Bass a La Carte
cerebral, dramatic, modernism, noir (3ING-073)
We love requests. And when we recently received a request for more stark and intimate string music like our album Cello a La Carte (3ING-042), we immediately put plans into motion to do just that. Just a few short months later and here we are.
Bass a La Carte (3ING-073) is a dark, dramatic album of double bass music composed and performed by Milwaukee artist Barry Paul Clark. The often overlooked and underappreciated range of the instrument is on full display, utilizing the emotive upper register along with the full boldness of its lowest notes.
These classically inspired tracks have all the characteristics and dichotomy of an evil genius: determined, melodramatic, playful, and haunting. There are lyrical melodies along with disjointed actions, layered lines along with exposed silence between solo moments. With hints of nobility and mystery, the record can accompany a host of cerebral characters and visuals.
“Interloper” perfectly balances the anticipation and playfulness of the criminal mind. Starting with a simple repeated line, melodies lightly dance in and out as the textures subtly shift. A large, somewhat abrupt moment of silence occurs @ 2:20 before play resumes. It’s intense without giving away too much, emotional without losing control.
With all of these tracks, you can feel the organic nature of the instrument. From the bow hairs sliding across the steel strings, to fingers shifting up and down the length of the fingerboard, even the occasional breath or creak of the gigantic double bass body. In a simple piece like “Inching” they all add up to an authentic experience without being distracting.
The suspenseful and emotional sounds of Bass a La Carte work well for dark BBC-style detective dramas, documentaries, and peculiar nature programming. Whether it’s for series teasers, full productions, or even a minimalist score to the opening credits, the double bass may just be the surprise twist your story needs.
our music is exclusively available worldwide through Universal Production Music
to find our music in your territory, click here for a list of Universal offices around the globe