When two high school freshmen met on the first week of high school, they could not have known that they were destined to become one of the most talented and well-known chamber music duos of our time.
With joy and humor, Spencer and Traci play music from the Baroque period to the 21st century. Although it specializes in chamber music, Bottom Line Duo plays every genre: Broadway, Argentine Tango, Mexican Folk, Klezmer, rock and country music.
Spencer and Traci met through the public school system of Port Angeles, Washington.
“We met as cellists,” Spencer said. “The school just played Carnegie Hall on Sunday, and we were there to hear it.”
This was the beginning of a long and musical romance between the two.
Traci first started playing the cello when she entered the public school at age 10. She soon attracted attention from prominent musical educators, and after her high school graduation, Traci attended Washington University, where she majored in music.
Before starting Bottom Line Duo, Traci continued her study with famous musicians such as Walter Gray and Barton Frank, and she has studied under Tony Curtis, Richard Chamberlain and Patti Lupone. Traci has played in Paramount Theater and 5th Avenue Theater and in countries such as the USA, Mexico and across European countries. She is a recording artist who has performed with many Grammy Award-winning artists.
Spencer also started playing cello when he was 10 years old. He played guitar in local bands and played bass in the school jazz band. After graduation, Spencer followed Traci to WU, and studied music.
Spencer was just as busy as Traci before starting Bottom Line Duo. He performed for numerous Broadway musicals such as “Fiddler On the Roof,” “Cinderella” and “Chicago.” He was the principal bassist of the Whatcom Symphony for six years and also helped record many soundtracks. Spencer has also traveled extensively around the world while performing and recording his music.
Bottom Line Duo started touring in 1996 and by 1998 became well known as a part of the Los Angeles Music Center. The duo performed on the British warship the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2, at Carnegie Hall and at the Kennedy Center.
Although Bottom Line Duo performs for many different audiences all over the world, Spencer and Traci are able to keep their performances freesh.
“Our favorite piece is always the one we are playing as we give each piece 100 percent,” Spencer said.
The duo engages their audience through their lighthearted comedic banter, as well as a battle of sorts between Spencer and Traci in “Flight of the Bumblebee.”
“Some nights, one piece will stand above others more so than other nights,” Spencer said. “You never can tell.”
Music brings Spencer and Traci together on a more personal level, as well. “We both have personal musical obsessions,” Spencer said. Through their personal obsessions, the two are brought closer together as partners.
So what does the future hold for this world-renowned duo?
“We hope to record a new CD soon,” Spencer said. “Until then, we’ll appear on public radio’s ‘Says You’ program, play more concerts and serve more people.”
Bottom Line Duo will be performing at 7 p.m. on April 9, in Christ Chapel. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Advance tickets are available for a lower cost. NW students are able to buy one ticket and get the second ticket for half price. Tickets are available at the music office or at the Orange City Arts Council downtown.
