Karr Koussevitzky Double Bass Serge Alexandrovich Koussevitzky was a Russian-born conductor, composer, and double-bassist, known for his long tenure as music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1924 to 1949. Following Koussevitzky's death in 1951, his widow, Olga Koussevitzky, presented double-bassist Gary Karr with his double bass. This double bass is currently in residency here at Upton Bass...and it is an incredible feeling to play on such an iconic instrument! The simple shape and size remind us of our first attempt at a Karr model before further refinements were made in working with Gary over the years. Stop by the barn and play the Koussevitzky on the Koussevitzky Karr…
View Full Post
The holiday season is now officially in swing! Scanning YouTube for new videos, this one came into my view. It's 13+ minutes and I can't tell you why I watched the whole thing, but I did. I love the pace of old movies...I find them relaxing. We've become so accustomed to flashing images, point of view changes every 10 seconds, panning cameras, etc. that when the camera stays still and dialogue lingers, it's calming. So with bellies still full and (hopefully, for most), a few days off...make a deliberate attempt to slow down, even if just for a couple of…
View Full Post
On Saturday, November 16th we were treated to a very intimate performance by Lauren Pierce. Her passionate playing and openness with the audience will live on in many memories from that evening. For those that couldn't attend, let us take you into the week... Lauren landed into Providence, RI and Gary went to pick her up. While Gary was driving, Eric told Gary he had a dream that the neck broke in transit, and Upton Bass would have to pull off around the clock workshop shifts to scroll graft it in time for the concert. Gary let the dream "slip"…
View Full Post
