Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Contrabass Conversations
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
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| 1120: Kinda Out West - Aretha Tillotson's Tribute to Western Canada | 20 Nov 2025 | 00:39:41 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Edmonton-based jazz bassist and composer Aretha Tillotson to discuss her highly anticipated second album, Kinda Out West, releasing on November 7th, 2025. Following her Western Canadian Music Award-winning debut, Introducing Aretha Tillotson, this new album pays tribute to the musicians and landscapes of Alberta and British Columbia. Aretha's chordless quartet channels the spirit of legendary groups led by Sonny Rollins and Ornette Coleman, creating a sound that's both rooted in tradition and distinctly modern. Enjoy, and give Aretha a follow on Instagram and bandcamp! Connect with DBHQ Gear used to record this podcast
When you buy a product using a link on this page, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting DBHQ. Thank you to our sponsors! Upton Bass - From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like Max Zeugner of the New York Philharmonic, each Upton Bass is crafted with precision in Connecticut, USA, and built to last for generations. Discover your perfect bass with Upton Bass today!
Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah's website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here.
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| 1119: Orchestral Insights with Andy Anderson | 14 Nov 2025 | 01:06:23 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Andy Anderson, the newly appointed Clinical Assistant Professor of Double Bass at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With over two decades of experience performing with some of Chicago's most prestigious ensembles, Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his teaching role. Enjoy, and check out Andy's past podcast appearances here. Connect with DBHQ Gear used to record this podcast
When you buy a product using a link on this page, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting DBHQ.
Thank you to our sponsors! Upton Bass - From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like Max Zeugner of the New York Philharmonic, each Upton Bass is crafted with precision in Connecticut, USA, and built to last for generations. Discover your perfect bass with Upton Bass today!
Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah's website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here.
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| 1110: What it takes to make it as a theater musician | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:58:18 | |
In today's episode, Trevor Jones and Jason explore the joys and terrors of subbing in the high-stakes world of musical theater. Read the transcription of this interview with other helpful links and resources. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!
Connect with us
Thank you to our sponsor! Upton Bass - From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like ME Max Zeugner of the New York Philharmonic, each Upton Bass is crafted with precision in Connecticut, USA, and built to last for generations. Discover your perfect bass with Upton Bass today!
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| 1021: Sonia Ray on her creative double bass career | 21 Dec 2023 | 00:43:10 | |
Sonia Ray is titular professor of double bass at the Federal University of Goiás (Brazil). She holds an undergraduate degree in Conducting and Composition from the State University of São Paulo and master's and Doctoral Degrees from the University of Iowa, both in Double Bass Performance under Dr. Gannett. Ray performs regularly performing both Brazilian and contemporary repertoire as a priority. Guest artist of ISB since 1993, Ray is a co-founding member of the Brazilian Society of Music Performance (ABRAPEM) and the Brazilian Society of Bassists (ABC). We talk about Sonia's background, her cool daily interview series from 2020, how she got into composition and bass, and much more. Enjoy!
Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!
Connect with us:
Thank you to our sponsors!
Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio – The School of Music at CMU highly values each and every individual who wants to be a part of an innovative fine arts community immersed in a top research university.
Every week each student receives private lessons and participates in a solo class with Micah Howard. Peter Guild, another member of the PSO, teaches Orchestral Literature and Repertoire weekly. They encourage students to reach out to the great bassists in their area for lessons and direction. Many of the bassists from all of the city's ensembles are more than willing to lend a hand. Every year members of the Symphony, the Opera and the Ballet give classes and offer our students individual attention. Click here to visit Micah's website and to sign up for a free online trial lesson.
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| 131: Jiri Slavik Interview | 09 Jul 2009 | 00:20:07 | |
We're featuring an interview with double bassist Jiri Slavik on Contrabass Conversations this week. Jiri is an extremely accomplished bassist in both jazz and classical styles, as you can see from his biography below, and he gave a truly mesmerizing performance at the 2009 International Society of Bassists Convention. This interview took place just as Jiri was about to leave for Europe, and I feel fortunate to have gotten the chance to chat with him on his first visit to the United States! After the interview, we feature a track titled "Coesistenza" from Jiri's album Repose. This track also features pianist Fred Thomas (iTunes link). About Jiri:Jiri Slavik was born in Havirov, Czech Republic, into a teacher's family with a strong musical tradition. As a child he played the violin, which he exchanged for the double bass around age 13. A year later he moved to Rome, Italy, where he attended St Stephen's School and eventually also the Santa Cecilia Conservatoire (Massimo Giorgi's double bass class). In the summer of 2004 he graduated from both of these institutions, always with the highest attainable marks (the seven-year long double bass course at the conservatoire took him three years to finish). After having been offered a full scholarship from the Royal Academy of Music, Jiri moved to London, UK, to pursue his studies, first in classical double bass with Duncan McTier, later on in jazz composition with Barak Schmool. After three years he finished the four years long programme with "First Class Honours". Since August 2007 he lives as a freelance musician and a composer in Paris, France. He has attended masterclasses under the direction of jazz celebrities such as Dave Holland, Jeff „Tain" Watts, Larry Grenadier, Jeff Ballard, Kenny Wheeler or contemporary music authorities like Pierre Laurent-Aimard or Peter Maxwell Davies. During his years at the Academy he was the first double bassist of the Concert Orchestra under the direction of Colin Davis or a chosen soloist at the Paganini Festival (2006). With the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris he played Bach's St Matthew Passion in the Notre Dame or performed in the Théâtre des Champs-Elyseés. As a soloist he has appeared in the Santa Cecilia hall of the auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome or in a program of the Czech Television Koncert na kurtech. With pianist Fred Thomas he made two live recordings for the Czech Radio, as well as the album Repose (F-IRE label, London). His music is in an independant German film production "Oury Jalloh" (www.ouryjalloh-derfilm.de), which won the German Human Rights Film prize, category amateur film, for 2008. | |||
| 126: Art Davis Retrospective | 30 Jun 2009 | 00:39:21 | |
We're featuring a guest interview by bassist Tim Wolfe, Jr. interviewing his former teacher Jim Miller about Art Davis. Tim and Jim discuss Art Davis' life, career, and pedagogical approach. They discuss Art's book and his four-finger approach to the double bass, among other subjects. We're also featuring excerpts from "Duo," a track from the Art Davis Quartet album Life and featuring Art Davis, John Hicks, Idris Muhammad & Pharoah Sanders. This album (along with other music from Art's considerable career) is available through iTunes. Tim also created a timeline (PDF) detailing milestones in Art's career: About Art Davis: In a musical career that has spanned four decades, Dr. Art Davis has played his bass with a myriad of the greatest jazz, classical, and popular artists in the world. He has shared his talents with not only the best jazz musicians (John Coltrane,Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, Lena Horne, Thelonius Monk, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Quincy Jones, etc.), but with notable figures from popular music such as Judy Garland, Bob Dylan, Minne Pearl, Barbara Streisand, Hank Williams. Davis' career has also seen performances with major orchestras such as the National Symphony, NBC Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Radio City Music Hall Symphony, Westchester Symphony, Orange County Symphony and others. Davis studied the tuba as well as the piano as a boy in his hometown of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania before switching to the bass in high school. He won numerous awards on both tuba and double-bass while attending high school. Upon graduation, he moved to New York to study via scholarship at both theManhattan School of Music as well as the Juilliard School of Music. While attending the latter he studied with world renown cellist Lazlo Varga andAnselme Fortier, who was principal bassist with the New York Philharmonic at that time. He earned a B.A. degree, triple major in psychology, music, physics, summa sum laude from Hunter College, City University of New York. Art Davis' recording debut came in 1958 at the Newport Jazz Festival, with Max Roach's group that included the legendary Booker Little and George Coleman. Davis maintained a strong personal relationship with Max, and Booker Little became one of his best friends. John Coltrane came into Art Davis' life while Davis was working with Max Roach's group at Small's Paradise in Harlem. Coltrane at that time was in Miles Davis' band and between sets asked Art if he would like to "practice" with him. Art agreed and Coltrane replied "How about tomorrow morning?" At 8:00 the following morning John Coltrane was in the lobby of Art's hotel and called him on the house phone. After that first meeting, the two practiced regularly for about a year, the sessions lasting for many hours without a break. It was during this year that John Coltrane wrote the tune "Giant Steps". Davis credits the association with John Coltrane as the most intense and enriching musical experience of his career. Until Coltrane's death in 1967, Art remained close musically and personally with him and was a member of the bands on several Coltrane albums including, "Ascension", "Africa Brass I and II", "Olé! Coltrane", and others. Art's discography as a member of Coltrane's groups also includes the original recording of "A Love Supreme" (which remains unreleased) with Coltrane's regular quartet and Archie Shepp. Art also toured intermittently with John Coltrane. Due to Davis' studio and other commitments, he was unable to become a permanent member of Coltrane's quartet, but John insisted on their continued relationship. Then, in 1959, Davis joined Dizzy Gillespie's band and toured for two and a half years. Weary of the road he returned to New York and free-lanced. In 1961 Art became the second African-American member of the NBC Staff Orchestra, working regularly on the Merv Griffin, Jack Paar, and Johnny Carson shows (and others), as well as performing in the New York studios playing jingles, films, and freelancing with performers. When the Griffin show moved to Los Angeles in 1971 Davis went back to school to pursue his deep interest in psychology, earning a masters degree in Experimental Psychology from the City College of the City University of New York and a masters degree and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from New York University by 1982. He supported himself while in college by teaching and performing in Broadway shows. After receiving his doctorate, he devoted four years to psychology patients and teaching in medical centers and colleges. In 1986, Davis moved to southern California, where he currently teaches college courses and maintains a professional practice as well as playing concerts, clubs, and recordings.Throughout his busy career, Davis finds time to encourage young people to strive toward their highest professional ambitions. His fan club decided to reflect this concern and established a scholarship program for deserving students.
