Gadaha by Donovan Stokes

Previous performance highlights have included appearances at The Brian Deneke Memorial Fund “Unity for Diversity” Festival, The San Francisco Symphony Education Department's 2006 Bass Bash, (San Francisco, CA) Shenandoah Conservatory (Winchester, VA) and University of Washington (Seattle, WA). 2006 solo appearances include the premiere of a new work for Double Bass and Orchestra with the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.

Stokes’ works have been performed nationwide and he has received recent commissions from the Young Bassist’s Division of the International Society of Bassists, Musical Arts Society of Chicago (Jerry Fuller) and the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Stokes can be found teaching and performing each year at the Golden Gate Bass Camp (Oakland, CA), and the Richard Davis Bass Weekend (Madison, WI). Stokes is married to fellow bassist, and International Society of Bassists Young Bass Ambassador for 2001, “Sweet Mama Low Tones,” 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

“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.

“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

“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

“flat out amazing!” – Boyce Wyrick, Bassist: Lubbock Symphony Orchestra

Average Customer Review: