Aspen's first musical instincts were clearly misguided, as a DJ at a roller rink.  Soon he came to his senses and began playing the guitar.  After making a small name for himself playing classical and new age "music to chew by" in Sonoma County restaurants and cafes, he decided he needed something that he could shake his ass to.

The guys at the rental shop were embarrased to rent him his first upright bass, it was so beat up.  They found it gathering dust up on some shelf in the back somewhere.  But that was the way he liked it, and he beat it up some more.  He soon was holding it down in the Speakeasy Jug Band, the east coast jamjug phenomenon.  Before long, he was back on the left coast, playing Django-inspired swing with the 5 Tons of Rhythm.  After a long stint with the foot-stomping americana rock band Howdy!, he is now rambling and roving across the countryside with the PMW crew, drinking whiskey, causing trouble, and making sure that no burrito joint goes without its fair share of bluegrass.