unamplified solo upright bass in a classical/metal style with irish influences.

11 MP3 Songs
CLASSICAL: Contemporary, WORLD: Celtic



Details:
âHe's to the string bass as Basquiat was to canvas.ââ J3ph, ultra hipster.

Fluent on electric bass and double bass, Dr. Donovan Stokes currently teaches bass and composition in the Department of Music at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA and bass in the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University in Columbus, GA. He earned his D.M.A and M.M from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and his B.M. from Vanderbilt University. An active soloist, composer, and clinician Stokes is a specialist in the use of amplified and electronically manipulated double bass and performs regularly both as a soloist and a sideman in a variety of musical genres, venues and collaborations.

His first solo CD âGadahaâ (released February 2006) is comprised of original works and arrangements for double bass alone. This CD, which runs the musical gamut from Bluegrass to Contemporary classical, has garnered praise from musicians from extremely disparate genres.

Previous performance highlights have included appearances at The Brian Deneke Memorial Fund âUnity for Diversityâ Festival, The San Francisco Symphony Education Department's 2006 Bass Bash, (San Francisco, CA) Shenandoah Conservatory (Winchester, VA) and University of Washington (Seattle, WA). 2006 solo appearances include the premiere of a new work for Double Bass and Orchestra with the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.
Stokesâ works have been performed nationwide and he has received recent commissions from the Young Bassistâs Division of the International Society of Bassists, Musical Arts Society of Chicago (Jerry Fuller) and the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Stokes can be found teaching and performing each year at the Golden Gate Bass Camp (Oakland, CA), and the Richard Davis Bass Weekend (Madison, WI). Stokes is married to fellow bassist, and International Society of Bassists Young Bass Ambassador for 2001, âSweet Mama Low Tones,â Inez Wyrick.


"Thank you so much, Donovan, for sending this
wonderful demonstration of your creative talent and playing
abilities. I particularly liked your strong rhythmic feeling and your
lyrical bowed solos. Your technical strengths in crossing over so
many styles of music has me absolutely gobsmacked (as they say in
England). I don't know how you do it and I thank you for bringing the
bass into yet another dimension of capabilities. You're a master and
I thank you so much for sharing this outstanding CD with me."
--- Gary Karr, virtuoso bassist, founder of the ISB and so much more

âUp and coming bass Phenomenon⦠command of the instrument and amazing natural musical instincts were astounding!⦠One of the most important up and coming young soloistsââ
Barry Lieberman, Professor of Bass at University of Washington, Director of the American String Project.

âI marvel at the virtuoso playing and creative imaginative gifts of Donovan Stokes⦠Donovan's virtuosity is amazing. I have heard him play live on several occasions and have always been amazed at his discipline and ability to perform circus type bass maneuvers with effortless efficiency. He has demonstrated left hand movements that I have never witnessed yet they appear as a natural innovation to the music. He has developed an insightful approach to plucked harmonics throughout the bass. His musical intensity, personality and sincerity are a significant contribution to our growing number of outstanding young soloists. Donovan Stokes is one of the ânew kids on the blockâ. So get used to his name, buy his CD and donât miss a chance to hear him live. Better yet bring him to your school or community for a concert. You will be thrilled.â --- Barry Green, Double Bassist, Author, Creative

âthe joy in your music is contagious.ââHans Roelofsen, Dutch Double Bass Soloist, professor and founder of The New Dutch School

simply amazingâ¦astonishing technique both pizz and arcoâ¦all were enraptured by his music and phenomenal musicianship.âWinson (Win) Hinkle

âAwesomeâ â Jerry Fuller, Ars Antigua Chicago

âDisturbingâ â Blank Generation

âflat out amazing!â â Boyce Wyrick, Bassist: Lubbock Symphony Orchestra