Renaud Garcia-Fons
Masterclass Artist
Acclaimed French double bassist Renaud Garcia-Fons is a true artist who has pushed the instrument to its sonic limits. He is known as the ‘Paganini of double bass’ thanks to his virtuosic fingerboard mobility and has dedicated his life-long career to research and development of the advancement of the double bass and its capabilities.
Renaud Garcia-Fons studied with Francois Rabbath, trumpeter Roger Guerin, and at the Paris Conservatory of Music. Renaud was a member of the French all-bass ensemble Orchestre des Contrebasses and later of the Orchestre National de Jazz, broadening his knowledge of jazz and improvisation. He has collaborated with musicians from all around the world including David Dorantes, Gerardo Núñez, Esperanza Fernandez, Angélique Ionatos (Greece), and Dhafer Youssef (Tunisia).
With a career spanning four decades, Renaud is a prolific composer and performer and has performed his pieces all over the world. He has released over 15 albums of solo and ensemble music with a wide range of world music influences including Mediterranean, Oriental, and Indian. His music uniquely spans genres and incorporates elements of traditional, jazz, and contemporary music whilst featuring incredible virtuosic ability on the bass.
Renaud Garcia-Fons plays a 5-string bass and uses a mix of traditional and non-traditional playing techniques to create his unique sound world which makes his music so captivating and astounding.
Hear Renaud play:
BEHIND THE SCENES…
Photos © Discover Double Bass 2023.
The Renaud Garcia-Fons Masterclass
The Renaud Garcia-Fons Masterclass is an in-depth video interview hosted by DDB Founder, Geoff Chalmers. Over three hours of discussion, they unpack the music and techniques of the virtuoso double bassist, Renaud Garcia-Fons. Exploring a range of topics that include: left-hand technique, Renaud's unique approach to bowing, practice routine, articulations, studying with François Rabbath, composition, rhythm, bass gear, playing with loops, and much more.
In this Masterclass, Renaud draws upon his years of experience as a recording artist, performing and composing his own music and signature double bass style. For decades he has pushed at the limits of what's considered possible on our instrument and his inspiring journey will inspire you to find your own way. As a bonus, we also visit Renaud's personal recording studio in Paris to take a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.