Gary Wicks

Gary is an in-demand bassist, composer, 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 clubs around the world for such varied artists as Quincy Jones, Matthew Morrison, The Manhattan Transfer, Stevie Wonder, Take 6, John Williams, Melissa Manchester, John Lloyd Young, Andre Comeau, The New York Voices, John Hendricks, Kevin Mahogany, Monica Mancini, Greg Adams & East Bay Soul, 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, Lizzy & the Triggermen, Michael Orland, Patti Zlaket, 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 begun work scoring feature films and placed full length albums of 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 such as film composer Will Bates & producer Benny Steele all from his studio, Bassygroove Productions.

Gary maintains a busy creative life with original music groups such as Is That You?, his newest musical venture, formed with fellow NEC alums, Tim Ziesmer and Dan Berkson. He is also featured performer with the jazz quartet, Sophisticated Lady. Both groups feature his composing and arranging. Is That You? Released its debut EP, Split Five Ways, in 2024. SL’s self titled debut recording and follow up, Simpler Times, have garnered critical praise. Gary can also be heard performing regularly with a variety of artists and bands including: Grammy winning artist Melissa Manchester; the vintage jazz band Lizzy & The Triggermen; rock artist Andre Comeau; and many singer/songwriters including Patti Zlaket & Jack Sollecito. All music from these bands and artists can be heard on all the streaming platforms.

He currently resides in Los Angeles, CA, where he maintains a busy freelance career that that includes performing, recording, touring and teaching. For more info and to follow/connect via social media, please visit www.garywicks.com.