Donovan Stokes

Buy Gadaha at Itunes , CDBaby and Lemur Music
Sheet Music at http://members.sibeliusmusic.com/donovanstokes
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.
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.
Visit him on the web at:
www.donovanstokes.com
www.myspace.com/donovanstokes
http://members.sibeliusmusic.com/donovanstokes
"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.
“the joy in your music is contagious.”— Hans Roelofsen , Dutch Double Bass Soloist, professor and founder of The New Dutch School
simply amazing…astonishing technique both pizz and arco…all were enraptured by his music and phenomenal musicianship.— Winson (Win) Hinkle
“Awesome” – Jerry Fuller , Ars Antigua Chicago
“Disturbing” – Blank Generation