Bassist Burniss Earl Travis II (HSPVA ’05)
is a native Texan who began his musical career at a young age as a violist. He was led to his true calling as a bassist after his grade school teacher selected him to play the large upright bass, because he was the tallest in his class. It would take a couple of encounters with vibraphonist Stefon Harris throughout his journey before he considered playing on a professional level. Travis took some time to develop his skills by playing with a local orchestra before entering the Houston jazz scene where his career quickly flourished. An alumnus of the New School, he is now based in Brooklyn and is one of the top call bassists for many acclaimed artists including Robert Glasper, vocalist Gretchen Parlato, pianist Jacky Terrasson and trumpeter Jeremy Pelt.
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