ease on the bass

One of the few times I have ever come close to being interested in the double bass.

Renaud Garcia-Fons: Tiny Desk Concert

August 27, 2012 The renowned double bassist from France demonstrates his love of classical, jazz and flamenco while performing solo behind the Tiny Desk. Watch Garcia-Fons thump, strum and loop his way through three mesmerizing songs.

by FELIX CONTRERAS

Double bassist Renaud Garcia-Fons was destined to create music that spans genres and borders: He was born in France to a family with roots in the Catalonia region of Spain, and he's fluent in French, Spanish and English. Classical, jazz and flamenco represent equal parts of his musical DNA, and his technique reflects the delicate arco stylings of concert halls, the deep groove of jazz and the raw vitality of flamenco.

This appearance behind Bob Boilen's desk captures more than just Garcia-Fons' masterful technique. His musical vision can be heard in the digital loops of rhythm and sound that he generates entirely from his upright bass. He thumps, strums and pokes as he mines the sonic possibilities of not just his bass, but also his imagination.

Garcia-Fons isn't always such a lone wolf; his collaborators include symphony orchestras, jazz groups and an amazing trio that practically defines the concept of world music. If you only knew him through one genre, you'd be surprised to discover these other sides to his skills.

For one fortunate group of NPR staffers, we had him all alone with just his bass and creativity.

Set List

• "Aqua Jan"
• "Hacía Compostela"
• "Rock Wandering"

Credits

Producers: Van Williamson and Felix Contreras; Editor: Bob Boilen; Videographer: Michael Katzif; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; photo by Mike Katzif/NPR

via {npr}