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| 124: ISB 2009 Impressions | 28 Jun 2009 | 00:19:23 | |
We're featuring some brief interviews I did with people on the floor of the 2009 International Society of Bassists Convention at Penn State in June. Feel free to check out my ISB 2009 Retrospective blog post for even more information on what was happening at this year's convention, and stay tuned for an avalanche of content from this event over the next couple of months! During this episode, I chat with Bill Wasson, Ian Saunders, Robert Meyer, and several University of Michigan students, as well as featuring some listener feedback and news. | |||
| 123: Klauss Stoll Interview | 21 Jun 2009 | 01:12:32 | |
This week, we're featuring an interview with Klauss Stoll, the recently retired Principal Bass of the Berlin Philharmonic. He has taught for many years in Berlin, Salzburg, and in master classes worldwide, and is regarded as one of the finest teachers of the double bass alive today. This interview was conducted by Jonathan Stefaniak, a former member of the Civic Orchestra who is now playing in an orchestra in Japan. Jonathan was recently working with Professor Stoll in a master class setting and had the opportunity to sit down and chat with him for the podcast. In this interview, Jonathan and Klaus discuss Klaus' early years on the instrument, his time spent in the Berlin Philharmonic, auditioning for co-principal and eventually first principal chair, his chamber duo, orchestral style, developments in eduction and the decline of the despotic maestro, the unique characteristics of the Berlin Philharmonic, and specifics about his teaching. Learn more about Klaus at his website: klausstoll.com | |||
| 120: Ed Barker Interview | 06 Jun 2009 | 01:28:20 | |
We're featuring Boston Symphony Principal Bassist Ed Barker on this week's Contrabass Conversations episode. Conducted by Contrabass Conversations co-host John Grillo, this episode features John chatting with Ed about his early years on the bass, his schooling and time spent in the Chicago Symphony prior to his appointment with the Boston Symphony, and in-depth look at articulation on the bass, and a discussion on practicing. We hope you enjoy this conversation with this modern master performer and teacher of the double bass! About Ed Barker: Edwin Barker is recognized as one of the most gifted bassists on the American concert scene. Acknowledged as an accomplished solo and ensemble player, Mr. Barker has concertized in North America, Europe, and the Far East. Edwin Barker has performed and recorded with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Chamber Players, and with the contemporary music ensemble Collage, a Boston – based contemporary music ensemble, and is a frequent guest performer with the Boston Chamber Music Society. Mr. Barker gave the world premiere of James Yannatos' Concerto for Contrabass and Chamber Orchestra and of Theodore Antoniou's Concertino for Contrabass and Chamber Orchestra ; he was the featured soloist in the New England premiere of Gunther Schuller's Concerto for Double Bass and Chamber Orchestra, conducted by the composer with The Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Barker graduated with honors from the New England Conservatory in 1976, where he studied double bass with Henry Portnoi. That same year, while a member of the Chicago Symphony, he was appointed at age 22 to the position of principal double bass of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. His other double bass teachers included Peter Mercurio, Richard Stephan, Angelo LaMariana, and David Perleman. Mr. Barker was invited to inaugurate the 100th anniversary season of the Boston Symphony Orchestra with a solo performance of the Koussevitzky Bass Concerto; other solo engagements have included appearances at Ozawa Hall (Tanglewood), Carnegie Recital Hall's "Sweet and Low" series, and at major universities and conferences throughout the world, as well as concerto performances with the Boston Classical Orchestra, the Athens State Orchestra (Greece) and with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Boston and Europe. He was a featured premiere soloist with the Boston Symphony of John Harbison's Concerto for Bass Viol and Orchestra at Tanglewood's 2007 Festival of Contemporary Music. Mr. Barker is an Associate Professor at the Boston University College of Fine Arts where he teaches double bass, orchestral techniques, and chamber music. His other major teaching affiliations include the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Tanglewood Music Center, where he is Chairman of Instrumental and Orchestral Studies. Edwin Barker's solo CD recordings include Three Sonatas for Double Bass, on Boston Records, James Yannatos' Variations for Solo Contrabass, on Albany Records, and Concerti for Double Bass, on GM Recordings, which includes bass concerti by Gunther Schuller and Theodore Antoniou. Concerti for Contrabass also includes his highly praised performance of Tom Johnson's Failing , which was recorded live at Harvard University's Sanders Theater. Edwin Barker's latest solo offering on CD is a recently released performance of James Yannatos' Concerto for Contrabass with Collage. | |||
| 122: Top Music School Considerations | 04 Jun 2009 | 00:21:19 | |
The number of considerations a prospective music school student faces these days can be quite staggering–in this week's episode, I try to give listeners a summary of the most important considerations in the quest for the ideal music school. Enjoy, and learn more about this topic at doublebassblog.org or listen to some of the top university bass professors at contrabassconversations.com. | |||
| 121: Ben Jensen Performance | 02 Jun 2009 | 00:19:31 | |
We're featuring the Courante and Gigue from the Sixth Cello Suite by J.S. Bach as well as the first movement of the Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 2 this week, played impeccably by the wonderful bassist Ben Jensen, currently a student of Bruce Bransby at Indiana University. These were recorded live in a master class at Indiana University and are an outstanding example of bass playing. Enjoy! We've featured Indiana University double bass professor Lawrence Hurst on Contrabass Conversations previously–if you haven't checked out this interview before, I'd encourage you to check it out. Indiana University has an established reputation as one of the premier institutions for top-notch double bassists to perfect their craft, and if Ben's example is any indication of the talents of the younger generation of bassists, we're in good hands indeed! | |||
| 118: Jon Burr Interview | 15 May 2009 | 00:41:50 | |
We're chatting with jazz bassist Jon Burr on this week's Contrabass Conversations episode. In addition to an active career recording and performing original tunes with the Jon Burr Quartet, Jon has toured and recorded with many great jazz masters, including Stan Getz, Chet Baker, Horace Silver, Hank Jones, Art Farmer, Stephane Grappelli (from 1986-1997), Sir Roland Hanna, Dorothy Donegan, and Buddy Rich. From 1980 – 1985 he toured with Tony Bennett; he has also worked with Lainie Kazan, Rita Moreno, Barbara Cook, Eartha Kitt, among others. Jon was a founding member of violinist Mark O'Connor's "Hot Swing" trio, with guitarist Frank Vignola. In our interview, we discuss Jon's early years on the bass, his time spent touring with Stephane Grappelli and Tony Bennett, his upcoming book "The Untold Secret to Melodic Bass Playing," upcoming projects, as well as advice for younger players coming up in the business right now. After the interview, we feature "Nobody Said It Was Easy," one of Jon's original tunes. Learn more about Jon at his website jonburr.com and his food blog highfibercooking.com, and find him on Twitter attwitter.com/jonburr. | |||
| 117: Mark Morton interview part 2 | 08 May 2009 | 00:46:55 | |
We're concluding the interview that we began on CBC 114 with double bassist Mark Morton, who is currently professor of bass at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX and has also served as Principal Bass of the Columbus Symphony. Mark was the first prize winner at the International Society of Bassists Solo Competition, and he was the assistant double bass instructor for Gary Karr at the Hartt School of Music. He is well-known for writing and publishing the "Dr. Morton" series of books on the art of bass playing, and he is the founder of the American School of Double Bass. We start this segment of our interview discussing Mark's Simandl-Plus® approach and how it increases the number of techniques available to the modern bassist, as well as some specific examples in orchestra repertoire where these kind of techniques can be used. We also talk about when Mark starts using the third finger and the thumb on the neck, adopting a more flexible approach than advocated in Simandl technique. We also discuss melodic gestures and when to shift according to a particular gesture, lyrical and technical fingerings and when to use them, shifting strategies, the value of Simandl and how it teaches the "grid" of the fingerboard, Mark's fingerboard mapping system, and some of his upcoming projects. I recommend downloading Mark's Simandl-Plus® packet and following along with our discussion to get a more complete idea of how he implements these concepts. Links: American School of Double Bass, Texas Tech School of Music | |||
| 116: Lawrence Wolfe Interview part 3 | 22 Apr 2009 | 00:39:53 | |
We're featuring the third and final part of our interview with Boston Symphony Assistant Principal Bass Lawrence Wolfe this week on Contrabass Conversations. I had a chance to check out a wonderful master class that Mr. Wolfe did at Northwestern in the fall of 2008, and I did a summary/synopsis of some of the concepts and ideas covered in this class as well. I'm really looking forward to chatting with Larry–he's one of my favorite bassists, and listening endlessly to his solo record really shaped how I approach the double bass when I was in college. Larry is one of the most influential bass players in the United States, having taught countless players during his years at New England Conservatory and other Boston academic institutions who are now in major orchestras or pursuing other successful musical endeavors. We're also featuring Jacob Druckman's piece Valentine, one of the tracks from Larry's solo album which was added upon the CD release and one which you're really going to enjoy. Larry will be doing a presentation at this summer's International Society of Bassists convention, which I am definitely looking forward to checking out. Be sure to check out Larry's website as well! | |||
