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.
     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. 
     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).  Recent 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