Donovan Stokes’ fluency in a wide range of musical
styles has compelled critics to hail him as “to the string bass as
Basquiat was to canvas.” Whether arco, pizzicato or “slap” style,
Stokes has the “ability to perform circus type bass maneuvers with
effortless efficiency.” From concert hall to club stage, Bach to
Rockabilly, few musicians are as comfortable, and proficient, in so
many musical genres. His 2006 CD of unamplified solo bass works, Gadaha, has
garnered international praise and solidified his place in
the new generation of double bass soloists.
An active composer, Dr. Donovan Stokes is a
specialist in the use of amplified and electronically manipulated
double bass and has received recent commissions from the Young
Bassist’s Division of the International Society of Bassists, Musical
Arts Society of Chicago and the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra. His
recent Titanium
Jr. for intermediate level bass and string orchestra
was premiered in May of 2007 in Chicago, Il. His most recent
concert work Caoineadh Mhná na Neachtlanna Mhaigdiléana
(Lament for the Women of the Magdalene Laundries) for Solo Double Bass
and Orchestra was premiered in October 2006 by the Valdosta Symphony
Orchestra with the composer as soloist. His freelance work has led to performances with the Washington Choral Arts Society, the National Cathedral Choral Society and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. On the club circuit Stokes appears regularly with his Psychobilly project and his "Hardcore Jazz" trio. This trio of bass, drums and Rhodes piano, incorporates elements of hardcore punk rock and jazz. On the club circuit Stokes appears regularly with his Psychobilly project and his "Hardcore Jazz" trio. This trio of bass, drums and Rhodes piano, incorporates elements of hardcore punk rock and jazz.
The author of several articles on double
history and pedagogy, Stokes has given presentations and recitals for
the International Society of
Bassists on a wide range of subjects and
is a regular clinician at the Golden Gate Bass Camp (Oakland,
CA), and
the Richard Davis Bass Conference
(Madison, WI). Upcoming
performances include the November 2007 Las Vegas “Bass Bash” and the
December 2007 “Unity Through Diversity” festival sponsored by the Brian
Deneke Memorial Committee.
Stokes is currently Associate Professor of
Bass at Shenandoah
Conservatory in Winchester, VA and is married to fellow bassist,
and
International Society of Bassists Young Bass Ambassador for 2001, 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
“I
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 ‘new kids on the block’. So get used
to his name, buy his CD and don’t miss a chance to hear him live.
Better yet bring him to your school or community for a concert. You
will be thrilled.” --- Barry Green,
Double Bassist, Author, Creative
“Up and coming
bass Phenomenon… command of the instrument and amazing natural musical
instincts were astounding!… One of the most important up and
coming young soloists”— Barry
Lieberman, Professor of Bass at University of Washington, Director
of
the American String
Project.
“He's to the string bass
as
Basquiat was to canvas.”— J3ph,
Hastings Music.
"sounds like
somebody handed out Cellos at the asylum" - Vince
Pinedo,
Slowburn, SuperZero
"Yeah! keep
kickin' up much dust ... wow!"
-Mike
Watt, Minutemen, Minute Flag,
Dos,
Stooges, etc.
Hi Donovan Stokes! FREE DOWNLOAD available for the bonus track of my debut solo album "Something Different" (released by Lion Music in 2008). The track's called "Glory Of Life - Bass only version". Enjoy!
Thanx for the add the names mike..Oh that pic up..I tryed 2 combine 2 systems ..Sounds great but very delicate..Both pic up systems are k&k..In total my home made bass has 3 pick ups 2 o n the bridge 1 on the f board
Professor, it was, as always, an honor to kick it. Next time we'll have to do better than Ragazzi--but they're actually pretty good, right? All the best.
