Los Angeles Bass Violin Choir

From left to right Bassists Herbert D. Smith, Andy Simpkins, Herbie Lewis, Frederick Tinsley and Drummer Sherman Ferguson

The Los Angeles Bass Violin Choir were a group of Los Angeles-area bassists performing special arrangements by Herbert D. Smith and New York bassist Bill Lee during the 80's. Bill Lee, father of director Spike Lee, also founded the New York Bass Violin Choir. Regular players consisted of Frederick D. Tinsley, Andy Simpkins and George Red Callendar, John Heard, Herbert D. Smith, Bertram Turetsky, and Herbie Lewis. Additional players to perform with the bass choir were bassists Roberto Miranda, and James Leary. Drummer Sherman Ferguson and Pianist Cecil Lyle also performed with the group. The group plays acoustic bass only.

Photo, left to right, Herbert D. Smith, Andy Simpkins, Herbie Lewis, Frederick Tinsley, John Heard, Sherman Ferguson drums (hidden) and George "Red" Callender.

In this photo Herbert D. Smith talks to audience about the Bass Choir as Fred Tinsley (left) and John Heard (right) looks on.