From the Frisco Cricket article Yerba Buena Tuba by Hal Smith, Summer 1998

Mike Walbridge has been influenced by brass bassists of the '20s and '30s-such as Bill Oldham, Country Washburne, Lawson Buford, Bert Cobb and Quinn Wilson-as well as the San Francisco pioneers. Walbridge joined the Original Salty Dogs in the '60s and immediately gained a reputation as a world-class brass bassist. He had two stints with Turk Murphy's Jazz Band (once on cornet), but for the most part he has remained in Chicago, working with many different traditional groups there, leading the Chicago Footwarmers and occasionally leaving town for a tour, festival or recording session. Walbridge's many recordings with the Salty Dogs²⁷ illustrate a variety of influences, but his recordings with the Down Home Jazz Band²⁸ are most reminiscent of Bob Short; a full, mellow tone, a dancing beat, impeccable choice of notes and inventive solos.

Published in the The Frisco Cricket, which is available when you Join the Foundation (only $25!).