Introducing Doug Walker

Often recognized as one of the few left-handed acoustic bassists in the country, Doug Walker expresses his love of music within many ensembles and across a variety of genres. He can be seen performing around Southern California, heard on a growing number of records, and felt through his original compositions.

• BASSIST “As an acoustic and electric bassist, my musical endeavors cross over many genres.”
• COMPOSER “The creation and exploration of original music has always been a passionate focus.”
• INSTRUCTOR “You can become a solid musician by studying harmony from the ground up.”

Full Biography

Doug Walker (b.1979) is one of the few left-handed acoustic bassists in the country. Born and raised in Sacramento, CA, his interest in music began as far back as he can remember. Although he first studied the alto saxophone from ages ten through twelve, he discovered the electric bass at age fourteen. Inspired by the creative funk bass lines of Les Claypool and Flea, he quickly became serious about the craft that would soon lead to predecessors Larry Graham, Bootsy Collins, and Jaco Pastorius.

Doug’s interest in jazz and the acoustic bass flourished while studying with Dr. Joe Gilman at American River Community College, where he immersed himself in numerous academic and professional ensembles, and sought after the sound of a new line of heros– Ron Carter, Dave Holland, Scott LaFaro, and Charlie Haden. Doug pursued higher education at San Diego State University on full scholarship, while studying with bassists Bob Magnusson and Gunnar Biggs, as well as pianist/composers Rick Helzer and Richard Thompson, ultimately earning the M.M. degree in jazz studies.

Based in San Diego, Doug continues to teach, compose, perform and record amid a circle of exceptional musicians. He endeavors to play an integral role in a range of creative projects, spanning the entire spectrum of jazz and beyond. In addition to his original music outlet Frame of Reference, recent highlights include the Zapf Dingbats 2010 SDMA nomination for Best Blues Album of the Year, as well as the debut jazz-theatre performance of The Lady & the Queen, backing musical director Anthony Smith. This project also resulted in the 2011-released CD of the same title, featuring 12 of Anthony’s original compositions from the show. Doug can also be heard on the latest albums by Berkley Hart, Chris Clarke, Christy Bruneau, Tim Flannery, The Lovebirds, and Josh Damigo.