Contrabass Conversations

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Contrabass Conversations

Weekly podcast about the double bass - interviews, performances, news, and resources. Double bass podcast covering life on the low end of the spectrum!

13/02/2025

Javier Martin is a double bassist, teacher, and YouTuber based in Madrid, Spain. He began his double bass studies at age 8 at the Arturo Soria Professional Conservatory of Music with Professor José Antonio García Alamá.

He continued his advanced studies at the Katarina Gurska Higher Center with Professor Karen Martirossian before pursuing his master's studies with Ed Barker at Boston University. He currently teaches at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Aragón

We explore Javier's background, what inspired him to start his YouTube channel, the challenges and rewards of balancing in-person and online double bass work, his plans for the future, and much more.

Enjoy, and be sure to check out Javier on his website, Instagram, and YouTube!

Listen to the podcast episode: https://contrabassconversations.com/javiermartin
Javier's Website: https://javiermartinbass.com/

06/02/2025

Jake Thurston is a double bassist, educator, and YouTube content creator based in Boulder, Colorado.

In this episode, we explore the story behind his YouTube channel, share insights about creating engaging content, and discuss how he balances content creation with performing and teaching.

Enjoy, and be sure to subscribe to Jake's YouTube channel and also check him out on Patreon!

Listen: https://www.contrabassconversations.com/podcast
Jake's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/-doublebass

30/01/2025

Join Barry Green, Frank Proto, Debbie Taylor and special guest Maggie Cox at their Bass Club Cincinnati live event honoring Francois Rabbath.

This episode includes Zoom tributes from Gary Karr, Paul Ellison, Hal Robinson, Dennis Trembly, Patrick Neher, Johnny Hamil, and many more.

This episode also includes live performances from:

• Renaud Garcia-Fons
• Sandor Ostlund
• Tracy Rowell
• Etienne Lafrance
• Nina DeCesare
• Hans Sturm
• Ted Botsford
• Nicholas Walker

Listen wherever your get podcasts and check out the entire livestream of this event on the Double Bass HQ YouTube page.

23/01/2025

Today’s episode features Brazilian bassist and educator Alexandre Piazza. Alexandre was a bass teacher Saarbrücken, Germany and has a YouTube Channel with lessons on how to play acoustic and electric bass, equipment reviews, and videos about his life as a musician and music teacher in Germany and Brazil

We dig into his experiences studying and teaching in Germany, the inspiration for his YouTube Channel, the “three different worlds” of electric bass, jazz, and classical, and how he approaches teaching young people.

Listen: https://www.contrabassconversations.com/podcast

16/01/2025

In today's episode, Yuka Tadano shares her musical journey. Starting with her current gigs, including a new Broadway show, "Swept Away,” and preparing for a cast album of "Suffs," she reflects on her extensive experience in musical theater.

Yuka discusses her involvement in several productions, including the Neil Diamond show "Beautiful Noise." She also touches on her passion for jazz, her educational background at the University of North Texas, and her transition to New York's vibrant scene.

We also discuss the blend of stability and uncertainty in a musician's life, her experiences with both electric and acoustic bass, and the importance of creativity and attention to detail. Don't miss this conversation with one of Broadway's first-call bassists.

Enjoy, and check out Yuka’s CASE-4-BASS interview to learn more about her electric bass playing.

Listen: https://www.contrabassconversations.com/podcast

09/01/2025

This episode is an in-depth and inspiring conversation with 2022 Sphinx Competition winner Kebra-Seyoun Charles (they/them), a classical bassist and composer renowned for overcoming barriers and diversifying the landscape of classical music.

As a modern virtuoso and composer of concerti, ballets, and pop ballads, Kebra's music has been praised for its "buoyancy and verve — pushing the far reaches of tonality while savoring hummable grooves" (ICareIfYouListen). A rising star and advocate for a more inclusive classical music community, The Strad confirms that "Versatility defines Charles's approach."

We cover their musical journey, the importance of inclusive music education, experiences with stage fright and imposter syndrome, and the critical role of classical music in today's world. Kebra-Seyoun also shares insights into their creative process, the impact of mentorship, and the goal of merging classical music with mainstream culture.

Listen: https://www.contrabassconversations.com/podcast

02/01/2025

Today's podcast looks back at 2024 and what's in store for 2025! Listen: https://www.contrabassconversations.com/podcast

26/12/2024

In this episode, acclaimed double bassist, composer, and arranger Sidney King discusses his busy fall filled with outreach events, master classes, and student recitals at the University of Louisville.