| 1020: Gregg Goodhart on practicing and improvement | 14 Dec 2023 | 00:51:29 | |
Gregg Goodhart has a passion for teaching others how to learn so they can surpass their perceived limitations. This passion led to an intense interest in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience and psychology as they relate to teaching. By putting these principles into practical use in the classroom over many years, he has come to an understanding of how to teach others to reach their potential. We dig into Gregg's background, how to actually improve, recommended books, and much more. Enjoy, and be sure to check out Gregg's website to get in touch and learn more about his important work. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!
Connect with us:
Thank you to our sponsors!
Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio – The School of Music at CMU highly values each and every individual who wants to be a part of an innovative fine arts community immersed in a top research university.
Every week each student receives private lessons and participates in a solo class with Micah Howard. Peter Guild, another member of the PSO, teaches Orchestral Literature and Repertoire weekly. They encourage students to reach out to the great bassists in their area for lessons and direction. Many of the bassists from all of the city's ensembles are more than willing to lend a hand. Every year members of the Symphony, the Opera and the Ballet give classes and offer our students individual attention. Click here to visit Micah's website and to sign up for a free online trial lesson.
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| The State of the Orchestra | 10 Apr 2009 | 00:52:38 | |
Double bassist and Contrabass Conversations co-host John Grillo recently recorded in the first of a new series of audio programs about the past, present, and future of the professional symphony orchestra. In this first episode, John interviews me about my book Road Warrior Without an Expense Account, which I hope you'll find interesting. I also recorded a screencast of my Keynote presentation about this book, which I did in Sioux Falls, South Dakota during the summer of 2008. I wrote the blog posts that this book is based upon in early 2007. Enjoy! | |||
| Music Episode: Haberdashery | 10 Apr 2009 | 00:12:29 | |
We're featuring music from the engaging and unusual band Haberdashery on this episode. Tracks featured: -Toys | |||
| 114: Mark Morton interview | 27 Mar 2009 | 00:53:12 | |
We're featuring an interview with double bassist Mark Morton, who is currently professor of bass at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX and has also served as Principal Bass of the Columbus Symphony. Mark was the first prize winner at the International Society of Bassists Solo Competition, and he was the assistant double bass instructor for Gary Karr at the Hartt School of Music. He is well-known for writing and publishing the "Dr. Morton" series of books on the art of bass playing, and he is the founder of the American School of Double Bass. Links: American School of Double Bass, Trios for Deep Voices, Texas Tech School of Music Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Email
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| 115: Jeremy McCoy Interview | 27 Mar 2009 | 00:52:26 | |
We're featuring the complete recording of our interview with Metropolitan Opera Orchestra Assistant Principal Bass Jeremy McCoy on this week's Contrabass Conversations episode. Jeremy attended the Curtis Institute and was a member of the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada prior to his appointment with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Jeremy and I discuss a wide variety of topics, including his early experiences on the instrument, life in the Met, thoughts on teaching, recording a solo album, and much more. We also feature excerpts from Jeremy's solo album Dialogues with Double Bass. | |||
| Music Episode: Ira Gold | 24 Mar 2009 | 00:21:17 | |
This all-music episode features a performance from National Symphony double bassist and Peabody Conservatory faculty member Ira Gold. Ira performs the Vanhal Bass Concerto live with the Eclipse Chamber Orchestra. This was performed on February 9, 2009. Enjoy! | |||
| 113: Lawrence Wolfe Interview part 2 | 19 Mar 2009 | 00:48:07 | |
We're featuring the second part of our interview with Boston Symphony Assistant Principal Bass Lawrence Wolfe this week on Contrabass Conversations. I had a chance to check out a wonderful master class that Mr. Wolfe did at Northwestern in the fall of 2008, and I did a summary/synopsis of some of the concepts and ideas covered in this class as well. I'm really looking forward to chatting with Larry–he's one of my favorite bassists, and listening endlessly to his solo record really shaped how I approach the double bass when I was in college. Larry is one of the most influential bass players in the United States, having taught countless players during his years at New England Conservatory and other Boston academic institutions who are now in major orchestras or pursuing other successful musical endeavors. We're also featuring the Gliere Scherzo and Koussevitzky Valse Miniature from Larry's solo album, both of which you're really going to enjoy. Larry will be doing a presentation at this summer's International Society of Bassists convention, which I am definitely looking forward to checking out. Be sure to check out Larry's website (which he is in the process of revamping – listen to the interview to learn more about this), and stay tuned for tour final segment of this interview very soon! | |||
| 112: Max Dimoff Interview part 2 | 13 Mar 2009 | 00:36:33 | |
Contrabass Conversations Co-host John Grillo and Jason conclude their interview with Cleveland Orchestra Principal Bass Max Dimoff this week. Before winning his job with the Cleveland Orchestra, Max served as Principal Bass of the San Antonio Symphony and Section Bass for the Grant Park Symphony and Seattle Symphony. In this second segment of our interview with Max, we cover the use of rhythms in practicing solo and orchestral music, why he finds warm-up exercises useful, standing versus sitting, and audition preparation advice. Max's Warm-UpsMax Dimoff Warm-Up Packet (PDF) In addition to serving as Principal Bass with the Cleveland Orchestra, Max is on faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music along with Jeff Bradetich, his former teacher from Northwestern University. Max and Jeff team teach the CIM bass studio in a very interesting arrangement which we discuss during our interview. | |||
| 110: Lawrence Wolfe Interview | 27 Feb 2009 | 00:44:27 | |
We're featuring the first part of our interview with Boston Symphony Assistant Principal Bass Lawrence Wolfe this week on Contrabass Conversations. I had a chance to check out a wonderful master class that Mr. Wolfe did at Northwestern in the fall of 2008, and I did a summary/synopsis of some of the concepts and ideas covered in this class as well. I'm really looking forward to chatting with Larry–he's one of my favorite bassists, and listening endlessly to his solo record really shaped how I approach the double bass when I was in college. Larry is one of the most influential bass players in the United States, having taught countless players during his years at New England Conservatory and other Boston academic institutions who are now in major orchestras or pursuing other successful musical endeavors. We're also featuring the Gliere Scherzo and Koussevitzky Valse Miniature from Larry's solo album, both of which you're really going to enjoy. Larry will be doing a presentation at this summer's International Society of Bassists convention, which I am definitely looking forward to checking out. Be sure to check out Larry's website (which he is in the process of revamping – listen to the interview to learn more about this), and stay tuned for tour final segment of this interview very soon! | |||
| 109: Max Dimoff Interview | 18 Feb 2009 | 00:41:29 | |
Contrabass Conversations Co-host John Grillo and Jason interview Cleveland Orchestra Principal Bass Max Dimoff this week. Before winning his job with the Cleveland Orchestra, Max served as Principal Bass of the San Antonio Symphony and Section Bass for the Grant Park Symphony and Seattle Symphony. In this second segment of our interview with Max, we cover the use of rhythms in practicing solo and orchestral music, why he finds warm-up exercises useful, standing versus sitting, and audition preparation advice. Max's Warm-UpsMax Dimoff Warm-Up Packet (PDF) In addition to serving as Principal Bass with the Cleveland Orchestra, Max is on faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music along with Jeff Bradetich, his former teacher from Northwestern University. Max and Jeff team teach the CIM bass studio in a very interesting arrangement which we discuss during our interview. | |||
| Music Episode: Leon Bosch | 12 Feb 2009 | 00:14:01 | |
We're featuring two tracks from U.K. bassist Leon Bosch's new solo album The Russian Double Bass, which was released on Meridian Records this month. Leon has been a musical guest on the podcast twice before, and I really hope you enjoy this all-music episode of excellent music played by this wonderful musician. Tracks Featured:
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| 1019: Cécile-Laure Kouassi on her EP Beaux Jours | 07 Dec 2023 | 00:20:03 | |
Oslo Philharmonic bassist Cécile-Laure Kouassi recently released an EP titled Beaux Jours. This album features two arrangements by Cécile-Laure as well as two original works for double bass and piano. We talk about this project and much more in this engaging conversation. Check out the new album on Spotify and visit her website for her arrangements and much more! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!
