It is hard to believe, but the Bare Assets have been playing together for nearly eight years. The original quartet has been expanded to a quintet from time to time with the addition of guitarist Ronald Victor, son of pianist Richard Victor. The Assets are:
John F. "Mouthpiece" Mills - Saxophone, Guitar, Vocals
Richard S. "Rocket 88" Victor - Keyboards
Rick "The Beat" Trost - Drums
Scott "Scooter" Bassett - Electric Bass
Ronald "Business" Victor - Guitar
History: The Bare Assets Jazz Quartet was formed in the late summer of 1999 for the limited purpose of learning a few songs to play at the annual dinner of the State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section in Grand Rapids that year. The Quartet was so well received (and had so much fun) that it continued to rehearse, expand its repertoire, and play at Bar events, judicial election fundraisers, and charitable fundraisers. In 2002, Scooter Bassett relocated his residence to Florida, but continues to handle Michigan family law appellate matters. He rejoins the group for gigs on a regular basis. Richard Victor's son, Ronald (also a lawyer), lends his talents on guitar when available.
Our Music: If it swings, or even if it rocks, we'll give it a try. Our original repertoire consisted of swing-era standards. But John likes to stap-on his vintage Gibson and lead us down the path to ruin playing early rock and roll, including a wild Elvis medley and a Chubby Checker "Twist" medley.
From left to right: Ronnie Victor, Richard Victor, Justice Betty Weaver, John Mills, and Rick Trost
Father and Son Bare Assets: Richard and Ronnie Victor at the Fox and Hounds in Bloomfield Hills.
With Muhammad Ali in Chicago at a fundraiser for the child advocacy organization Hear My Voice
