Biography

First Years

Born Chile began playing bass at 22 years old. Now is considered by the most prestigious critics as an ambassador of the authentic South American bass culture and one of the world’s most innovative, respected, influential & virtuoso bassists, granting him as being a the "Pioneer of the 8-String Bass" (since 1999) & "One of the absolute Masters on the Extended Range Basses field". Well known for not using any knobs or effect/volume pedals, relying only on his hands for all the sound variations. Created the Mic Ramp & The Revolutionary VST right hand technique. Has performed solo concerts and Master Classes in Germany, UK, USA, Italy, Poland, Spain, Canada, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile & more, including Concert & Master Classes at the world’s most prestigious music schools as University of British Columbia, Berklee College of Music, Uniwerzytet Warminsko-Mazurski, and The New York Collective. In 2011 was the 1st South American bassist to be featured at the Bass Player Live (US biggest), playing at the famous BPL All-Star Jam with the bassists for The Rolling Stones, Megadeth, Metallica, Chick Corea, Earth Wind & Fire. In 2013 was also the 1st South American bassist to be featured at The London Bass Guitar Show (Europe’s biggest) playing live & sharing the credits with the bassists for Stevie Wonder, Pink Floyd & New Order.

Igor saavedra

Octavius

Due to his rewarding solo career along with Octavius, which is the popular nickname given by Mr. Saavedra to his famous 8-String Bass, he has had numerous radio and tv appearances, like for example being Featured on CNN. Also, Mr. Saavedra has had extended newspaper coverage, reaching covers of the most prestigious newspapers in different countries and also he's been published, interviewed or cover featured in more than 100 editions of the world’s most prestigious bass magazines, such as Bass Player Magazine (US), Bass Guitar Magazine (UK), Bass Musician Magazine (US), Bass Professor Magazine (Germany), Bajos y Bajistas (Spain), For Bass Players Only (US), Bajista (Spain), Linha de Frente (Brazil), Basista (Poland), Bassiste (France), Guitarristas & Bajistas (Argentina) & many more. In 2007 published Applied Rhythmic for Bass, 1st book of his bass book trilogy, named “Library Consultation Material” by The Faculty of Percussion of UC (N°1 Chilean University). Technique & Harmony books are about to be released in the near future.

Finally, due to his committed artistic work developing and featuring the 8 String-Bass he has had many serious and successful commercial agreements that have derived into great Signature products with premium international brands as La Bella Strings, Phil Jones Bass Amplification, Mey Chair Systems, and many others

octavio

Nowadays

Igor Saavedra has recorded more than 40 CD’s, has worked, recorded, performed live, and shared the stage with many of the world's greatest musicians, such as Pianist and Composer David Garfield (Toto, George Benson), Pianist Hans Zermuhlen (Air Supply), PIanist Tom McMorran (The Rippingtons), Bassist Chuck Rainey (Aretha Franklin), Bassist Dave Ellefson (Megadeth), Bassist Alain Caron (Uzeb), Bassist Nate Watts (Stevie Wonder), Drummer Danny Gottlieb (Pat Metheny), Drummer Damien Schmitt (Jean Luc Ponty), Saxophonist Bob Sheppard (Chick Corea, Tribal Tech), Guitarist Fareed Haque (Sting), Drummer Walfredo Reyes Jr. (Christina Aguilera, Chicago, Santana), Drummer James Gadson (Quincy Jones), Saxophonist and Flutist Jorge Pardo (Paco de Lucía), Drummer John Ferraro (Eddie Van Halen), Singer Miucha Buarque (Bossa Diva) & many more. Four of his 8 Sponsors have signature products that carry his name (see Gear page). The international demand for Concerts & Master Classes has increased from 2015 since he started the process of releasing one Solo Video Album a year. His debut Solo Album’s name is Organic Bass 1, available since June 2015. Currently Igor Saavedra is finishing his second solo album Organic Bass 2, a wonderful, deep and very special album composed during the pandemics lockdown. This album should be released at the beginning of 2023.

