Double Bass Gary Karr Interview 2023

Nov 4, 2012
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Gary Karr is interviewed by Susan Hagen and David Heyes.
Really a fun insight into the man.

I heard Gary at my first lesson as a teenager. My instructor, a stuffy symphony pro, was very happy to share Gary’s record.

Later I watched Gary in a solo recital about 1975, in a tiny room at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Then with the VSO in the ‘80s. A bass colleague at the same said ‘hey we are going to such and such restaurant with Gary after his concert would you like to join us?’
I declined, as I was going to the concert with my future wife, and thought she may not enjoy the bass bass bass talk at the late dinner. I realize now she would have loved the experience.

Gary shares some interesting insights in this interview. His audition with Leonard Bernstein, nerves before every single concert, the bassist on his shoulder (himself) who always critiques his playing. He talks about his 2023 ISB performance and everything that went wrong.

Gary dislikes long German bass bows and buys quality shorter French bows and puts on German frogs. He has many bows and basses. He does not like most rosin, too sticky, he likes very dry rosin.

Gary has a forever youthful spirit. He calls himself a futurist and does not think of the past. He is playing/learning jazz piano.

 
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On the wall at Mr Karr’s Vancouver Island home

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