Connect with us:
Thank you to our sponsors!
Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio – The School of Music at CMU highly values each and every individual who wants to be a part of an innovative fine arts community immersed in a top research university.
Every week each student receives private lessons and participates in a solo class with Micah Howard. Peter Guild, another member of the PSO, teaches Orchestral Literature and Repertoire weekly. They encourage students to reach out to the great bassists in their area for lessons and direction. Many of the bassists from all of the city's ensembles are more than willing to lend a hand. Every year members of the Symphony, the Opera and the Ballet give classes and offer our students individual attention. Click here to visit Micah's website and to sign up for a free online trial lesson.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation 00:58 Inspiration Behind the EP 03:02 Exploring the Unique Sound of the Double Bass 04:04 Unearthing Hidden Gems in Bass Compositions 07:30 The Art of Arranging Music 11:41 The Challenges and Rewards of Recording 17:48 The Accessibility of Music Production 18:40 Conclusion and Future Plans
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| 108: Dan Krekeler Interview part 2 | 09 Feb 2009 | 00:35:28 | |
We're concluding our interview (check out part 1 here) with Metropolitan Opera Orchestra bassist Dan Krekeler this week on the podcast. John Grillo and I co-interviewed Dan, which was particularly cool since we've both known Dan for many years. I played with Dan in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and John went to Indiana University with him as an undergraduate. It's great to see an old friend have such great professional success, and it was a lot of fun to catch up with Dan and hear about his experiences on the road to a major orchestral position. In our conversations about audition prep, Dan brings up musician coach Don Greene, and I realized that we've never actually talked about Don before on any blog posts or podcasts. This is surprising, since I'm a big fan of Don's concepts and strategies for successful auditioning, so we'll have to delve more into that topic at a later date. | |||
| 107: Michelle Fiore Interview | 31 Jan 2009 | 00:28:15 | |
We're featuring an interview with Michelle Fiore this week on Contrabass Conversations. Michelle is the proprietor of Classic Contrabass, a shop in Wheeling, Illinois catering exclusively to double bassists. I've known Michelle for many years–she was involved for many years with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Winter Bassfest that I started several years ago. She does great setup and repair work, and she has an excellent selection of double basses for sale as well as quality rental instruments for students. Michelle had the opportunity to visit the Maggini exhibition in Italy a couple of years ago, an event which featured Dragonetti's Gasparo da Salo bass from 1590 as well as several other Maggini double basses. She wrote an article about this exhibition last year for the International Society of Bassists' Bass World journal, and she discusses in detail some of her observations about these remarkable instruments in this interview. We also chat about instrument setup and how it differs for classical and jazz bassists, sound post adjustments, and many other topics. | |||
| 106: Dan Krekeler Interview | 27 Jan 2009 | 00:33:45 | |
John and Jason co-interview Metropolitan Opera Orchestra bassist Dan Krekeler, which was particularly cool since they've both known Dan for many years. Jason played with Dan in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and John went to Indiana University with him as an undergraduate. It's great to see an old friend have such great professional success, and it was a lot of fun to catch up with Dan and hear about his experiences on the road to a major orchestral position. | |||
| 105: Jeremy Kurtz Interview part 2 | 13 Jan 2009 | 00:21:41 | |
We're concluding our interview with San Diego Symphony Principal Bass Jeremy Kurtz on this week's episode of Contrabass Conversations, plus featuring excerpts from Jeremy's captivating new solo album Sonatas and Meditations, which can be purchased through the new International Society of Bassists store at www.ISBstore.com. | |||
| 103: Jeff Bradetich Interview part 2 | 15 Dec 2008 | 00:28:11 | |
We're concluding our interview with University of North Texas and Cleveland Institute of Music bass professor Jeff Bradetich on this week's Contrabass Conversations episode. We featured the first part of this interview on episode 101 of the podcast, and we hope you enjoy hearing the thoughts and perspectives from this wonderful and influential performer and pedagogue. Learn more about Jeff and his new foundation at BradetichFoundation.org. | |||
| 102: Jeremy McCoy Interview | 29 Nov 2008 | 00:30:14 | |
We're chatting with Metropolitan Opera Orchestra Assistant Principal Bass Jeremy McCoy on this week's Contrabass Conversations episode. Jeremy attended the Curtis Institute and was a member of the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada prior to his appointment with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Jeremy and I discuss a wide variety of topics, including his early experiences on the instrument, life in the Met, thoughts on teaching, recording a solo album, and much more. We'll conclude this two-part interview in the coming weeks. Enjoy! | |||
| 101: Jeff Bradetich Interview | 06 Nov 2008 | 00:48:58 | |
It is a real pleasure to be able to put out this interview with University of North Texas and Cleveland Institute of Music faculty member Jeff Bradetich. Jeff was a huge influence on my early development, and I continue to use the principles he taught me in my own teaching and performing each and every day. We get really "inside baseball" on some technical considerations for the bass in this interview, which I'm sure you'll enjoy, and we also feature a track of Jeff performing the Czardas by Vittorio Monti from his excellent album Portraits. We'll conclude this interview in the next few weeks and really get into Jeff's exciting new double bass foundation, which you can learn more about atwww.bradetichfoundation.org. Enjoy! | |||
| 100: Origins | 28 Oct 2008 | 01:14:02 | |
We've finally reached 100 episodes of Contrabass Conversations! In this special episode, we hear how many of our guests from our first two years of podcasting began playing the bass. Today, you'll be hearing excerpts from the following guests. Complete episodes featuring all of these guests (and many more!) can be found at the Contrabass Conversations website, along with complete biographies and links to guest websites: 1. Andy Anderson – Lyric Opera of Chicago 2. Phillip Serna – teacher and early music specialist 3. John Grillo – former New World Symphony, co-host of CBC 4. Bjorn Berkhout – composer 5. Kate Nettleman – principal bass of Hong Kong Philharmonic, newest member of Minnesota Orchestra 6. Weldon Anderson – freelance bassist and composer 7. Ira Gold – National Symphony 8. Francois Rabbath – soloist 9. Greg Sarchet – Lyric Opera of Chicago 10. Lawrence Hurst – Indiana University bass professor 11. Eric Hochberg – jazz bassist 12. Michael Hovnanian – Chicago Symphony 13. Rob Kassinger – Chicago Symphony 14. Jeff Turner – Pittsburgh Symphony 15. Ranaan Meyer – Time for Three 16. Guy Tuneh – soloist and chamber musician 17. Peter Tambroni – teacher and author 18. Colin Corner – former member Minnesota Orchestra 19. Brad Opland – Chicago Symphony 20. Scott Rosenthal – Theater/Broadway musician 21. Donovan Stokes – soloist and professor 22. Virginia Dixon – Suzuki bass 23. Peter Seymour – Project bassist, former New World Symphony and Cleveland Orchestra 24. Steve Reinfranck – luthier and teacher 25. Owen Lee – Cincinnati Symphony 26. Lynn Seaton – jazz bassist, UNT jazz bass professor 27. Anthony Stoops – soloist and professor 28. Chris Threlkeld-Weigand – luthier 29. Barrie Kolstein – luthier 30. Dave Anderson – Louisiana Philharmonic, composer 31. Kristin Korb – jazz bassist and vocalist 32. Barry Lieberman – University of Washington, former L.A. Philharmonic | |||
| 99: Jeremy Kurtz Interview | 17 Oct 2008 | 00:39:47 | |
We're featuring an interview with San Diego Symphony Principal Bass Jeremy Kurtz on this week's episode. Jeremy was a student of Hal Robinson at Curtis and Tim Pitts at Rice University, and he also spent two years in the New World Symphony prior to his appointment with the San Diego Symphony. His solo album Sonatas and Meditations, which will be will be available by the time you hear this episode, can be purchased through the new International Society of Bassists store at www.ISBstore.com. Tracks from Sonatas and Meditations featured: David Anderson Sonata for Double Bass and Piano Luis Prado Meditation 1 | |||
| 98: Marshall Fine Sonata for Double Bass | 09 Oct 2008 | 00:46:12 | |
