Reader Spotlight: How George Kramarski Traded Classical Piano for Bass and Never Looked Back
George Kramarski started out as a piano player, but the music he played inspired him to branch out to other instruments. As he listened to his parents’ music, he became drawn to the bass. That, plus some opportunity, made him a bassist.
George is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight (you could be next). Here’s {his/her} story…
Bio:
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, to parents of German and Colombian descent, and based in New York City since 2022, George is a highly versatile bass player whose deep curiosity for music and diverse cultures shapes his sensitivity as a performer, composer, recording artist and educator. George has performed and co-led masterclasses with bands and ensembles across the Northeast and at international festivals in Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Chile.
He holds a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from New York University, where he received the Jazz Studies Department Award for Outstanding Achievement. At NYU, he studied with prominent jazz figures such as Ari Hoenig, Dezron Douglas, and Brad Shepik and participated in ensembles led by John Scofield and Chris Potter.
His new album, set for release in spring 2025, reflects his ongoing creative evolution, a tribute to his cultural heritage and his vision of music as a force for connection and change.
Location:
New York, NY
Years experience:
19 years
Why I play the bass:
I started as a piano player, but back then I wasn’t drawn to the classical repertoire and began exploring other instruments. My musical tastes were heavily influenced by my parents—my father, a big rock fan, and my mother, who loved South American music. Listening to bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Police, as well as Djavan and other Brazilian music, made me increasingly aware of the bass. When I realized there weren’t many bass players at my high school, it felt like the perfect opportunity to try something new and connect with the music I loved.
Gear:
- MTD Custom 635-24 Bass
- DR Sunbeams Nickel Strings
- Fender Marcus Miller Jazz Bass V
- DR High-Beams Stainless Steel Strings
- Volker Nahrmann Upright Bass (Made in Korea)
- Thomastik-Infeld Spirocore Strings
- Fishman Full Circle Upright Bass Pickup
- Markbass Amps
My Influences:
Flea from the Chili Peppers was of course one of my main influences growing up. Soon after, I discovered Weather Report, and listening to Jaco Pastorius completely blew my mind. Stanley Clarke with Return to Forever also had a profound impact on me. Other bassists I deeply admire include Victor Wooten, Marcus Miller, Richard Bona, Jimmy Haslip, and Matt Garrison. However, it was Chick Corea’s Elektric Band that made me fall in love with John Patitucci’s playing and the 6-string bass. I’m also inspired by Steve Swallow, Paul Chambers, Ray Brown, Scott LaFaro, Dave Holland, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Larry Grenadier, Pino Palladino, Anthony Jackson, Avishai Cohen, Janek Gwizdala, and Moto Fukushima.
Beyond bass players, I find immense inspiration from artists such as Oscar Peterson, Keith Jarrett, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Debussy, Paco de Lucía, and Tigran Hamasyan.
My bass superpower/claim to fame:
I would say my sound and my ears. I believe that the music elevates to another level when the bandmates truly listen to each other and that’s why I try to contribute my part while keeping my ears open at all times and always being open to learn from my peers.
More on the web:
Corey Brown is the founder of No Treble and serves in an advisory role. He’s also Head of Editorial at Muse Group. Learn more about Corey on his website and LinkedIn.
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