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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

51:36

1125: From Double Bass to Viola - Navigating...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/12/26

In this inspiring episode, Stephanie Patterson returns to share a deeply personal journey of resilience and adaptation. After experiencing serious health challenges that made it impossible to continue playing the double bass, Stephanie made the courageous decision to return to the viola—an instrument she hadn't played in over 50 years. This conversation explores the physical demands of playing large instruments, the importance of fitness for musicians, and how community orchestras provide

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26:21

1124: The Journey of Creating a Bass Concerto with...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/12/18

In this episode, we dive deep into the creation of Memoirs in Time, a groundbreaking new bass concerto with composer Jim Beckel and Indianapolis Symphony Principal Bassist JuFang Liu . This commission represents a significant addition to the bass repertoire and showcases the incredible versatility of the double bass. Watch the world premiere performance with full orchestra of "Memoirs in Time: Concerto for Bass and Orchestra" featuring JuFang Liu and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and check

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53:23

1123: Exploring Tango and Ethnomusicology with Laura...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/12/11

In this episode, we sit down with Laura Camacho, a double bassist, tango composer, and ethnomusicologist originally from Buenos Aires and now based in Austin, Texas. Laura shares her fascinating journey from performing with the ensemble Las del Abasto in Argentina—including opening for tango legend Mariano Mores—to pursuing a PhD in ethnomusicology at the University of Texas at Austin. We dive deep into Laura's new album, Todo Tiempo Pasado, released in November of 2025 with her ensemble, the Laura

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01:00:04

1122: The Joys of Chamber Music with Uxía Martinez...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/12/04

Join us for a conversation with Spanish double bassist Uxía Martínez Botana, who shares her journey from facing skepticism as a woman in classical music to becoming a celebrated soloist, chamber musician, and educator. Based in Amsterdam, she tours internationally with ensembles like the Budapest Festival Orchestra and Sol Gabetta's baroque ensemble, and is the first female double bass professor at a Spanish conservatory. We dig into topics like life on the road, work-life balance, her journey

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01:19:19

1121: In-depth with Gary Upton - The Craftsmanship...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/11/28

In this episode, Gary Upton, the founder of Upton Bass, joins us for an in-depth conversation about the craftsmanship, innovation, and business of building double basses. We explore a wide range of topics including the growing popularity of 5/8-sized basses, the development of Kay-inspired plywood models, the economics of bass-making, and Upton's ventures into creating strings, amplifiers, and rosin specifically designed for double bass players. Connect with DBHQ Join Our Newsletter Double Bass

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39:41

1120: Kinda Out West - Aretha Tillotson's Tribute to...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/11/20

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

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01:06:23

1119: Orchestral Insights with Andy Anderson

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/11/14

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 Join Our Newsletter Double Bass Resources Double Bass Sheet Music Double Bass Merch Gear used to

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42:41

1118: Gaelen McCormick on Simandl's 30 Etudes

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/11/06

In this episode, renowned bassist and educator Gaelen McCormick joins us to discuss her newly released annotated edition of Franz Simandl's 30 Etudes, published by Carl Fischer. For over a century, these etudes have been a cornerstone of double bass pedagogy. Gaelen's fresh annotations bring new insights and perspectives to this essential collection. Check out Gaelen's past podcast appearances here and pick up a copy of her new Simandl edition here. Connect with DBHQ Join Our Newsletter Double

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43:30

1117: Darren Sacks on teaching double bass

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/10/30

In this episode, we chat with Darren Sacks, a double bass audition coach, UMass Boston Associate Lecturer, and Greater Boston freelance bassist, to discuss winning strategies for double bass auditions. Darren shares insights from his 9 years of coaching experience, during which he's helped students gain acceptance into major youth orchestras like the Boston Youth Symphony (BYSO) and NEC Prep, summer festivals including Interlochen and BUTI Tanglewood, and undergraduate programs such as

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51:11

1116: Rodney Slatford on publishing

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/10/23

In this episode, Jason Heath interviews Rodney Slatford. Rodney is joined by his friend Mike Coombs, who helped facilitate this conversation. Together, they explore Rodney's remarkable career as a performer, educator, publisher, and advocate for the double bass. As founding Chairman of the Yorke Trust, Rodney Slatford has established himself as a renowned double bass player and teacher. His career includes over 1000 performances worldwide, 30 years with the Nash Ensemble of London, 10 years as

