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Double Bass Fables Of Fergus

M

Marcus Johnson

Nov 28, 2001
8,533
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Maui
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#1
Fergus Currie, that is.

I hope you don't mind, Fergus.... but I wanted to suggest that everybody check out your website. It's easy to find on Google.

Check it out... a nice look at one of our truly interesting characters, someone who clearly understands that it's about more than just the bass. You'll also hear some really beautiful music along the way.
 
#3
I don't know what to say, guys! (which is quite unusual for a blabber mouth like me..)

The site

Link Removed

is hopelessly out of date. More up to date is my mySpace profile at

Link Removed

The real up to date info on me is as follows:

1. I'll be in New York in late June at the Lincoln Centre (Allen Room June 23rd with a folk rock band from Greece!)

2. I've completed the 1st movement of a Bass concerto for Dominic Seldis, the new principal at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw. (He's busy practicing it now.)

3. Since Christmas I've got back into playing after a 4 years break taking the opportunity to really sort things out. My post here are mostly little hints on playing which are the results of getting back in the saddle with 'tabula rasa' so to speak. I'm preparing a solo recital for the autumn.

It's quite an honour that someone should think I'm interesting enough to even mention on such an illustrious board as this. It's really making me think about uping my membership and making a donation even in this economic recession!

Thanks again,
Fergus
 
#4
Thanks, Fergus.
Again, props to our friend Marcus for his "nudge". When I saw this thread, and trusting Marcus like a brother, I felt it was important to make a few observations.
I noticed that you didn't come into the community armed for bear with egotistical, even territorial long posts showing you had "credentials" in the biz. A this time in my old life, that says so much.....especially to our younger players here. Humility........If they "get" it, cool. If not, at least you have two fairly astute fans here.
Hell, that's a whole lot more'n me and Marcus have after years around here. :atoz:
PEE.
 
#5
What an interesting website. I spent a good 45 minutes just perusing everything. Its not everyday that I find a website that covers bass playing, photography, philosophy, chess playing and . . . . . . . . . TORTOISE BREEDING!! Beautiful stuff Fergus.
 
#9
fergus currie said:
I think it's a 'closed doors' private gig for the Onassis foundation. If I find out that it's open to the public I'll let you all know. I went a small way to updating my mySpace profile today - soon there will be some bass playing too there... if I can figure out how to record mp3s on my new laptop!
Cheers
Click to expand...

Thanks, sounds like a pretty upscale event. Just curious, because I'm a fan of trad Greek music styles. Got a few "new folk" recordings here with Mihalis Siganidis on double bass. Have fun in NY!
 
#11
Well, I just got back from the Big Apple! Had a great gig and spent some time at David Gages shop in Tribeca. Here's a snapshot of me with staff member Ben Blumgart who was very helpful indeed.

3665184814_0e2d3994df.jpg


I played some classy boxes with some excellent sounds. I went staight for the high end instruments so as not to waste time. There was a Hawkes concert model and an old French flatback (32,000$!) which took my fancy - (...maybe if I win the lottery...)! Here's me tuning it up - note the price tag!

3665209816_d2f673c59d.jpg


The bass I played at the gig was a cheep hybrid but nicely set-up with a realist and an adjustable bridge with D'Addario gold/pertol winding strings (does anyone know what they are?). This was taken in rehearal.

3665166600_af15074649.jpg


The hall was amazing with a view of Columbus Circle from the massive window which is the entire back wall of the stage! (More photos soon)

Thank you, New York! - And sorry Mr. PC I should have got in touch but there was literally no time for anything. Next time then, when I come back to buy that bass!

Cheers'
Fergus
 
#13
Don't worry, PEE! I'm after the French one in the photo. The Hawkes was great but I was a bit bulky for me and the French was a Eflat stop and had a fingerboard theat went all the way up to an F!!! So I could play that crappy subito piano section in the Elegy (you know, right at the climax on the second page.) pressed on the board and not harmonics or pulled to the side (which is what I do normally)! And this way you can maintain the forte crescendo which is much more musical. waffle waffle waffle.....

Anyway, the French bass was the star for me (apart from Ben who was a star too)!

Nice to be back home though.
F
 
#15
Funny how we, as humans, feel the need to communicate our feelings about about how we internalize music to other humans in a verbal fashion. With your work I am tempted.
It usually comes out differently for each of us.
Upon my first hearing of the excerpts two words came in: "Dignity" and "Gentleness".
 

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