One of the most unique musical groups to emerge in recent memory has been The All-Bass Orchestra, led by Nashville-based session musician and producer Dave Pomeroy. Dave is one of Nashville's busiest studio bassists and has recorded with a wide range of artists including Acoustic Alchemy, Trisha Yearwood, The Cheiftains, Adrian Belew, and Asleep at the Wheel. He has performed live with many others, including Steve Winwood, Don Williams, Nanci Griffith, and John Hiatt.
The concept for the All-Bass Orchestra was inspired by Dave's experiments with "multiple bass" compositions and recordings, with various acoustic and electric basses playing the roles of keyboards, guitars, percussion, etc. With the encouragement of Jim Roberts, editor of Bass Player Magazine, and the invaluable help of many of Nashville's finest bassists, the All-Bass Orchestra became a reality in July 1994 at the Summer NAMM Convention held in Nashville. The 20 piece Orchestra's debut was the highlight of "Basses Loaded", a special concert at the Ace of Clubs organized and hosted by Dave, and sponsored by Bass Player Magazine. The program included original instrumentals, material from J.S. Bach to Spinal Tap, a guest appearance by legendary low-string guitar star Duane Eddy, and of course, the anthem "The Day the Bass Players Took Over the World", co-written by Dave with Emily Kaitz.
In July 1995, "Basses Loaded 2" marked the second performance of the All-Bass Orchestra. Expanding their repertoire to include Duke Ellington and The Beatles, the members of the Orchestra were joined by allstar bassmen Victor Wooten, Steve Bailey, Oteil Burbridge, and guest vocalist extraordinaire Jonell Mosser.
In 1996, the All-Bass Orchestra played the NEA Extravaganza in February, and the Summer Lights Festival in June. The "stripped down" 13 piece group's shows were a rousing success.
July 1996 saw "Basses Loaded 3" rock the Summer NAMM show with the best all-bass show yet. The show was recorded and released by Earwave and Bass Player Magazine as "The Day the Bass Players Took Over The World". The video features solo performances by Dave, a special bass quartet of monsters Victor Wooten, Steve Bailey, Oteil Burbridge and Bill Dickens, numerous selections from the 12 piece All-Bass Orchestra and a wild 16 piece finale. The video was a big success and was eventually picked up for distribution by Warner Brothers Publications.
The ABO has continued to perform at NAMM shows and other musical functions, including the Basses Loaded X/Thanks NAMM! concert in 2004, celebrating 10 years of the ABO and the final Summer NAMM convention in Nashville. Legendary Motown Funk Brother Bob Babbitt was the special guest and rocked the house with a jaw-dropping version of the 70's hit instrumental "Scorpio", which featured an amazing solo from Bob, backed by perhaps the tightest version of the ABO yet.
Plans for the future include the long awaited All-Bass Orchestra studio record, which will be a massive undertaking with plenty of love and funk from Bass Players all over the world! Stay Tuned...
The concept for the All-Bass Orchestra was inspired by Dave's experiments with "multiple bass" compositions and recordings, with various acoustic and electric basses playing the roles of keyboards, guitars, percussion, etc. With the encouragement of Jim Roberts, editor of Bass Player Magazine, and the invaluable help of many of Nashville's finest bassists, the All-Bass Orchestra became a reality in July 1994 at the Summer NAMM Convention held in Nashville. The 20 piece Orchestra's debut was the highlight of "Basses Loaded", a special concert at the Ace of Clubs organized and hosted by Dave, and sponsored by Bass Player Magazine. The program included original instrumentals, material from J.S. Bach to Spinal Tap, a guest appearance by legendary low-string guitar star Duane Eddy, and of course, the anthem "The Day the Bass Players Took Over the World", co-written by Dave with Emily Kaitz.
In July 1995, "Basses Loaded 2" marked the second performance of the All-Bass Orchestra. Expanding their repertoire to include Duke Ellington and The Beatles, the members of the Orchestra were joined by allstar bassmen Victor Wooten, Steve Bailey, Oteil Burbridge, and guest vocalist extraordinaire Jonell Mosser.
In 1996, the All-Bass Orchestra played the NEA Extravaganza in February, and the Summer Lights Festival in June. The "stripped down" 13 piece group's shows were a rousing success.
July 1996 saw "Basses Loaded 3" rock the Summer NAMM show with the best all-bass show yet. The show was recorded and released by Earwave and Bass Player Magazine as "The Day the Bass Players Took Over The World". The video features solo performances by Dave, a special bass quartet of monsters Victor Wooten, Steve Bailey, Oteil Burbridge and Bill Dickens, numerous selections from the 12 piece All-Bass Orchestra and a wild 16 piece finale. The video was a big success and was eventually picked up for distribution by Warner Brothers Publications.
The ABO has continued to perform at NAMM shows and other musical functions, including the Basses Loaded X/Thanks NAMM! concert in 2004, celebrating 10 years of the ABO and the final Summer NAMM convention in Nashville. Legendary Motown Funk Brother Bob Babbitt was the special guest and rocked the house with a jaw-dropping version of the 70's hit instrumental "Scorpio", which featured an amazing solo from Bob, backed by perhaps the tightest version of the ABO yet.
Plans for the future include the long awaited All-Bass Orchestra studio record, which will be a massive undertaking with plenty of love and funk from Bass Players all over the world! Stay Tuned...