Leo (Scatman) Aspiras

A true child of the sixties, Leo has been playing bass in the mid-Atlantic since before FM radio. Switching from lead singer to bass player in his first band, Leo found his true calling. A staple in many well-known rock 'n' roll and blues acts, he earned the moniker of The Scatman with his in-the-pocket bass lines. The consumate professional, Scatman Aspiras can be found as the backbone of many recordings and live performances with a wide variety of acts even today.

Throughout his decades of playing, Scatman has been featured with such legends as Catfish Hodge, Cathy Ponton King, the Rhythm Masters, Krewe of Renegades, the Nomads, Rocket 88, and the late Lovey Lee's Blues Revue. As part of the blues power trio with Dave Sherman, Leo played festivals and gatherings in many areas of the country. The Smokin' Presstones, Mike Dennis, Larry Dennis, the Buddy Leonard Band, BG and the Mojohands, and Little Jr. and the Hitmen all benefited from Leo's solid journeyman bass skills. In addition to playing with Nomad, Scatman is backing Mike Baker's Blue Smoke Band.

Leo has recorded at well-known studios like Omega and Bias. As a session player with Barrelhouse, Scatman graced the rooms of Larry Gershon's Rose Recording. Rita and the Naturals are also part of Leo's long legacy. Sitting down and talking with Leo is like taking a tour through the musical history of the mid-Atlantic, starting in the 60s and running up to today. His knowledge of the music scenes that have existed and are alive and vibrant in contemporary culture is just like his bass playing: truly magical.