Contrabass Conversations

Jason Heath
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!

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    1072: Joyful Connections - The Power of Music with Roberto Cassani

    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, highlighting the positive impacts on community building and personal interaction. Roberto also details his methods for engaging different groups, from children to university students, in creative music-making sessions. Additionally, he talks about his recent musical projects and the importance of fostering joy and connection through music. Enjoy, and check out Roberto’s past podcast appearances here.   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 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!   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. theme music by Eric Hochberg

    32 min
  2. DEC 12

    Tim Cobb on the path to becoming New York Philharmonic Principal Bassist

    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 Orchestra to the Philharmonic. Tim also delves into his teaching philosophy, the importance of enthusiasm and work ethic in students, and the evolving world of double bass craftsmanship.  Enjoy, and check out the video version here.   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! 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. theme music by Eric Hochberg

    51 min
  3. DEC 5

    The Story Behind 'Lost Beauty' - Szymon Marciniak on Recording, Repertoire, and Gut Strings

    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 aesthetics shaped the album.   Check out this great new release from Szymon and Jongsuk Kim on the Solaire Records website, Apple Music, Spotify, or wherever you listen to music!   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!   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. theme music by Eric Hochberg

    33 min
  4. NOV 29

    Exploring Music and Innovation with Petru Iuga

    In this conversation, Petru Iuga, a renowned Romanian double bassist, discusses his experiences during the pandemic, his contributions to the ToneBase platform, and the development of the ErgoBass, a product designed to enhance bass playing ergonomics. He reflects on his musical journey, incorporating elements of martial arts into his musical practice, and the impact of physics and mindfulness in bass playing. Petru also shares insights about his recently released album, which features a mix of familiar and less-known compositions, including works by Weinberg, Hindemith, and Schubert, emphasizing the music's emotional and artistic depth. Enjoy, and check out this video covering Petru’s innovative invention ErgoBass! 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! 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. theme music by Eric Hochberg

    45 min
  5. NOV 21

    Mastering Double Bass and Digital Presence with Emilse Rios

    In this episode, Emilse Rios recounts her journey from studying music at the José Luis Paz Music Conservatory in Venezuela to balancing her academic pursuits in sociology at La Universidad del Zulia. Emilse talks about the challenges and cultural richness of moving to Buenos Aires, her experiences as one of the few female double bass players, and the influence of her sociology background on teaching music. Through Venezuela's national orchestra system, El Sistema, she has managed to blend her dual interests seamlessly. She also delves into her strategies for maintaining an online presence on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, especially during the pandemic, and discusses the importance of efficient time management to balance her professional life and content creation. Emilse shares valuable insights on finances, sustaining creativity, the myth of perfectionism in classical music, and the importance of building a supportive community through newsletters and independent platforms. Enjoy, and connect with Emilse on her website and on Instagram! 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! 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. theme music by Eric Hochberg

    41 min
  6. NOV 15

    Jazz Bass 101 with Matt Rybicki

    In this episode, the conversation explores the development and launch of Matt Rybicki's new online jazz bass course, JAZZ BASS 101, which aims to deepen participants' understanding of fundamental jazz concepts through innovative teaching methods. Rybicki shares the inspiration behind the course, stemming from his 26 years in New York City and his experience in the Juilliard Jazz program. He discusses the inclusion of master bass player transcriptions, original compositions, call and response exercises, and play-along tracks featuring renowned musicians. The course promises a comprehensive and user-friendly experience for bassists of all levels, enabling them to master essential jazz tunes and structures.   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 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! 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. Double Bassists: Register for the Grunewald International Music Competition, which will take place in the former Mendelssohn family palace in Berlin's Grunewald from December 2nd to 7th. Klaus Trumpf and Miloslav Gadjoš are double bass jury members.   heme music by Eric Hochberg

    27 min
  7. Brian Powell on Stravinsky for the double bass

    NOV 7

    Brian Powell on Stravinsky for the double bass

    Today’s episode features Brian Powell, double bass faculty at the Frost School of Music, discussing his recently released album, 'Suite Italienne Double Bass and Piano.' This album marks the first full arrangement and recording of Igor Stravinsky's Suite Italienne for double bass and piano, approved by Stravinsky's estate and published by Boosey & Hawkes.  It features 8 movements, incorporating elements of Pulcinella, with contributions from artists Oleksii Ivanchenko, Karen Lord-Powell, and Ross Harbaugh. Recorded in 2023 at the University of Miami, the album aims to contribute to the double bass repertoire, highlighting Powell's ongoing efforts to promote new music for the instrument.   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 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!   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. Double Bassists: Register for the Grunewald International Music Competition, which will take place in the former Mendelssohn family palace in Berlin's Grunewald from December 2nd to 7th. Klaus Trumpf and Miloslav Gadjoš are double bass jury members.   theme music by Eric Hochberg

    47 min
  8. OCT 31

    From Choral Singing to Bass Fiddler - Nate Sabat’s Musical Journey

    In this conversation, Nate Sabat, a bassist, singer-songwriter, and arranger based in Brooklyn, NY, discusses his musical journey from joining the Young People's Chorus in New York City to exploring the role of bass in folk and bluegrass music. Nate talks about his inspirations, including Edgar Meyer, and the influences that shaped his debut album, 'Bass Fiddler'. He shares insights into his education at Berklee, mentors like Scott Lee and Susan Hagen, and his approach to upright bass playing. Nate also discusses his teaching endeavors aimed at bridging the gap between beginner and advanced bluegrass bass players, promoting a curriculum for acoustic music bassists. His unique contribution to the genre comes through his exploration of acoustic and folk music, blending classical techniques with folk traditions. Enjoy, and be sure to check out Nate’s Patreon for additional content from this cool artist!   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 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! 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. ​Double Bassists: Register for the Grunewald International Music Competition December 2nd - 7th​. The Grunewald International Music Competition will take place in the former Mendelssohn family palace in the middle of Berlin's Grunewald. Double bass jury members are Klaus Trumpf and Miloslav Gadjoš. The competition also supports young up-and-coming artists with cash, non-cash prizes, and vouchers. theme music by Eric Hochberg

    37 min
4.9
out of 5
105 Ratings

About

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!

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