Gary Karr, Who Brought Solo Bass to the Spotlight, Dies at 84
It’s another sad day in the bass world, as double bass virtuoso and pioneer Gary Karr has died at the age of 84. The news was shared in an email from the International Society of Bassists, which Karr founded in 1967.
“With our hearts heavy yet full of love and gratitude, members of the International Society of Bassists pay tribute to the life of our incomparable founder Gary Karr,” they wrote. “Gary passed away on July 16 after suffering a brain aneurysm. He had just been diagnosed with aggressive and inoperable cancer. Those who saw him exuberantly attending the ISB convention at Florida State University last month would never have guessed that he was already in a great deal of pain.”
Karr was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1941 and attended the University of Southern California, followed by The Juilliard School. He studied under Herman Reinshagen and Stuart Sankey, quickly becoming a star bassist specializing in solo bass features.
“His breakthrough came in 1962, when he was featured as a soloist in Leonard Bernstein’s nationally televised Young People’s Concerts series,” the ISB explains. “Offered a chance to perform ‘The Elephant’ from Saint-Saëns Carnival of the Animals, Gary insisted on playing ‘The Swan.’ And the rest, as they say, is history.”
Karr’s breathtaking expression and fluid technique on the bass put him at the forefront of the new face of bass. He appeared with dozens of major orchestras around the world, premiered and commissioned works for bass, and recorded over 90 albums. In addition to showing people that the bass could be played as a true solo instrument, he also showed people how to do it. He taught at Juilliard, the New England Conservatory of Music, Hartt School, Yale Univeristy, and more. He frequently presented and gave masterclasses around the globe.
He retired from being a concert artist in 2001, following a 40-year career, though he stayed active in the bass community.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Gary Karr.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
WoW what can you say about this extraordinary player .I was stunned I love his playing his personality which comes out in his playing of course. Love this player sad to hear of his passing