Viktor Krauss

Born in Champaign, Illinois, during 1969, the versatile composer and double bassist Viktor Krauss grew up immersed in soundtracks and instrumental recordings that eventually steered him toward piano and trumpet. A middle-school concert introduced him to the double bass’s commanding presence, prompting him to seek instruction beyond the standard offerings of the public-school system. He soon joined local jazz ensembles and began accompanying other performers, among them his celebrated fiddler sister Alison. During high school Krauss delved into rock, soul, and R&B, channeling those influences into original compositions that led him to pursue formal studies in bass, voice, electronics, and tape music at the University of Illinois. In the late 1980s he and fellow musician Sean Smith assembled the Zappa-esque rock outfit Difficult Listening, which performed primarily at university venues until its dissolution in 1992. That same year Krauss became a member of progressive bluegrass pioneer Peter Rowan’s Free Mexican Airforce, appearing on Mountain Stage and A Prairie Home Companion. Following his time with Rowan, he spent the next decade touring and recording alongside country artist Lyle Lovett, concluding the association in 2003. In the intervening years he contributed to numerous projects by Dolly Parton, Bill Frisell, and the Chieftains, and he also appeared on his sister’s 1999 solo release Forget About It. Armed with experience in production, composition, recording, and live performance, Krauss prepared his first solo album, Far From Enough, which surfaced in February 2004 and featured an ensemble that included Frisell, Jerry Douglas, Steve Jordan, and Alison Krauss. Three years afterward came the follow-up II, which included guest turns from Shawn Colvin and Lovett as well as a rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Shine on You Crazy Diamond.”