Eric Von Essen

Eric Von Essen (1954-August 14, 1997) was an American jazz bassist, pianist, and composer active on the West Coast jazz scene of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.

Von Essen played in the Young Musicians Foundation Debut Orchestra in 1978, where he met Jeff Gauthier and began working with him. Together with twin brothers Alex and Nels Cline, the four formed an ensemble called Quartet Music, which played together until 1990. While working with Quartet Music, Essen studied tablas in India.