Atlanta Symphony bassist Doug Sommer sent me a couple of videos featuring his student Xavier Foley, who took 1st Place for the 14 and under division of the 2009 International Society of Bassists Solo Competition. What a player!
Both of these videos feature Xavier performing the first movement of the Bottesini Concerto. In the first video, Xavier is performing in a recital this past April in Atlanta:
…and the second is of Xavier at the ISB Convention this past June:
About Xavier Foley:
Xavier Foley is a 14 year old bassist from Marietta GA, a suburb of Atlanta. He is a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Talent Develpment Program, a program designed to nurture promising young African American and Latino classical musicians. He is a member of the Atlanta Youth Symphony Orchestra. I started him on the bass just a little over 3 years ago. He is an amazing talent. This summer he is at BUTI. He plays a double bass made by Rumano Solano that is a copy of Edgar Meyer’s Gabrielli.
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How can I contact this young man? Would love to know more specifics about that bass, the strings, the bow, and the rosin.
Thanks,
Thanks for posting this information about my son Xavier. FYI that’s a Finale bow that I purchased for Xavier in December as an upgrade for his Rumano Solano bass. He’s having a great time at BUTI!
Hey Robert,
That bass was copied from Edgar Meyer’s Gabrielli, the bow is the Finale from String Emporium (see video above), the strings are Pirastro Flat-Chromesteel solo, and the rosin is Pop’s. You can contact Rumano via his website below!
http://www.solanobasses.com/index.htm
Anthony,
Thanks so much for the information. Actually, I also play a Finale Bow…great value for the money. I also use Pops.
However, as a Jazz player, I use a hybrid string by Pirastro called Evah Pirazzi…they don’t bow quite as nicely as those Flat chomesteel solos. And I can tell you that my bass is a far inferior instrument to that Rumano Solano – as a working musician, I can’t afford one of those! (smile)
Anyway…if you are the dad, you’re a great dad to support young Xavier in his tremendous talent. You must be very proud.
You’ve got an extremely talented son, Anthony! I’ll look forward to following along with his career over the coming years.
Jason,
Again, thanks for giving my son this recognition.
I have found the Bass community to be true to the motto, “Bass love!”
Xavier you Rock! Keep it up and anywhere your heart desires, just ask God and it shall be done! You play with so mych compassion; it is very moving. I loved it!
I’m afraid I can’t talk bass hardware. I’m not a musician, but I know what pleases my ear and Xavier’s playing does just that. To the poster that commented on Anthony Sr. being a great dad, very true. Not half bad as a freind either. Congratulations Xavier. Really going to try to see you and the fam at Sphynx later toda.
Tony:
Xavier is an AWESOME bass player. As an electric bass player, watching and listening to him gave me goose bumps. He brings a kind of wonderful intensity and emotion and, dare I say it, athleticism to an instrument I have rarely seen displayed. (Yes, I have seen Ron Carter and Christian McBride) Xavier is not simply playing that oversized-axe, the two of them are a team working together as one to produce a God-inspired performance. Congrats to you and Jackie.
Xavier:
Simply put, awesome. Congratulations. Did you know that your Pop taught himself how to play piano by going into the old Brown Chapel Church in Ypsi., in the evenings and playing the piano in the basement there AFTER he had cleaned the church? Desire, commitment, determination and dedication. You come by it honestly. No joke.
Peace,
Charles A. Carpenter
Xavier,
Rolling down the road, listening to “From The Top”, I hear this young talent introduced from Marietta, which I also call home. Talk about a “driveway moment”, your sounds swept me. How can 15-old fingers manage such bold strings and difficult an instrument? I look forward to witnessing your golden journey.
Benjy von Cramon
Xavier you are great. I got chill bumps listening to you. TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Congratulations to you and your parents. Tony and Jackie I know you are proud and so am I for just knowing you.”God Bless.” I loved it!
Xavier you have been blessed with a true gift of virtuosic playing. Your expression and interpretation of the music is awesome. The contrabass is a powerful instrument and you handle it with ease. Its wonderful to here you play bottesini concerto in F# minor. An excellent performance at any age. Bravo, bravo, bravo.