"Cala Records, whose London Sound Series—featuring the massed ranks of various orchestral instruments—has already sold over 170,000 copies worldwide, have now turned their attention to the string section's most imposing beast. Eight of the finest bass players have been brought together, on which bassist Gary Carr also features in some virtuosic pieces. A varied programme sees the unlikely eightsome mixing favourites such as Saint-Saëns's with rare works like Van Goen's Scherzo. Only the stereo speakers need to be wary—a truly spectacular rumble is guaranteed." Classic CD

A landmark recording in the history of Double Bass playing, The London Double Bass Sound combines the talents of Gary Karr, arranger Daryl Runswick, and a core ensemble of London's leading Double Bass players—Paul Kimber, Richard Lewis, Roger Linley, Tom Martin, Kevin Rundell, Mary Scully, Steven Williams and Stacy Watton. All eight currently fill, or have recently occupied, the principal or co-principal chairs in London's leading orchestras.

The stunning virtuosity of Gary Karr is profiled in Reinshagen's arrangement of the Van Goens Scherzo and Daryl Runswick's arrangement of Ernest Bloch's Prayer form the 1924 collection of cello pieces From Jewish Life; Karr plays the solo part at pitch. Another Reinshagen classic, Paganini's Moses Fantasy of 1819 (inspired by Rossini's opera Mosé in Egitto) also showcases Karr's virtuosity. The London Double Bass Sound is Gary Karr's third recording with Cala Records. His rendering of the Paganini Fantasy (CACD0102) and world premier recording of the Concerto for Double Bass by John Downey (CACD1003) with the London Symphony Orchestra were landmark recordings for Bass and New Music aficionados alike. The London Double Bass Sound is also a tribute to the multi-faceted artistry of its members, many of whom are as active in London's jazz scene as they are on the symphony stage.

A former professional bass player himself, arranger Daryl Runswick has played with Dizzy Gillespie, Ornette Coleman, Cleo Laine and Blossom Dearie; he has also undertaken session work alongside Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney and Elton John. Runswick's arrangement of the Ellington and Brubeck classics Satin Doll and Take Five, the 50s and 60s covers When I Fall in Love, I Love You, Samantha and When I'm 64 are a tribute to his prowess in the Light Music and Jazz fields. A new rendering of Wannabe by the Spice Girls gives The London Double Bass Sound a more contemporary feel.