This fascinating bass sonata clocks in at almost 40 minutes (!) and was written by Marshall Fine for double bassist John Chiego. John Chiego, bass Deborah Heath, piano recorded live at the University of Memphis 2/14/98 1. Homage to A.T. (13:06) 2. Scherzo: La Vendetta (5:12) 3. Warrington-Variations (20:55) About Marshall Fine: Currently Assistant Principal Violist of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Marshall Fine is a versatile composer/performer who plays both violin and viola with equal facility. His output includes three symphonies, an oratorio, La Dolorosa, a violin concerto, and many sonatas (six for viola, three for violin). He received his DMA in 1990 from the University of Memphis. In addition to his orchestra position, he also arranges for his string quartet, the Bluff City String Quartet, and for other ensembles. This sonata was written for John Chiego, former principal bass of the Memphis Symphony, who is currently professor of double bass at the University of Memphis. About John Chiego: Mr. John Chiego, is Professor of Double Bass and the Associate Director for Curriculum and Instruction in the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis. Mr. Chiego currently serves as the Principal Bass of the Nashville Chamber Orchestra and is the bassist for the Orpheum Theatre Orchestra in Memphis, playing for touring Broadway shows. He was the long time Principal Bass of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and served on the faculties of the Hot Springs Music Festival, Brevard Music Center, the Allegheny Summer Music Festival, the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and the Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts. He has also been an Artist-in-Residence at the Bay View Chamber Music Festival. As a recitalist and clinician, Mr. Chiego has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, with featured solo recitals at the Edinburgh International Double Bass Festival and The International Society of Bassists' worldwide convention in Houston, Texas. A champion of modern instruments, Mr. Chiego recorded his first CD, It's a Bass Thing, featuring a double bass built by Thomas Kelischek. Mr. Chiego currently plays instruments made by American bass maker Rumano Solano exclusively. Mr. Chiego has been a member of the editorial board for The American String Teacher magazine, a journal for which he has written articles on double bass pedagogy and technique, and has served as Tennessee Chapter President of the American String Teachers Association. Mr. Chiego is the author of The Musical Experience, a popular textbook for introductory music courses currently being used by colleges and universities across the United States. | |||
| 1018: Drew Banzhaf on his audition path to the Malmö Symphony | 30 Nov 2023 | 01:12:13 | |
Drew Banzhaf won the audition for Associate Principal Bass Malmö Symphony in 2023. He spent three years as a guest musician of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and has regularly appeared with renowned orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Minnesota Orchestra. Drew was also a New World Symphony Fellow for three seasons and is a graduate of Indiana University and Rice University. We dig into Drew's background, his decade spent taking 36 professional auditions, lessons learned along the journey, and much more. Enjoy!
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Every week each student receives private lessons and participates in a solo class with Micah Howard. Peter Guild, another member of the PSO, teaches Orchestral Literature and Repertoire weekly. They encourage students to reach out to the great bassists in their area for lessons and direction. Many of the bassists from all of the city's ensembles are more than willing to lend a hand. Every year members of the Symphony, the Opera and the Ballet give classes and offer our students individual attention. Click here to visit Micah's website and to sign up for a free online trial lesson.
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| 95: The Bass Gang Rocks! | 13 Sep 2008 | 00:14:56 | |
This week, we're featuring another all-music episode. I'm pleased to bring you some tracks from The Bass Gang, one of the most virtuosic, astounding, and entertaining bass quarters of all time. 1. Jump (Van Halen) Be sure to visit them online at thebassgang.org, where you can check out even more tunes from them on their site. | |||
| 93: DaXun Zhang Interview part 2 | 28 Aug 2008 | 00:41:12 | |
We're concluding our interview with double bass soloist and University of Texas-Austin bass professor DaXun Zhang today, as well as featuring more tracks from this stellar musician. Check out episode 92 for the first part of this interview. Along with the conclusion of our interview, we'll be featuring DaXun performing a very cool Chinese piece for bass called Sun SHines on Taxkorgan. It's available on his self-titled solo album, which you can learn more about at his website. DaXun is also professor of double bass at the University of Texas-Austin, so check out their website if you'd like to learn more about studying with him, and be sure to visit daxunzhang.com for more about this great artist. Enjoy!
About DaXun: "If the bass is finally to produce a headliner, the instrument can have no better champion," wrote The Washington Post of double bassist DAXUN ZHANG, who has indeed made his mark as a soloist on this unusual instrument. In April 2007, Mr. Zhang won an Avery Fisher Career Grant, only the second double bassist in the history of this prestigious award. This summer he was invited by cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han to participate in the chamber music festival Music@Menlo in California and performs Schubert's "Trout" Quintet at the Indiana University Summer Chamber Music Series. During the 2007-2008 season he continues his residency with Lincoln Center's Chamber Music Society Two, and performs with Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Project in a series of concerts and cultural exchanges in China. He performs as soloist with the University of Northern Colorado Symphony and gives recitals at Indiana University, Rodef Shalom Congregation (PA), and McCain Performances (KS). Mr. Zhang has performed extensively with the Silk Road Project, including concerts with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, at Carnegie Hall, and in Japan and California. With Mr. Ma he recorded the soundtrack to a 10-part documentary series on the Silk Road, which aired in Japan on NHK Television. The CD was released as "Silk Road Journeys: Beyond the Horizon" on Sony Classical. He has also joined with fellow Silk Road musician and pipa player Yang Wei and pianist Tomoko Kashiwagi to form the innovative chamber ensemble Qi Lin. As concerto soloist, Mr. Zhang has appeared with orchestras including Orange County's Pacific Symphony, the Monroe Symphony Orchestra, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle and the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra. He has given recitals at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, the University of Georgia, Missouri State University, and at the Chinese Embassy in the Embassy Series in Washington, DC. He has also performed chamber music at the La Jolla Music Society's Summerfest, the Linton Chamber Music Series in Cincinnati, the Strings in the Mountains Music Festival and the Vancouver Chamber Music Festival. DaXun Zhang is the first double bass player to win the Young Concert Artists International Auditions and start a career under the auspices of Young Concert Artists. He made his New York debut sponsored by the Claire Tow Prize and his Washington, DC debut as a co-presentation with Washington Performing Arts Society. He also won the La Jolla Music Society Prize, the Orchestra New England Soloist Prize, and The Fergus Prize. In April 2006, Mr. Zhang performed Bizet's Carmen Fantasy in at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Hall with Keith Lockhart conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke's. DaXun Zhang comes from a family of bassists in Harbin, China. He has been playing the instrument since the age of nine, and studied at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing beginning at the age of eleven. He continued his studies in the U.S. at the Interlochen Arts Academy and received his Bachelor of Music at the Indiana University School of Music, where he worked with Lawrence Hurst. He has served on the faculty of Northwestern University and was recently appointed Assistant Professor of Double Bass at the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Zhang was the first double bassist ever to win First Prize in the 2003 WAMSO (Women's Auxiliary of the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra) competition, leading to a performance with the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra with Osmo Vanska, conducting. In 2001, Mr. Zhang was the youngest artist ever to win the International Society of Bassists Solo Competition. He has also received the Grand Prize of the American String Teachers Association National Solo Competition. DaXun's Website: | |||
| 92: DaXun Zhang Interview | 23 Aug 2008 | 00:31:40 | |
We're featuring an interview with double bass soloist and University of Texas-Austin bass professor DaXun Zhang today, as well as featuring more tracks from this stellar musician. Along with the conclusion of our interview, we'll be featuring DaXun performing a very cool Chinese piece for bass called Sun SHines on Taxkorgan. It's available on his self-titled solo album, which you can learn more about at his website. DaXun is also professor of double bass at the University of Texas-Austin, so check out their website if you'd like to learn more about studying with him, and be sure to visit daxunzhang.com for more about this great artist. Enjoy!