Sidney highlights his collaborations, notably with flamenco guitarist Gareth Jones, and shares insights into his compositions for orchestras, educational groups, and church services.

He emphasizes the importance of community and education in his work, and the success he's found in making his compositions accessible through his new website.

Listen: https://www.contrabassconversations.com/podcas

19/12/2024

In this podcast episode, Roberto Cassani shares his journey into the world of improvised music and his latest project Music for the purpose of Joy, which provides group music sessions to children, young people and adults based on his improvisational approach.

Initially focused on mastering his instrument and securing gigs, Roberto discovered a profound sense of joy and connection through improvisation. He discusses his academic research into the emotional and social benefits of music improvisation, highlighting the positive impacts on community building and personal interaction.

Roberto also details his methods for engaging different groups, from children to university students, in creative music-making sessions. Additionally, he talks about his recent musical projects and the importance of fostering joy and connection through music.

Listen to the episode: https://www.contrabassconversations.com/podcast

12/12/2024

In this episode, New York Philharmonic principal bassist Tim Cobb discusses his journey from growing up in Albany with a musically gifted family to his renowned career in the New York Philharmonic.

Tim shares anecdotes about his father's influence, his early experiences in Albany's vibrant music scene, and his tenure at the Metropolitan Opera. He reflects on his time studying with Roger Scott at Curtis, his involvement with the Marlboro Music Festival, and the transition from the Met Orchestra to the Philharmonic.

Tim also delves into his teaching philosophy, the importance of enthusiasm and work ethic in students, and the evolving world of double bass craftsmanship.

Listen: https://www.contrabassconversations.com/podcast

Check out the video version of the interview: https://youtu.be/n2Yzi7L_nRE

05/12/2024

In this episode, I chat with Szymon Marciniak about his newly released album 'Lost Beauty: Music for Double-Bass by František Hertl and Contemporaries.'

Szymon shares the recording process, the repertoire's significance, and his experience using gut strings. We discuss the challenges and inspirations behind the project, including the role of early 20th-century performance practices.

The episode delves into the technical and emotional aspects of music-making and illuminates how historical sound aesthetics shaped the album.

Check out this great new release from Szymon and Jongsuk Kim on the Solaire Records website, Apple Music, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music!

Listen: https://www.contrabassconversations.com/podcast

29/11/2024

In this conversation, Petru Iuga, a renowned Romanian double bassist, discusses his experiences during the pandemic, his contributions to the ToneBase platform, and the development of the ErgoBass, a product designed to enhance bass playing ergonomics.

He reflects on his musical journey, incorporating elements of martial arts into his musical practice, and the impact of physics and mindfulness in bass playing.

Petru also shares insights about his recently released album, which features a mix of familiar and less-known compositions, including works by Weinberg, Hindemith, and Schubert, emphasizing the music's emotional and artistic depth.

Listen: https://www.contrabassconversations.com/podcast

22/11/2024

It was so cool to see Postmodern Jukebox perform in San Francisco this week and to meet Adam Kubota in person! Hat an incredible performance!

21/11/2024

In this episode, Emilse Rios recounts her journey from studying music at the José Luis Paz Music Conservatory in Venezuela to balancing her academic pursuits in sociology at La Universidad del Zulia.

Emilse talks about the challenges and cultural richness of moving to Buenos Aires, her experiences as one of the few female double bass players, and the influence of her sociology background on teaching music. Through Venezuela's national orchestra system, El Sistema, she has managed to blend her dual interests seamlessly.

She also delves into her strategies for maintaining an online presence on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, especially during the pandemic, and discusses the importance of efficient time management to balance her professional life and content creation.

Emilse shares valuable insights on finances, sustaining creativity, the myth of perfectionism in classical music, and the importance of building a supportive community through newsletters and independent platforms.

Listen: https://www.contrabassconversations.com/podcast
Emilse's Website: https://emilserios.com/

15/11/2024

In this episode, the conversation explores the development and launch of Matthew Rybicki;s new online jazz bass course, JAZZ BASS 101, which aims to deepen participants' understanding of fundamental jazz concepts through innovative teaching methods.

Rybicki shares the inspiration behind the course, stemming from his 26 years in New York City and his experience in the Juilliard Jazz program.

