1950s Kay Upright Bass, Flood Damage Photos

Thanks to Levi for taking these pictures and going to check out the damage while we are out on the road. Without question, it was a lot harder to look at these photos than I thought it would be. I keep thinking of all my memories with this bass: from straight ahead jazz and salsa gigs in South Texas to MM recording sessions and touring. With the help of my parents, I bought this bass in 1997 from a student at UNT, and I started lessons there with various teachers, learning the basics in classical and jazz.

Then, with the help of Salvador Giardina (one of the best luthiers in the country), we modified the bass to be amplified and adjusted to my playing style. I firmly believe that with lots of time and money this bass can be restored, and that will be my aim in the near future.