nowadays

Recordings

Since 1988 when he started his career as a musician, Igor Saavedra has recorded around 40 Cd’s as a Sideman, Solo Artist and Educator. Even though he had all the musical skills needed for the job, he didn’t devote all his career to sideman stage performing & recording, mostly because his interests in music have been always focused in creating and innovating. This innovation and creativity can be clearly seen in the technical, technological and conceptual aspects and mostly in the creation and developing of a strong identity as a musician and as an artist through the instrumental interpretation and the instrumental composing. Besides, the recordings he has been featured on as a sideman show a vast and eclectic display of musical styles going from Fusion to Jazz, Rock, Funk, Hip-hop, Pop, Salsa, Merengue, Folklore, Ballads and Clasical Music among others, providing the background and the necessary ingredients to build up his unique style as a Solo “Concerto” Bassist. On the other side, he had the personal conviction that only once he could be able to achieve that strong identity and uniqueness as a musician he was looking for, he was going to be able at the same time to start the mistic and captivating journey of recording his Solo Albums and doing it once every year. This Journey started when he was counting 48 years old on May 2015 with the release of his debut Solo Video Album “Organic Bass 1” which consists in Mp4 video files for each track and pressed on a DVD disc for maximum edition quality.

organic bass 1
  • Igor Saavedra – The Flight of the Bumblebee (Independent Single Track CD)– USA 1997)
  • Igor Saavedra – Organic Bass 1 (Independent DVD Album– Germany 2015)
  • De Kiruza – Presentes (Alerce – Chile 1991)
  • Juan Coderch – Repercusión (Independent – Chile 1993)
  • Al Este – Del Cielo está el Paraíso (Polygram Latino, Polydor – Chile & USA 1995)
  • Francisco Cortez – Mentiras por Amor (DA Records – USA 1997)
  • Brazza – Mapule (DA Records – USA 1998)
  • Juan Coderch – CD Compilado (Independent – Chile 1999)
  • Lorena Taibo – Mitología Privada (Warner Music Argentina 2001)
  • Lorena Taibo – Single Huellas en el Mar (Warner Music Argentina 2001)
  • Catholic University Symphonic Percussion Ensemble – Chilean Music (Independent – Chile 2002)
  • Emilio García – Ultrablues (Petroglyph USA – Chile 2005)
  • Ricardo Arancibia – One Day (Independent – Chile 2005)
  • Pedro Cruz – Los Amigos de mi Voz (Independent – Argentina 2011)
  • Mauricio Pareja – Energía Vital (Independent – Bolivia 2012)
  • CD along with the Jam Session section included in Bajista Magazine, issue 18. (Ares Editorial – Spain 2006)
  • CD along with the Jam Session section included in Bajista Magazine, issue 19. (Ares Editorial – Spain 2006)
  • CD along with the Jam Session section included in Bajista Magazine, issue 20. (Ares Editorial – Spain 2006)
  • CD along with the Jam Session section included in Bajista Magazine, issue 21. (Ares Editorial – Spain 2006)
  • CD along with the Jam Session section included in Bajista Magazine, issue 22. (Ares Editorial – Spain 2006)
  • CD along with the Jam Session section included in Bajista Magazine, issue 23. (Ares Editorial – Spain 2006)
  • CD along with the Jam Session section included in Bajista Magazine, issue 24. (Ares Editorial – Spain 2006)
  • CD along with the Jam Session section included in Bajista Magazine, issue 25. (Ares Editorial – Spain 2006)
  • CD along with the Jam Session section included in Bajista Magazine, issue 26. (Ares Editorial – Spain 2006)
  • CD along with the Jam Session section included in Bajista Magazine, issue 27. (Ares Editorial – Spain 2007)
  • CD along with the Jam Session section included in Bajista Magazine, issue 28. (Ares Editorial – Spain 2007)
  • CD along with the Jam Session section included in Bajista Magazine, issue 29. (Ares Editorial – Spain 2007)
  • CD included with his book “Rítmica Aplicada al Bajo Eléctrico Vol.1″ (JC Sáez Editores – Chile 2008)

Gear

Due to his extended career and his enormous influence on the bass field, Igor Saavedra is being officially sponsored by 8 of the most prestigious music gear brands. By clicking on the links you will be able to get to know the refined quality of this gear, which he uses exclusively for perform in every concert...

GR Bass amplifier

GR Bass Amplifier

GR Bass Igor Saavedra Custom Amplifier

Details
Mey Chair Systems

Mey Chair Systems Chair

“Mey – Igor Saavedra Signature” Chair model

Details
La Bella Strings

La Bella Strings

“La Bella – Igor Saavedra Signature” ERB Strings model

Details
Analysis Plus Cable

Analysis Plus Cable

Pro Oval Studio, Power Oval 2 and Silver Oval

Details
Nordstrand Pickups

Nordstrand Pickups

DC8 Pickups, custom made for his 8 string basses

Details
ergo straps

Ergo straps Straps

Igor Saavedra Signature Strap

Details
Fava instruments Bass

Fava instruments Bass

Octavius 8 string bass, by Fava

Details
Wittner Metronomes

Wittner Metronomes

Sponsoring Igor’s defense of the Metronome for Music Education

Details

Schedule

Schedule showing ONLY the most relevant Concerts & Master Classes.

