Beyond the Spotlight

Ep. 011: George Farmer - Freelance Bassist

May 01, 2020 Jon Diener / George Farmer Episode 11
Beyond the Spotlight
Ep. 011: George Farmer - Freelance Bassist
Show Notes

Electric and double bass man, George Farmer, is a player with an all new blend. He began his musical training at a young age, receiving his earliest musical lessons from his father, legendary jazz trumpeter Art Farmer. In a house filled with American Soul as well as classical music, Farmer benefited from a unique blend of musical influences and began playing the electric and upright basses at the same time. With a curriculum that included conservatory training at the Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, private study, and a demanding live performance schedule, Farmer absorbed everything from Schubert's Serenades to Bootsy's Rubberband bass grooves.

Farmer moved permanently to the United States in 1997 and soon began getting calls for high profile dates. His first gigs in New York City included the "Young Lions of Jazz" ensemble with Delfeayo Marsalis and Mark Whitfield, as well as serving as the musical director for California based producer, Don Freeman (The Pointer Sisters, Bill Withers). In the year 2000, Farmer became the bass player for the legendary, Benny Golson. Farmer toured in Europe and the U.S. with Golson, and recorded on the 2000 Legend Recordings release, "The Athens Sessions".

Meanwhile, Farmer has become a sought after sideman and studio musician stateside as well as in Europe. In the year 2001, Farmer spent 3 months touring with Wolfgang Ambros, one of Europe's most beloved rock stars, and Farmer also recorded on Ambros' certified-gold album, "Hopelessly Self-conscious," that same year. He returned to Europe the following summer, where he played with world renowned vocalist, Natalie Cole.
In 2003 Farmer signed on as the bass player for 2004 Grammy-nominated Artist, Amel Larrieux. Featured on both electric and upright basses, Farmer's playing on Larrieux's sophomore album "Bravebird" (Warner Brothers) is a focal point. Since the album's release in 2003, he has toured Japan and the United States with Larrieux, while still maintaining a busy performance and recording schedule that includes performances with emerging artist, Darius DeHaas, as a part of the "American Songbook: Stevie Wonder" Series at Lincoln Center.

George's love for accompanying singers led him to him to become a first-call player for numerous Broadway shows (Spring Awakening, Memphis, Fun Home, to name just a few), and he currently holds the bass chair for the Broadway smash Ain’t Too Proud.

George’s website
George Farmer on Instagram
George Farmer on Facebook
"Ain't Too Proud" website

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