International Society of Bassists Welcomes Electric Bass, Adds Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten
The International Society of Bassists has announced that they are now incorporating electric bass into its mission of “Education, Inspiration and Connection for Bassists across the world.” The organization, founded in 1967 by the late virtuoso Gary Karr, has historically focused on the double bass. To implement the new policy, they’ve brought on two of the best electric bassists in the world: Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten.
“The International Society of Bassists is proud to have Steve and Victor helping us inspire, educate and connect bassists around the world across all styles and all instruments,” says ISB President-Elect and 2027 Convention Chair Dennis Whittaker. “Since Gary Karr founded the ISB in 1967, there has been unprecedented growth in bass talent, career opportunities, equipment, technology and the role of commercial and amateur music in peoples’ lives. More and more, working bassists are expected to be proficient in both upright and electric bass. As the ISB prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2027, the bass presence and excellence that Gary Karr envisioned has surpassed his expectations. In fact, Gary once said that in his next life, he would love to be a 6-string fretless electric bass player.”
Bailey and Wooten are longtime collaborators as the duo Bass Extremes. They’re also both dedicated bass educators. Bailey is just wrapping up his tenure as chair of the bass department of Berklee College of Music, and Wooten has inspired legions of players at Wooten Woods.
The International Society of Bassists will be holding its next Convention on June 7-12, 2027, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It will feature performances, lectures, and masterclasses from the world’s top artists. The convention’s theme this year of “Just Play!” also promises to encourage participation from amateur and non-professional bassists. Whittaker also announced that the 2027 ISB Convention will include the first solo electric bass competition.
For more information, visit the International Society of Bassists website.
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.