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01:00:22

1115: Tim Rinehart on audition breakthroughs

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/10/16

Tim Rinehart is the Principal Double Bassist of the Oregon Symphony. A graduate of Rice University's Shepherd School of Music, Tim studied with Paul Ellison while also earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He is the winner of the 2025 International Society of Bassists Orchestral Division Competition and has performed with numerous prestigious orchestras including the Boston Symphony, London Symphony, and Houston Symphony. Tim shares his journey through multiple auditions in a single season,

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36:41

1114: Sarah Bassingthwaighte on her double bass concerto

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/10/09

In this episode, we speak with composer and flutist Dr. Sarah Bassingthwaighte about her groundbreaking Concerto for Double Bass and Orchestra, recently recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra with soloist Stephen Schermer. We dig into Sarah's approach to composition, the experience of writing this piece, balancing a solo bass with a full orchestra, and much more. Enjoy, and check out the sheet music for this cool new piece in our store! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews

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30:40

1113: Charles Gambetta on rethinking double bass...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/10/02

In this episode, Charles Gambetta introduces his innovative bass position system that addresses traditional limitations in fingerboard comprehension. His method combines Roman numerals with Arabic numbers to provide contextual information that enhances physical and mental connections during play. Charles explains how starting students at the 'primary lock' position and focusing on finger placement and shift intervals improves intonation. He also demonstrates how this approach benefits various

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02:05:12

1112: Remembering Jack Budrow

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/09/25

Winston "Jack" Budrow, former ISB board member, passed away on September 4, 2024, at age 79 after a brief hospice stay. Jack retired from Michigan State University's College of Music, where he served as professor of double bass and co-chair of the string area. His distinguished career encompassed both performance and teaching, including positions with the Houston Symphony and as principal bass in the North Carolina Symphony. His students have secured positions in prestigious orchestras worldwide,

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50:38

1111: Bass Pedagogy Evolution with Gaelen McCormick

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/09/18

In this episode, we're joined by Gaelen McCormick, President of the International Society of Bassists, to discuss her groundbreaking book Teaching Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass: Historical and Modern Pedagogical Practices, co-authored with Dijana Ihas and Miranda Wilson. Gaelen shares insights on the historical development of bass pedagogy and how teaching methods have evolved over centuries. We explore the fascinating evolution of bass pedagogy from 1800 to the present day, with special

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58:18

1110: What it takes to make it as a theater musician

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/09/11

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 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

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16:38

1109: Courtney & Jason on Biarritz and the Joy of...

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/09/05

In this episode, my wife, Courtney, and I share our exciting experiences from the recent Biarritz International Bass Academy in the beautiful coastal town of Biarritz, France. We discuss the unique atmosphere of this bass event and explore why gatherings like this are invaluable for musicians at all levels. 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 sponsors

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19:03

1108: Remembering Gary Karr

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/08/28

In this special episode, Jason Heath shares three personal memories of the legendary double bassist Gary Karr, who passed away this summer. Gary Karr was widely regarded as the world's leading solo bassist who elevated the double bass as a solo instrument during his illustrious career. 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 sponsors! Upton Bass - From

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51:17

1107: Olie Brice on his Journey into Improvised Music

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/08/21

In this episode, we're joined by UK-based double bassist Olie Brice, a prominent voice in the world of free jazz and improvised music. Olie shares his musical journey, practice approaches, and experiences as a touring bassist working with renowned artists like Evan Parker and Tony Malaby. This episode offers valuable insights for bassists interested in improvised music, as well as listeners curious about the creative process behind free jazz and the practical aspects of life as a touring musician

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01:14:54

1106: David Cutler on The Savvy Musician 2.0

Contrabass Conversations ·

2025/08/14

In this episode, we welcome back David Cutler to discuss his new book, "The Savvy Musician 2.0: Amplifying Impact, Income, & Inspiration" (Oxford University Press, July 2025). David shares insights from this comprehensive resource on music careers and entrepreneurship, featuring over 150 case studies of diverse performers, creators, educators, and institutions. Episode Highlights: Evolution from the original "The Savvy Musician" to the new 2.0 version Key strategies for musicians looking to amplify

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1,162 results

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