About DaXun: "If the bass is finally to produce a headliner, the instrument can have no better champion," wrote The Washington Post of double bassist DAXUN ZHANG, who has indeed made his mark as a soloist on this unusual instrument. In April 2007, Mr. Zhang won an Avery Fisher Career Grant, only the second double bassist in the history of this prestigious award. This summer he was invited by cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han to participate in the chamber music festival Music@Menlo in California and performs Schubert's "Trout" Quintet at the Indiana University Summer Chamber Music Series. During the 2007-2008 season he continues his residency with Lincoln Center's Chamber Music Society Two, and performs with Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Project in a series of concerts and cultural exchanges in China. He performs as soloist with the University of Northern Colorado Symphony and gives recitals at Indiana University, Rodef Shalom Congregation (PA), and McCain Performances (KS). Mr. Zhang has performed extensively with the Silk Road Project, including concerts with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, at Carnegie Hall, and in Japan and California. With Mr. Ma he recorded the soundtrack to a 10-part documentary series on the Silk Road, which aired in Japan on NHK Television. The CD was released as "Silk Road Journeys: Beyond the Horizon" on Sony Classical. He has also joined with fellow Silk Road musician and pipa player Yang Wei and pianist Tomoko Kashiwagi to form the innovative chamber ensemble Qi Lin. As concerto soloist, Mr. Zhang has appeared with orchestras including Orange County's Pacific Symphony, the Monroe Symphony Orchestra, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle and the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra. He has given recitals at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, the University of Georgia, Missouri State University, and at the Chinese Embassy in the Embassy Series in Washington, DC. He has also performed chamber music at the La Jolla Music Society's Summerfest, the Linton Chamber Music Series in Cincinnati, the Strings in the Mountains Music Festival and the Vancouver Chamber Music Festival. DaXun Zhang is the first double bass player to win the Young Concert Artists International Auditions and start a career under the auspices of Young Concert Artists. He made his New York debut sponsored by the Claire Tow Prize and his Washington, DC debut as a co-presentation with Washington Performing Arts Society. He also won the La Jolla Music Society Prize, the Orchestra New England Soloist Prize, and The Fergus Prize. In April 2006, Mr. Zhang performed Bizet's Carmen Fantasy in at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Hall with Keith Lockhart conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke's. DaXun Zhang comes from a family of bassists in Harbin, China. He has been playing the instrument since the age of nine, and studied at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing beginning at the age of eleven. He continued his studies in the U.S. at the Interlochen Arts Academy and received his Bachelor of Music at the Indiana University School of Music, where he worked with Lawrence Hurst. He has served on the faculty of Northwestern University and was recently appointed Assistant Professor of Double Bass at the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Zhang was the first double bassist ever to win First Prize in the 2003 WAMSO (Women's Auxiliary of the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra) competition, leading to a performance with the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra with Osmo Vanska, conducting. In 2001, Mr. Zhang was the youngest artist ever to win the International Society of Bassists Solo Competition. He has also received the Grand Prize of the American String Teachers Association National Solo Competition. DaXun's Website: | |||
| 90: Barry Lieberman Interview | 27 Jul 2008 | 00:55:06 | |
We're concluding our interview with double bassist Barry Lieberman. The former Assistant Principal Bass of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Principal Bass of the Winnipeg Symphony, Barry now serves as co-director of The American String Project, an innovative string ensemble which features arrangements of string quartets for small string ensemble with double bass. On today's episode, Barry (pictured here with his John Lott double bass) discusses the arranging process that he goes through for the American String Project, his recording of the Vivaldi Cello Sonatas, and his beautiful Maggini bass. About Barry:Barry Lieberman is now in his sixteenth year as double bass faculty at the University of Washington. He began his career at age 21 as principal bass of the Winnipeg Symphony. In 1976 Zubin Mehta appointed him associate principal bass of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a post he held for sixteen years. Lieberman has been a regular performer with Chamber Music Northwest, Music From Angel Fire, the International Festival in Seattle, Bravo Colorado, Bargemusic, the Seattle Chamber Music Festival, and Mostly Mozart, and served as Principal Bass of the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder, Colorado. Most recently Lieberman performed with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, both in New York City and on tour in Europe. He has also performed with and toured the Far East, Europe, and the U.S. with the Mostly Mozart chamber orchestra. Lieberman has performed with many of the world's greatest conductors, including Pierre Boulez and Sir Simon Rattle (in both orchestral and chamber music settings), Erich Leinsdorf, Leonard Bernstein, Daniel Barenboim, Georg Solti, Eugene Ormandy, Claudio Abbado, Carlo Maria Giulini, and Kurt Sanderling, among many others. He has performed chamber music with artists including Emmanuel Ax, James Galway, Lynn Harrell, Pinchas Zuckerman, Glenn Dicterow, and David Shifrin. A former member of the New European Strings for several years, he has toured both the US and Europe with the ensemble's leader, Dimirtri Sitkovetsky. Lieberman has also served as Principal Bass of the Seattle Symphony on many occasions. In l994, Lieberman created the series "Barry Lieberman and Friends" at the University of Washington. The series combines the talents of School of Music faculty, members of the Seattle Symphony (including his wife, Maria Larionoff, Concertmaster of the Seattle Symphony), guest artists, and most importantly, students from both the UW and from preparatory schools and high schools. The series has met with great success and critical acclaim, and has incorporated Lieberman`s project of arranging standard chamber music literature to include the double bass. Featured artists on this series include Gary Karr, Thomas Martin (Principal Bass, London Symphony), Hal Robinson (Principal Bass, Philadelphia Orchestra,), Joel Quarrington (Principal Bass, Toronto Symphony,) and many other prominent double bassists from around the world. The series continues and has become one of the most popular concert series in Seattle. | |||
| 91: Barry Lieberman Interview part 2 | 27 Jul 2008 | 00:34:14 | |
We're concluding our interview with double bassist Barry Lieberman. The former Assistant Principal Bass of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Principal Bass of the Winnipeg Symphony, Barry now serves as co-director of The American String Project, an innovative string ensemble which features arrangements of string quartets for small string ensemble with double bass. On today's episode, Barry (pictured here with his John Lott double bass) discusses the arranging process that he goes through for the American String Project, his recording of the Vivaldi Cello Sonatas, and his beautiful Maggini bass. About Barry:Barry Lieberman is now in his sixteenth year as double bass faculty at the University of Washington. He began his career at age 21 as principal bass of the Winnipeg Symphony. In 1976 Zubin Mehta appointed him associate principal bass of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a post he held for sixteen years. Lieberman has been a regular performer with Chamber Music Northwest, Music From Angel Fire, the International Festival in Seattle, Bravo Colorado, Bargemusic, the Seattle Chamber Music Festival, and Mostly Mozart, and served as Principal Bass of the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder, Colorado. Most recently Lieberman performed with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, both in New York City and on tour in Europe. He has also performed with and toured the Far East, Europe, and the U.S. with the Mostly Mozart chamber orchestra.
