Biography

Bryce Van Parys, Bachelor of Music in String Performance, Central Washington University 1997, began his life in music at the age of 5 on the piano. His mother being a concert pianist and church organist, Bryce was surrounded by music in his formative years. After a childhood in lessons on the piano, Bryce played Saxophone in Middle and high school.   Later, he added guitar to his skills and then as a teen, began playing the double bass. As a bassist with the Seattle blues scene on upright and electric, Bryce played regularly with The Two Scoops Combo, Maia Santell and House Blend, The Jamie Sheets Band, and others.   As a section bass member of many regional orchestras, Bryce was fortunate to have performed with Ray Charles, Yes, Heart, Ben E. King and other guest artists.  He was a section bass as a member of the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Seattle Music recording orchestra laying down scores for major motion pictures.    Other freelance work has included performing with groups such as the orchestra of Village Theatre, Seattle Choral Company, and others. 

Bryce currently focuses on his solo work utilizing guitar and vocals with self make accompaniment.    He also plays bass in several bands including Sammy Steele,  The Murder Hornets, Woodscreek Band, and a duo with Dave Yoder called No Dice.  

Bryce Van Parys joined Sammy Steele on Bass in February of 2024.   An exciting year is planned full of great shows in the PNW, including The Little Red Hen, Purdys, Steel Creek, King County Fair, Enumclaw Pro Rodeo, and an album is in the works.   Follow Sammysteele.com for upcoming shows!

With a blend of popular Rock, Country and Blues, Bryce's solo repertoire consists of originals plus covers of artists such as Tom Petty, ZZ Top, Muddy Waters, The Eagles, Merle Haggard, Allman Brothers, John Denver, Neil Diamond and many more. Harmonized vocals are layered over bass and drum tracks with both rhythm and solo guitar, even Pedal Steel Guitar and Harmonica. Close your eyes, you'll swear you are listening to a 3 or 4 piece band, all performed and mixed by Bryce Van Parys, and self accompanied in a live setting of shows up to 4 hours in duration

Bryce plays bass and sings with the Woodscreek band. 

Woodscreekband.com

Classic rock band, the Murder Hornets consists of Bryce on bass or lead guitar and vocals. Stan the Man in on rhythm guitar, Tammy Bean and Sam Rogers on vocals, Nate Zeck on guitar, Cory Baily on drums. Influences consist of Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, AC/DC, ZZ Top, Chris Cornell and originals. The Murder Hornets' best venues are clubs, bars, private parties, street fairs, farmer's markets and any other setting where classic rock can be featured.