2023

  • April the 13th to April the 15th, Anaheim, California, USA (NAMM Show 2023 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Performing Multiple Artist Appearances at the Sponsor's Booths)
  • April the 21st, St. Louis, Missouri, USA (Concert for Stringbean Coffee Roasters)
  • April the 23rd, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (Two Solo Bass Concerts at the Velvet Note Jazz Club)
  • June the 28th to July the 9th, Miami, USA (Solo Bass Concerts at Ocon International Conference)

2022

  • September the 30th, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Solo Bass Concert at Novotel Hotel)
  • October the 13th, Lima, Perú (Master Class at Master Music Academy)
  • October the 13th, Lima, Perú (Solo Bass Concert at Rick & Pez Club)
  • November the 8th to November the 15th, San José Costa Rica, (Various Solo Bass Concerts and Master Classes that will be soon detailed)

2021

  • No concerts due to Covid Pandemic.

2020

  • No concerts due to Covid Pandemic.

2019

  • July the 31th, La Paz. Master Class Conservatorio Plurinacional de Música
  • July the 31th, La Paz. Concierto Centro cultural Thelonius
  • August the 1st, Cochabamba. Master Class Jazz Stop
  • August the 1st,Cochabamba. Concierto Jazz Stop
  • August the 2nd,Oruro. Concierto/Master Class Escuela Superior de Musica Avezul
  • August the 3rd to the 5th,Oruro. Publicity and photography sessions for Aurora Pro Series

2018

  • January the 24th to January the 29th, Anaheim, California, USA (Performing at the “Winter NAMM 2018” Music Trade Show).
  • April the 3rd, Melbourne, Australia (Live Performance and Master Class).
  • April the 4th, Sydney, Australia (Live Performance and Master Class).
  • April the 14th, Santiago, Chile (Concert and Master Class sponsored by ErgoStraps).
  • April the 19th, Boston, Massachusetts, USA (Concert and Master Class at “The Berklee College of Music”).
  • April the 21st, Norfolk, Virginia, USA (Concert and Master Class).
  • June the 3rd, Tokyo, Japan (Performing Solo Concert at the Tokyo Bass Day Vol.68).
  • June the 5th, Tokyo, Japan (Performing at the Tokyo MissYou Club).
  • October the 27th, Melbourne, Australia (Solo Bass Performing at the Hallsgap Jazz Fest).
  • October the 28th, Melbourne, Australia (Solo Bass Performing at the Hallsgap Jazz Fest).
  • October the 30th, Melbourne, Australia (Various Performances).
  • November the 2nd, Melbourne, Australia (Various Performances).
  • November, Buenos Aires, Argentina, (Concert and Master Class). TBC

2017

  • January the 18th to January the 22nd, Anaheim, California, USA (Performing at the “Winter NAMM 2017” Music Trade Show).
  • March the 4th to March the 5th, London, England (Performing at The London Bass Guitar Show 2017).
  • March the 6th to March the 24th, England Tour.
  • July the 6th, La Plata, Argentina (Bass Master Class at EMU).
  • July the 6th, Ciudad Jardín, Argentina (Concert with Super Trio, feat Maycown Reichembach & Juampy Juarez).
  • July the 8th, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Concert with Super Trio, feat Maycown Reichembach & Juampy Juarez).
  • July the 9th, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Recording for the new Maycown Reichembach’s album, feat Simon Phillips & J. Morelli).
  • August the 18th, Brooklyn, New York, USA (Concert at the La Bella Showroom, World Release of the New La Bella Igor Saavedra Signature ERB Strings).
  • August the 20th, Detroit, Michigan, USA (Solo Bass Concert at the Detroit Bass Festival 2017).
  • November the 4th to the 5th, Los Ángeles, USA (Performing at the Bass Player Live 2017).
  • November the 6th to the 8th, St. Louis, Missouri, USA (performing for Phil Jones Bass at Stringbean Coffee).
  • November the 23rd to the 29th, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Recording for the new Maycown Reichembach’s album, feat Simon Phillips & J. Morelli).