Lieberman has performed with many of the world's greatest conductors, including Pierre Boulez and Sir Simon Rattle (in both orchestral and chamber music settings), Erich Leinsdorf, Leonard Bernstein, Daniel Barenboim, Georg Solti, Eugene Ormandy, Claudio Abbado, Carlo Maria Giulini, and Kurt Sanderling, among many others. He has performed chamber music with artists including Emmanuel Ax, James Galway, Lynn Harrell, Pinchas Zuckerman, Glenn Dicterow, and David Shifrin. A former member of the New European Strings for several years, he has toured both the US and Europe with the ensemble's leader, Dimirtri Sitkovetsky. Lieberman has also served as Principal Bass of the Seattle Symphony on many occasions. In l994, Lieberman created the series "Barry Lieberman and Friends" at the University of Washington. The series combines the talents of School of Music faculty, members of the Seattle Symphony (including his wife, Maria Larionoff, Concertmaster of the Seattle Symphony), guest artists, and most importantly, students from both the UW and from preparatory schools and high schools. The series has met with great success and critical acclaim, and has incorporated Lieberman`s project of arranging standard chamber music literature to include the double bass. Featured artists on this series include Gary Karr, Thomas Martin (Principal Bass, London Symphony), Hal Robinson (Principal Bass, Philadelphia Orchestra,), Joel Quarrington (Principal Bass, Toronto Symphony,) and many other prominent double bassists from around the world. The series continues and has become one of the most popular concert series in Seattle. | |||
| 89: An Afternoon With Gary Karr | 23 Jul 2008 | 01:41:23 | |
We're featuring Gary Karr, one of the all-time most influential double bassists, on Contrabass Conversations today. Hearing Gary Karr on record was a defining experience for me in my youth (as was the case for bassists worldwide), and hearing him live remains one of my most memorable double bass performances of all time. This video is a magnificent tribute to Gary Karr. University of Washington bass professor Barry Lieberman interviews Gary as they listen (along with an enthusiastic audience) to recordings from various stages of Barry's career. The video concludes with a performance from Gary and pianist Harmon Lewis, a rare treat from this retired duo. Lear more about Gary Karr at his website garykarr.com, and learn more about Barry Lieberman and his project featuring arrangements of great chamber music that include the double bass at theamericanstringproject.com. We'll also be releasing this complete video in segments on YouTube, so feel free to search for it there as well. Enjoy, and stay tuned next week for the first segment of our interview with Barry Lieberman, which will feature performances from The American String Project. Find the video version on YouTube here. | |||
| 87: Rufus Reid Interview | 08 Jul 2008 | 00:52:13 | |
We're featuring an interview with jazz bassist Rufus Reid on this week's episode ofContrabass Conversations. This interview was conducted by guest host Win Hinkle, a former member of the Florida Symphony Orchestra (this orchestra dissolved in 1993) who also worked in Florida as a trombonist, electric bassist, and double bassist, including a lot of time at Walt Disney World. Rufus Reid is, without a doubt, one of the most influential bassists working in jazz today, and he has had a significant impact on double bass performance and pedagogy throughout his career. His book The Evolving Bassist was one of the earliest of the contemporary generation of double bass method books, and it continues to be a foundational text for double bass students. I recommend it to all of my students who are interested in jazz, and I use many of his exercises for arco study and sight reading practice even with students who only study classical music. We're also featuring Rufus Reid and bassist Michael Moore performing All Blues from their album Double Bass Delights, as well as some listener feedback, bass news, a link of the week, and much more. Check out more recordings of Rufus in various settings on his website's recordings page. Enjoy!
About Rufus Reid: Born on February 10, 1944 in Atlanta, GA., Rufus Reid was raised in Sacramento, California where he played the trumpet through junior high and high school. Upon graduation from Sacramento High School, he entered the United States Air Force as a trumpet player. During that period he began to be seriously interested in the bass. After fulfilling his duties in the military, Rufus had decided he wanted to pursue a career as a professional bassist. He moved to Seattle, Washington, where he began serious study with James Harnett of the Seattle Symphony. He continued his education at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where he studied with Warren Benfield and principal bassist, Joseph Guastefeste, both of the Chicago Symphony. He graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Music Degree as a Performance Major on the Double Bass. The MidAtlantic Arts Foundation awarded Rufus The 2005 Mellon Jazz Living Legacy Award for his dedication to America's National Cultural Treasure: Jazz, for his personal and professional commitment to Jazz Education in the Mid-Atlantic Region. The International Society of Bassists presented Rufus with their highest honor, The Distinguished Achievement Award, in 2001. The New Jersey Chapter of the IAJE named him OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR of 1999. The International Association of Jazz Educators awarded Rufus the Humanitarian Award in 1997 BASS PLAYER magazine, awarded Rufus the 1998 Jazz Educator Achievement Award. About Win Hinkle: Win Hinkle is dedicated double bassist and a former trombonist spending 17 seasons with the Florida Symphony Orchestra in Orlando, until its demise in April of 1993. He worked as a double bassist, bass guitarist, and trombonist for many years in Florida including a lot of time at Walt Disney World. He recently sold his last bass guitar and only plays the double bass. He currently lives in Boston but still tries to spend time in time in Florida, especially in the Winter months. Learn more about Rufus at rufusreid.com | |||
| 84: Hans Sturm and the Rabbath technique | 20 Jun 2008 | 00:26:56 | |
We're featuring something a bit unusual for this week's Contrabass Conversations episode. Ball State University bass professor and International Society of Bassists president Hans Sturm has been featured several times on the podcast in video episodes, and this week we're featuring Hans discussing the fundamentals of the Rabbath technique left hand positioning system.This dialogue was featured in some of our previous video episodes, but it was broken up into bite-sized chunks, so I think you'll enjoy the opportunity to hear the entire segment uninterrupted!After the segment, we feature some bass news and listener feedback. Enjoy! About Hans:Double bassist Hans Sturm has performed as soloist, chamber, orchestral, jazz and improvisational musician throughout Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and the United States. Sturm received his doctorate from Northwestern University and is currently a Professor and Chair of the String Department at Ball State University.Sturm has appeared with a variety of artists across the spectrum of jazz music including Eddie Daniels, Phil Woods, Randy Brecker, Dick Hyman, Roscoe Mitchell, Joseph Jarman, Eddie Higgins, David Baker, Stanley Jordan, Peter Erskine, Joe LaBarbera, Alan Dawson, Bela Fleck, Howard Levy and many others. A frequent performer of chamber music, Sturm has toured with 'Fireflight' (soprano, Japanese koto and bass koto, double bass, and percussion) and 'Trinkle, Burkett, and Sturm' (trumpet, marimba and double bass) for more than fifteen years. He has worked in the electronic medium with composers such as Cleveland Scott and Joan Wildman. As an orchestral bassist, he has served as principal bassist of numerous regional orchestras including the Muncie Symphony, Quad Cities Symphony, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, Madison Symphony, Dubuque Symphony, Dorian Opera, Rockford Symphony, and Racine Symphony and toured Europe as a member of the American Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra.Recently Hans Sturm has appeared at the Beijing Music Festival; the Association of Brazilian Contrabassists International Conventions in Goiania and Pirenopolus, Brazil; the Scottish Bass Trust's International Convention and the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh Scotland; the College Music Society International Conference in Kyoto, Japan; Encontro de instrumentistas in Joao Pessoa and Belo Horizonte, Brazil; the Biennial International Symposium on Arts and Technology in New London, Connecticut; a State Department tour of Morocco; various International Society of Bassists Conventions in Bloomington, Houston, Indianapolis, Iowa City and Richmond; and jazz fest ivals in Chicago, New York, Detroit, Madison, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis. Sturm has contributed performances and compositions to more than thirty recordings with artists including the Pro Arte String Quartet, soprano Mimmi Fulmer, vocalist Jackie Allen, synthesist/composer Joan Wildman, guitarists Scott Fields, Rolf Sturm, Dave Baney, Jeff Parker, and Jack Grassel, trumpeters Bob Levy and David Young, and pianists Jane Reynolds, and Marilyn Crispell. He has recorded for A440, Innova, Red Mark, Music and Arts, CRI, Big Chicago, and Cadence labels among others.Hans Sturm is currently the President-Elect of the International Society of Bassists and served as the New Music Editor for the organization's journal 'Bass World' for six years. He is on the summer faculty of the National High School Music Institute at Northwestern University and his works for bass are published by Liben Music (U.S.) and Klaus Schruff (Europe). His major teachers have included Northwestern University Professor Jeff Bradetich, Pittsburgh Symphony Principal Bass Emeritus Anthony Bianco, Philadelphia Orchestra bassist Ferdinand Maresh, and international soloist and pedagogue François Rabbath. | |||
| 83: Jack Budrow Interview part 3 | 12 Jun 2008 | 00:58:24 | |
