Gary Wicks, Bass

Gary is an in-demand bassist, educator and clinician in Los Angeles whose versatility has enabled him to perform with world class artists in many different venues around the world. Originally from Albany, NY, this second generation bassist has been a part of the vibrant music scenes of Los Angeles, CA; London, UK; Albany, NY; and Boston, MA where he earned a BM in Double Bass Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music. He also holds an MM in Jazz Studies from the University of Southern California which he earned with full time studies and a Teaching Assistant appointment all while touring internationally with the Grammy award winning vocal quartet the Manhattan Transfer.

Gary has performed and recorded at many prestigious recording studios, music festivals, concert halls and jazz clubs around the world for such artists as Quincy Jones, Matthew Morrison, The Manhattan Transfer, Melissa Manchester, John Lloyd Young, The New York Voices, John Hendricks, Kevin Mahogany, Monica Mancini, The HawtThorns, Bob Newhart, Joan Rivers, Don Rickles, Regis Philbin, Kathy Lee Gifford, Andre Watts, Jake Armerding, Liam Bailey, Peter Prince, Billy Martin, Fitz & The Tantrums, Stefon Harris, Christopher Young, Will Bates, The Percy Faith Orchestra, Western Standard Time Ska Big Band, The Albany Symphony Orchestra, The Berkshire Symphony, various productions of musical theater and many more.

Gary has also been developing a career as a composer and producer. He works out of his home studio, Bassygroove Productions. Recently, he has placed original music that he recorded and produced with industry music libraries for commercial use. Of course, Gary is also quite active recording bass for clients from Bassygroove Productions.

One of Gary’s projects is the jazz quartet, Sophisticated Lady, which features his composing and arranging. SL’s self titled debut recording and follow up, Simpler Times, have garnered critical praise. Both recordings are released on Yarlung Records. For more info please visit http://www.sophisticatedladyjazz.com/

Currently as an educator, Gary is teaching upright & electric bass at The Musician’s Institute. He conducts clinics and masterclasses on different aspects of professional bass playing. He currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.