He discusses the inclusion of master bass player transcriptions, original compositions, call-and-response exercises, and play-along tracks featuring renowned musicians. The course promises a comprehensive and user-friendly experience for bassists of all levels, enabling them to master essential jazz tunes and structures.

Listen: https://www.contrabassconversations.com/podcast
Jazz Bass 101 Course: https://www.learnjazzbasswithmattrybicki.com/jazzbass101walkingessentialtunes

07/11/2024

Today’s episode features Brian Powell, double bass faculty at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, discussing his recently released album, 'Suite italienne Double Bass and Piano.'

This album marks the first full arrangement and recording of Igor Stravinsky's Suite Italienne for double bass and piano, approved by Stravinsky's estate and published by Boosey & Hawkes.

Podcast: https://www.contrabassconversations.com/podcast
Sheet Music: https://shop.doublebasshq.com/products/stravinsky-suite-italienne

It features 8 movements, incorporating elements of Pulcinella, with contributions from artists Oleksii Ivanchenko, Karen Lord-Powell, and Ross Harbaugh.

Recorded in 2023 at the University of Miami, the album aims to contribute to the double bass repertoire, highlighting Powell's ongoing efforts to promote new music for the instrument.

31/10/2024

In this conversation, Nate Sabat, a bassist, singer-songwriter, and arranger based in Brooklyn, NY, discusses his musical journey from joining the Young People's Chorus in New York City to exploring the role of bass in folk and bluegrass music.

Nate talks about his inspirations, including Edgar Meyer, and the influences that shaped his debut album, 'Bass Fiddler'. He shares insights into his education at Berklee, mentors like Scott Lee and Susan Hagen, and his approach to upright bass playing.

Nate also discusses his teaching endeavors aimed at bridging the gap between beginner and advanced bluegrass bass players, promoting a curriculum for acoustic music bassists. His unique contribution to the genre comes through his exploration of acoustic and folk music, blending classical techniques with folk traditions.
Enjoy, and be sure to check out Nate’s Patreon for additional content from this cool artist!

Listen: https://www.contrabassconversations.com/podcast
Nate's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/natesabatbass

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Videos

Brendan Fitzgerald on auditioning

Brendan Fitzgerald, Assistant Principal Double Bass for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, discusses auditioning. Listen to the complete interview on the Contrabass Conversations podcast feed. #bassist #auditions

Don't miss out on the San Francisco Winter Bass Bash on March 24th at Davies Symphony Hall! We're delighted to have the distinguished composer, soloist, and educator, Sam Suggs for a full recital at noon, after our student performances. We express our gratitude to our bass mentors and the San Francisco Symphony’s Education Department for their continued support. This FREE event is open to all. Let your students and their families join us as we celebrate together the Bay Area's bass community! #SFWinterBassBash #SamSuggsRecital #doublebass #contrabass @s3suggs

Mark your calendars for the San Francisco Winter Bass Bash on March 24th at Davies Symphony Hall! We're honored to host the accomplished composer, soloist, and educator, Sam Suggs. He'll take the stage for a full recital at noon, following our student performances. Thanks to our bass mentors and the San Francisco Symphony’s Education Department for making this event possible. This event is FREE and open to the public. We encourage all students and their families to attend and celebrate the Bay Area's bass community! #SFWinterBassBash #SamSuggsRecital #doublebass #contrabass @s3suggs

Join us for the San Francisco Winter Bass Bash on March 24th at Davies Symphony Hall! We're excited to present our esteemed guest, the composer, soloist, and educator Sam Suggs. He'll be performing a full recital at noon, right after our student performances. We're thankful to our bass mentors and the San Francisco Symphony’s Education Department for their support. This FREE event is open to everyone. Bring your students and their families and let's acknowledge our bass community together! #SFWinterBassBash #SamSuggsRecital #doublebass #contrabass @s3suggs

Get ready for the San Francisco Winter Bass Bash on March 24th at Davies Symphony Hall! We're thrilled to feature the renowned composer, soloist, and educator, Sam Suggs. He'll be giving a full recital at noon, following our student performances in the morning. We're grateful for all the support from our bass mentors and the San Francisco Symphony’s Education Department that makes this event possible. This event is open to the public and FREE. Encourage your students and their families to attend, and let's celebrate the Bay Area's bass community together! #SFWinterBassBash #SamSuggsRecital #doublebass #contrabass #contrabajo #contrabaixo @s3suggs

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