We're concluding our chat with Michigan State University and Interlochen Arts Academy double bass instructor Jack Budrow this week on Contrabass Conversations. In addition to helping place students in major orchestras across the globe, Jack has had a very distinguished performance career as a former member of the Houston Symphony, Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, and as Principal Bass of the North Carolina Symphony. About Jack Budrow: Jack Budrow is professor of music and co-chair of the string area at the Michigan State University College of Music. He has enjoyed a long and varied career in double bass performance and teaching. Budrow has been a member of the Houston Symphony, and principal bass of the North Carolina Symphony, Santa Fe Opera, and the American National Opera orchestras. A well-known teacher, Budrow's students play in many of America's symphony orchestras, including Cincinnati, San Francisco, Atlanta, Houston, Charleston, San Antonio, the Michigan Opera, and the Army Band. Internationally, he has placed students in the Oslo Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, Munich Radio Orchestra, and the Caracas Symphony.Each summer, Budrow teaches at Interlochen Center for the Arts and Indiana University. He serves on the board of directors of the International Society of Double Bassists, and was a judge for their most recent International Solo Bass Competition. Budrow has presented master classes throughout the United States, including the Cleveland Institute, Florida State University, University of Houston, Indiana University, University of Michigan, Peabody Conservatory, and University of Texas. In addition, he served as the bass section coach at the National Orchestral Institute and New World Symphony. Budrow received his B.M. from Bowling Green State University. | |||
| 82: Anthony Stoops Interview part 2 | 06 Jun 2008 | 00:42:54 | |
We're concluding our chat with double bassist Anthony Stoops today on Contrabass Conversations, which we began on episode 67 of the podcast. Anthony is the Artist/Teacher of Bass and String Area Chair at the University of Oklahoma School of Music. He also won first prize in the International Society of Bassists international solo competition and is the past recipient of a Karr Foundation double bass. Learn more about Anthony by visiting his website atanthonystoops.com.We're also featuring Anthony performing his rock medley with the Bad Boyz of Bass, plus some listener feedback, bass news, and shout-outs to some of our Facebook group members. Enjoy! About Anthony: Anthony Stoops is Artist/Teacher of Bass and String Area Chair at the University of Oklahoma School of Music. Since winning first prize in the International Society of Bassists international solo competition, he has performed throughout the United States and internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. Dr. Stoops has presented masterclasses in Poland, Brazil and throughout the U.S. at venues such as the Cleveland Institute of Music, the University of Michigan, the University of Iowa, Interlochen Arts Academy, Penn State University, and many others. The past recipient of a Karr Foundation Doublebass, Stoops is widely regarded as one of the top bass soloists in the world today. As an orchestral musician, Stoops has performed regularly in over a dozen orchestras including the Detroit, Columbus (OH) and Toledo Symphony orchestras, and the Michigan Opera Theater among many others, under many of the world's great conductors such as Sir Georg Solti, Neeme Järvi, Daniel Barenboim, Zubin Mehta, Pierre Boulez and Charles Dutoit.He studied with Diana Gannett at Iowa (and later at Michigan), Stuart Sankey at Michigan, Jeff Bradetich at Northwestern, and Eugene Levinson at Aspen. Other influential teachers include Max Dimoff, Principal Bass of the Cleveland Orchestra, Stephen Molina, Assistant Principal Bass of the Detroit Symphony. In high school, he studie with Dr. Mark Morton, Principal Bass of the Columbus Symphony.As a devotee of new music, Stoops' wide-ranging repertoire has included premieres of several works, including his own. Prior to his appointment at OU, he taught at Bowling Green State University, the Ann Arbor School for Performing Arts and the renowned Preucil School of Music.He lives in Norman, OK with his wife, cellist Emily Gosma Stoops and their son, Henry. In his spare time, Anthony enjoys fishing, cooking, swimming and Yoga. | |||
| 1017: Gregg August on balancing jazz, classical, and composition | 24 Nov 2023 | 01:08:17 | |
Gregg August is a New York double bassist who successfully balances careers in classical and jazz music, as well as composition. He is member of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (Associate), the American Composers Orchestra, Westchester Philharmonic and Orchestra of St. Luke's. He is also an active composer and performer in avant-garde, jazz and Latin jazz worlds. We talk about his background, how he balances these multiple disciplines, his 2020 project "Dialogues on Race," his experience with the innovative "Bang on a Can" summer festival, and much more. Enjoy, and be sure to check out Gregg's website to learn more about his exceptional work!
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Every week each student receives private lessons and participates in a solo class with Micah Howard. Peter Guild, another member of the PSO, teaches Orchestral Literature and Repertoire weekly. They encourage students to reach out to the great bassists in their area for lessons and direction. Many of the bassists from all of the city's ensembles are more than willing to lend a hand. Every year members of the Symphony, the Opera and the Ballet give classes and offer our students individual attention. Click here to visit Micah's website and to sign up for a free online trial lesson.
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| 81: Students Speak Out | 29 May 2008 | 00:34:38 | |
We're changing up the podcast format for today's show and featuring a group of present and former members of the Midwest Young Artists program located on the North Shore of Lake Michigan in metro Chicago. As an educator, I find it very interesting to hear the perspective of younger bassists–what they enjoy about performing, if they're planning on majoring in music during college, and how they ended up deciding on a particular school for college.Several of these young bassists are my students, and I've worked with them all in the Midwest Young Artists program for several years, so it's a personal pleasure to be a part of their musical education. | |||
| 80: Peter Askim Interview | 23 May 2008 | 00:55:05 | |
We're featuring double bassist, composer, and conductor Peter Askim on today's episode of Contrabass Conversations. A former member of the Honolulu Symphony and an internationally acclaimed composer, Peter currently serves as music director and composer-in-residence for the Idyllwild Arts Academy. His Eight Solitudes for Double Bass won the 2002 International Society of Bassists Composition Competition. Learn more about Peter at his website peteraskim.com. There are some excellent opportunities for high school bassists at the Idyllwild Arts Academy. Bassists study with Chris Hanulik (Los Angeles Philharmonic Principal Bass) and Jeremy Kurtz (San Doego Symphony Principal Bass) and recieve a great deal of attention from Peter as well. Learn more about this program atidyllwildarts.org. Enjoy!
About Peter: Active as a composer, conductor and bassist, Peter Askim is the Music Director and Composer-in-Residence of the Idyllwild Arts Academy. He has been a member of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra and served on the faculty of the University of Hawaii-Manoa, where he directed the Contemporary Music Ensemble and taught theory and composition. As a composer, he has had commissions and performances from such groups as the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, the Honolulu Symphony, the International Society of Bassists, the Yale Symphony Orchestra, the Idyllwild Arts Orchestra, the Portland Chamber Music Festival, and Serenata Santa Fe, as well as by performers such as flutist/ conductor Ransom Wilson, Metropolitan Opera soprano Lauren Flanigan, Grammy-nominated soprano Judith Kellock and violinist Timothy Fain. His compositions are published by Liben Music Publishers and the International Society of Bassists, and his music is recorded on the Gasparo and Albany labels. His compositions have been performed at the Aspen, Bowdoin, Music At the Anthology, June in Buffalo and Bang On A Can festivals, among others, and have frequently been broadcast on WNYC and Hawaii Public Radio. Mr. Askim won the 2002 International Society of Bassists Composition Competition for Eight Solitudes and is a frequent recitalist for the International Society of Bassists, the Hawaii Contrabass Festival and the World Bass Festival in Wroclaw, Poland. He performed and recorded his bass concerto Islands at the International Society of Bassists convention under the direction of flutist/ conductor Ransom Wilson. As a conductor, Mr. Askim has served as Music Director of the Branford Chamber Orchestra and makes frequent guest conducting appearances, including the Sewanee Philharmonia, the Oregon Festival of American Music, the Wroclaw (Poland) Chamber Orchestra Sotto Voce and the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. He has premiered numerous works, including by composers Richard Danielpour and Christopher Theofanidis and has collaborated with such artists as the Miró String Quartet, 'cellist Matt Haimovitz, violinists Ian Swensen and Todor Pelev and 'cellist John Walz. He has also received critical praise as a jazz artist in such publications as Jazztimes, the New York Post and New York Newsday. He studied at the Hochschule für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Vienna and holds bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees from Yale University, where he graduated with Distinction in Music. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Composition from the University of Texas at Austin. He studied composition with Dan Welcher, Donald Grantham, Anthony Davis, Jan Radzynski, Syd Hodkinson and David Finko, and double bass with George Rubino, Diana Gannett, Donald Palma, Wolfgang Harrer and Ludwig Streicher. Music Performed: Islands (double bass concerto) from "Moving, Still" About Moving, Still: Moving, Still – CD New CD features compositions of Peter Askim and such artists as Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center flutist/conductor Ransom Wilson, conductor Naoto Otomo and the Tokyo Symphony, members of Orchestra Asia-Japan, pianist Douglas Aschcraft and Peter Askim as conductor and bassist. Links: | |||