Tracy Ferrie

Details

Created: Friday, 29 June 2012 18:11

Hailing from Elkhart, Indiana, the "Band instrument capitol of the world," it was almost inevitable that Tracy Ferrie's life would be intrinsically woven with music. Like Tom Scholz, Ferrie's introduction to music came from listening to his dad's stacks of classical albums, which laid the ground for Tracy's forthcoming musical journey. The son of roller-rink owners, he donned skates for the first time before he was two, and went on to become a national champion skating to the classical masterpieces that he grew up with. "Symphonic music was the soundtrack to my life," remembers Tracy.

Tracy's love of music compelled him to learn an instrument. When selecting something to play in the fourth grade, Tracy chose the tuba, because, he says, "it was the most outrageous instrument in the band room." He played in the school orchestra for several years, until encouragement from the school's music director prompted him to pick up guitar, upright, and electric bass. Ferrie became obsessed with playing, as well as with filling his basement with musical gear. "I remember scouring the paper for anything that someone or anyone was trying to get rid of, trying to build a wall of speakers," he recalls. He spent all of his spare time in his subterranean haven, honing his craft.

After graduating high school, Tracy attended the Berklee School of Music for several years, during which he started playing with local bands in clubs, as well as doing a fair share of session work. Moving west to further his studies in LA, He attended The Music Institute of Technology. Making the rounds in the Hollywood circuit playing in various bar bands, Ferrie landed his first pro gig, touring with the Young American Showcase. That was just the beginning of a musical career that has taken him to over 25 countries to date, playing with artists such as Whitecross, Guardian, and Stryper. Reflecting on his travels over the years, Ferrie says, "I get a kick out of how small a world it is. To be asked for an autograph in a foreign country by a fan that is holding a product that you worked on is both humbling and inspiring."

Gary Pihl and Tom first played with Tracy when they performed together at a fundraiser in '08. Gary states, "I was impressed with Tracy's bass playing when we performed with him at the benefit for Station Night Club victims, but I was especially glad that he had "grace under pressure" when the drummer had an equipment failure and missed the intro of the song! All's well that ends well, we kept playing and the drummer caught up to us. The audience got to hear a new version of that song and we learned what a pro Tracy is." Tom says, "It's most excellent to hear the bass lines that I recorded played note for note. He has a great touch, and a contagious energy on stage."

Tracy also teaches bass, something he finds very rewarding. "I know the positive and life-changing influence of a mentor, and I feel very grateful to be able to share what I've learned." He lives on Cape Cod with his wife and their four children.