I’ve been dreaming about having Gary Karr on Contrabass Conversations ever since starting the show. We got a chance to sit down and chat during the 2017 International Society of Bassists Convention, and that’s what you’re hearing today.
Gary is the reason that so many of us (myself included) play the bass. He and I chat about my first experience seeing him perform in Sioux Falls South Dakota. This had a profound impact on me and is a key reason why I play the bass today.
Gary Karr founded the International Institute for String Bass (IISB) in 1967. During these early years, he published sixteen issues of Bass Sound Post and two issues of Probas. He also hosted three international conferences in Madison, Wisconsin.
Seeing Gary at this 50th anniversary convention was a treat for everyone involved. We saw him in concerts. He spent time chatting and taking photographs with countless bassists during the week. Having him at this event was significant for everyone attending.
Gary and I dig into a ton of topics, including:
- Gary’s new book Life on the G String
- the 1962 Young People’s Concert with Leonard Bernstein that launched Gary’s career
- how retirement changed Gary’s playing
- why he started lifting weights recently
- why he went into public school teaching in Canada for a period of time and what that did to him as a performer
- the challenges Gary had in breaking in the Koussevitzky bass, and tips for breaking in basses in general
…and much more!
Thanks to our sponsors!
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