Bass Player (Yuma Bomber)

About Donny

Donny Tesso was born and raised in Yuma Arizona during a thriving music era and environment. Growing up amongst his father’s band and his band members, music was a constant inspiration. Donny showed a great interest in the bass guitar at an early age. Donny started playing the bass guitar at 8 years old. Donny learned many songs from vinyl records developing a keen ear. Donny credits AM Radio stations back in his childhood as a main reason for his versatility as these stations played a vast variety of music. 

Donny dug into jazz in high school earning a full scholarship to tour with the acclaimed Up With People musical organization. Donny traveled the USA, Mexico and South America at age 18 for one year. After that year of learning Donny joined a professional touring band and traveled the USA and Canada for 3 years. Donny then moved to the entertainment capital of the world Las Vegas Nevada honing his skills. After nearly 5 years of the Vegas circuit, Donny moved to New Mexico in 1988 where he now calls home. 

During his over 30 years in New Mexico, Donny has performed, recorded, toured as a bassist or Musical Director with many local, regional and national artists and bands. Some of these bands and artists are Lifetime Grammy recipient Flaco Jimenez. The following Billboard Contemporary Jazz artists sharing many chart-topping hits. Nelson Rangell, Four80East, Will Donato, JT Project, Steve Oliver, Jeff Kashiwa, Peter White, Vincent Ingala, Eric Darius, Julian Vaughn, Lindsey Webster, Kim Waters, Chris Standring, Gerry Johnson, Ryan Montano, Matt Marshack. Also,the following popular regional artists and bands. The late New Mexico icon Al Hurricane. Al Hurricane Jr., Lorenzo Antonio, Sparx, Darren Cordova, Tobias Rene, Gonzalo, Sorela, Jerry Dean, Tiny Morrie, Roberto Griego, El Gringo and others.

Donny has earned national recognition gaining endorsements from several major manufacturers. These highly regarded companies are Wilkins Custom Guitars, Lakland Basses, Sennheiser, Ken Smith Basses, Nordstrand Audio, Sukop Basses and Eich Amplification, Tsunami Cables, and Dunlop Strings.

Donny has been a private bass instructor for over ten years. He spent 5 years teaching at Grandma’s Music. He has moved to Albuquerque’s newest music retailer. Musicality. 

Donny a Lifetime Award winner voted by the New Mexico Hispano Music Association. And now Donny is a New Mexico Music Hall of Fame inductee class of 2024.