Doug Cameron has long been a favorite on jazz radio internationally. Widely considered one of the true innovators of jazz violin, He has performed internationally, and is well known for his dynamic performance and trademark blue electric violin. Cameron has ten CD’s to his credit, which feature many of his own compositions. A veteran of the Los Angeles studio Scene, he has recorded and performed with a wide range of artists, including George Benson, Doc Severinsen, Tom Petty, Cher, The Allman Brothers, Kansas, Dionne Warwick, Tony Bennett, renowned producer, David Foster as well as recording for numerous motion pictures and commercials. Cameron keeps busy with his recording schedule which includes an album every year or so. He has also been appearing regularly as a guest soloist with symphony orchestra in a unique pops program featuring all of his own arrangements. His inspiring concert with The Kansas State University Orchestra was chosen for a PBS special.
Cameron’s CD’s feature many jazz luminaries, including David Benoit, Lee Ritenour, Boney James, Gerald Albright, Joe Sample, and Russell Ferrante from “The Yellowjackets” His latest project, Different Hats is a two CD collection, which contains tracks from each of his previous seven releases, as well an eclectic mix of new material.
Cameron has been exposed to the music and entertainment industry from a very young age. In the golden days of live radio, his mother, singer-songwriter Barbara Cameron had her own radio show on WLW in Cincinnati where she replaced Doris Day and often sang with Rosemary Clooney and The Clooney Sisters. She is best known however for writing and singing The Road Runner cartoon theme and is featured on Different Hats in a jazz arrangement of the tune. Now it has come full circle as both of Doug’s boys, Alex and Sean ages 14 and 112 are playing the violin and performing with him in a family program which has been a winner with audiences. 14 year old Alex has made quite an impact with his violin. His version of Drake’s hit, God’s Plan filmed in New York busking for money and giving it to homeless people made quite an impact on YouTube and touched many people’s hearts. Alex recently learned the famed Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with the help of Doug’s partner, Clayton Haslop.
One of Doug’s focuses has been working with young musicians in an inspirational master class/workshop environment. “This has truly been some of the most satisfying work I’ve ever done. I believe it is more important than ever that young people become exposed and involved in music. Music is a gift that I am grateful to have in my life, and it’s my hope to be able to share it with as many young people as possible.” Cameron has recently released his second instructional series for the violin entitled “Swing your Strings”. This series has been digitized and is now available only on Violin Mastery. In this series Doug takes well-recognized Suzuki pieces and adds jazz, hip hop, Celtic, country, gospel, reggae and other styles. The project has been endorsed by The International Suzuki Association. Doug has recently made two trips to Cuba to teach at the “Escuela De Artes” (Cuba’s Julliard) as well as perform (Doug speaks fluent Spanish). He was there this year to play The Havana Jazz Festival. “I believe the young people of Cuba are the key to Cuba’s future”, says Cameron. “They love everything American, and loved the interaction they had with me being an American musician”.
Doug’s documentary on Cuba is on YouTube as well as www.dougcameron.com.