diller, Archie Bell, A House of Freaks, and the Richmond (Va.) Symphony.  He is also very active as a teacher, composer, and arranger.

During his time in Virginia, Jocko knew and worked with various members of the Dave Matthews Band.  Matthews' drummer Carter Buford once told him that when the band was first forming, and they were looking for a bassist: "your name came up - but someone said you were busy."  Suicide, however, does not figure into MacNelly's short- or long-term plans.

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