2016

  • January the 21st to January the 24th, Anaheim, California, USA (Performing at the “Winter NAMM 2016” Music Trade Show).
  • April the 5th to April the 10th, Frankfurt, Germany (Performing at the “Musikmesse 2016” Music Trade Show).
  • April the 12th to April the 16th, Berlin, Germany (Promo Tour with Phil Jones Bass).
  • June the 1st to June the 5th, Arica, Chile (Performing at “Arica Parinacota Jazz Festival”).
  • July the 9th, Rancagua, Chile (Concert and Bass Master Class).
  • July the 14th, Santiago, Chile (Bass Master Class and Motivational Talk for EMP).
  • September the 3rd, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Solo Bass Concert and Trio with Maycown Reichembach and Sergio Piccione).
  • September the 6th, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Bass Master Class for “Bajistas Argentinos”).
  • September the 10th, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Solo Bass Concert and Trio with Maycown Reichembach and Sergio Piccione).
  • October the 20th, New York, USA (4pm Concert For PJB @ Solo Bass Event).
  • October the 20th, New York, USA (7pm Master Class at The Collective School of Music).

2015

  • January the 22nd to January the 25th, Anaheim, California, USA (Performing at the “Winter NAMM 2015” Music Trade Show).
  • January the 29th, Boston, Massachusetts, USA (Performing at “The Berklee College of Music”).
  • April the 15th to April the 18th, Frankfurt, Germany (Performing at the “Musikmesse 2015” Music Trade Show).
  • July the 9th to April the 11th, Nashville, USA (Performing at the “Summer NAMM 2015” Music Trade Show).
  • July the 10th, Nashville, Tennessee, USA (Performing at the Roy Vogt’s 5th Annual Thunder Row Bass Invitational).
  • July the 11th, Nashville, Tennessee, USA (Recording with Bill Clements).
  • July the 13th to 28th, St. Louis, Missouri, USA, (Various promotional activities for Phil Jones Bass). TBA
  • August the 6th, Vancouver, Washington, USA, (Private Concert for Bass Musician Magazine).
  • August the 7th, Seattle, Washington, USA, (Various Musical & Promotional Activities). TBA
  • August the 11th, Portland, Oregon, USA (Performing at “Jimmy Mak’s”).
  • October the 20th, Tokyo, Japan (Performing Solo Concert at “The Silver Elephant”).
  • October the 22nd, Tokyo, Japan (Performing at “The Tokyo Bassment Party Vol.58”).
  • November the 7th, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Performing Master Class & Solo Concert at “Sergio Souza Theater”).

2014

  • January the 23rd to January the 27th, Anaheim, USA (Performing at the “Winter NAMM 2014” Music Trade Show).
  • March the 1st to March the 4th, London, England (Performing at “The London Bass Guitar Show 2014”).
  • March the 12th to March the 15th, Frankfurt, Germany (Performing at the “Musikmesse 2014” Music Trade Show).
  • June, New York, USA (Master Class at The Bass Collective – upon confirmation).
  • July, Nashville, USA (Performing at the “Summer NAMM 2014” Music Trade Show).
  • August the 16th to August the 18th, Bogotá, Colombia (Performing at “Festival de Rock al Parque 2014”).
  • August the 24th, Detroit, USA (Performing at “Detroit Bassfest 2014”).
  • September, Worms, Germany (Recording his Debut Solo Album).
  • September, Markneukirchen, Germany (Guest Artist at the Warwick BassCamp 2014).
  • November, Los Angeles, USA (Performing at the Bass Player Live 2014).

2013

  • January the 23rd to January the 27th, Anaheim, USA (Performing at the “Winter NAMM 2013” Music Trade Show).
  • January the 28th to January the 31st, New York, USA (Master Class at The Bass Collective).
  • March the 1st to March the 4th, London, England (Performing at “The London Bass Guitar Show 2013”).
  • April the 9th to April the 13th, Frankfurt, Germany (Performing at the “Musikmesse 2013” Music Trade Show).
  • June the 4th to June the 10th, San Jose, Costa Rica (Performing at “The 3rd International Bass Meeting 2013”).
  • July the 10th to July the 14th, Nashville, USA (Performing at the “Summer NAMM 2013” Music Trade Show).
  • August the 7th to August the 10th, Sao Paulo, Brazil (Performing at the EM&T Auditorium).
  • September the 25th to September the 30th, New York, USA (Performing at the “Lords of the Low End 2013” Bass Show).
  • October the 6th, Mannheim, Germany (Performing at the “Feel the Bass 2013” Bass Show), German Bass Day.
  • October the 8th to October the 23rd. Many activities in different European Countries.
  • October the 24th to October the 27th, Olsztyn, Poland (Performing at the “Bass Day Poland 2013” Bass Show).
  • November the 7th to November the 10th, Los Angeles, USA (Performing at the Bass Player Live 2013).
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