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PODCAST

Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations features interviews and performances from top leaders in the world of the double bass. Podcast host Jason Heath dives deep into what makes these world-class artists tick. With 2 million downloads and counting, Contrabass Conversations is the most popular podcast for double bassists. Join the community and experience life on the low end of the spectrum!

music music interviews

All Episodes

18:27

1087: Melody Ruiz on Thelma Terry

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/04/02

Melody Ruiz is writing a book about Thelma Terry, a double bassist and bandleader in 1920s Chicago. She documents her research process on Instagram and is crowdfunding the project through gofundme and Etsy. We discuss how Melody discovered Thelma's story, the challenges and rewards of researching someone from a century ago, and the fascinating discoveries she's made along the way. We'll reconnect with Melody as her book nears publication. Meanwhile, follow her journey on Instagram! Subscribe to

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49:20

1086: Christopher Dammann on the Chicago jazz scene

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/03/27

Christopher Dammann is a Chicago-based composer and bassist whose sextet recently released its debut album. Our conversation explores Christopher's journey from self-taught musician to Northwestern University bass student, examining how iconic Chicago venues like Velvet Lounge and Constellation shaped his artistry, his practice methodology, and much more. Enjoy, and don't miss this excellent debut album from Christopher's sextet! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you

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33:01

1085: Kathryn Schulmeister and Andrew Mell on...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/03/20

In today's podcast, we speak with Kathryn Schulmeister and Andrew Mell. Kathryn and Andrew joined the double bass faculty at the University of the Pacific’s Conservatory of Music in fall 2023, where they recently hosted the inaugural Pacific Bass Day in January 2025. We explore their backgrounds, discuss the experience of launching their first bass day, and delve into their plans for the future, among other topics. Enjoy! We explore their backgrounds, discuss the experience of launching their first

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22:32

1084: The Artemis Bass Initiative with Nina DeCesare

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/03/13

Today's podcast features a conversation with Nina DeCesare about The Artemis Bass Initiative, an organization dedicated to advancing the careers of women and nonbinary bassists through mentorship, orchestral training, and professional development. We explore the origins of this project and discuss its key programs, including upcoming seminars, orchestral training, and mentorship opportunities. To learn more, check out Nina's past podcast appearances here and visit their website to subscribe to their

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25:22

1083: Adam Ben Ezra on Heavy Drops and his creative...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/03/06

Adam Ben Ezra is a truly original voice on the double bass, and each new project of his is fascinating in its own right. His latest album, a collaboration with Cuban drummer Michael Olivera titled Heavy Drops, is no exception. We explore Adam's life in the Portuguese countryside, the inspiration behind his latest album, his current approach to the double bass, his creative process with Ableton Live, and much more. Check out Heavy Drops wherever you listen to music, and be sure to follow Adam on

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43:51

1082: TianYang Liu on solo, orchestra, and teaching

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/02/27

TianYang Liu currently teaches double bass at Beijing's Central Conservatory. He earned First Prize at the 2013 International Society of Bassists Competition and has garnered top honors in several other competitions, including Singapore's International Double Bass Competition and the San Francisco Conservatory's Concerto Competition. He regularly performs solo recitals across the United States and Asia. Born into a musical family, Liu began studying violin with his mother at age three, demonstrating

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39:06

1081: Bruce Gertz on sight reading

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/02/20

Bruce Gertz is a jazz bassist, composer, and educator who has taught at the Berklee College of Music for nearly half a century. In addition to his numerous awards and recordings, Bruce developed musicsightreader.com, an Apple Books publication designed to develop sightreading skills through duets, trios, and quartets. We explore Bruce's daily creativity habits, Berklee's evolution over the decades, the unique challenges of teaching sightreading, and much more. Enjoy, and be sure to check out Bruce's

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27:56

1080: Javier Martin on his YouTube Channel

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/02/13

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,

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53:01

1079: Jake Thurston on his YouTube journey

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/02/06

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! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically! Connect with us: all things double

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03:19:14

1078: The Legacy of Francois Rabbath, from Cincinnati...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/01/30

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 Check out the entire livestream of this event on

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44:08

1077: Alexandre Piazza on the "three worlds" of...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/01/23

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

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50:42

1076: Yuka Tadano's Musical Odyssey to 1st call...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/01/16

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

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37:01

1075: Redefining Classical Music with Kebra-Seyoun...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/01/09

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

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23:40

1074: 2024 in review and looking ahead to 2025

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/01/02

We take a look back at 2024 and discuss plans for 2025 in today’s episode. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically! Connect with us: all things double bass double bass merch double bass sheet music 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

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52:20

1073: Sidney King on his multifaceted career

Contrabass Conversations ·

2024/12/26

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

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31:39

1072: Joyful Connections - The Power of Music with...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2024/12/19

In this 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,

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50:43

1071: Tim Cobb on the path to becoming New York...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2024/12/12

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 personal 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

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33:23

1070: The Story Behind 'Lost Beauty' - Szymon...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2024/12/05

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 sheds light on how historical sound

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45:21

1069: Exploring Music and Innovation with Petru Iuga

Contrabass Conversations ·

2024/11/29

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

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40:58

1068: Mastering Double Bass and Digital Presence with...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2024/11/21

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

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1,164 results

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