Contrabass Conversations

Jason Heath
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  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
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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. Brian Powell on Stravinsky for the double bass

    3 DAYS AGO

    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

  2. 31 OCT

    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

  3. 24 OCT

    Exploring Intonation - A Double Bass Journey with Lauren Pierce

    In this episode, double bass performer and educator Lauren Pierce delves into the inspiration and development of her new book on intonation titled 'Please Play in Tune.' She shares her personal journey and challenges in tackling the daunting topic! We explore the concepts of ear, technique, and response as key elements in mastering intonation. Lauren covers the importance of making intonation a fun and rewarding process, while addressing common misconceptions such as the belief that intonation is an innate ability. Through detailed exercises, etudes, and repertoire examples, she provides a structured method for musicians to improve their playing technique. Her approach aims to demystify the process and make it accessible, even for individuals learning without a teacher.   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

    29 min

  4. 17 OCT

    Financial Strategies for Young Musicians with Trevor Jones

    In this episode, Jason Heath and Trevor Jones discuss the financial challenges and strategies for young musicians. They draw parallels between financial management and scheduling, emphasizing the importance of planning for unexpected expenses. They share personal experiences from their early freelance careers, highlight the significance of building financial habits, and explore achieving financial flexibility in a music career. The episode also addresses broader financial principles, such as saving habits, budget management, diverse revenue streams, and seeking opportunities beyond traditional paths in the music industry.   Trevor also wrote an accompanying blog post about this topic titled Personal Finance For Musicians: Getting Started.   Enjoy, and a big shout-out to podcast listener Rick Dennis for the topic idea! 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

    47 min

  5. 10 OCT

    Ali Watson - A Journey Through Jazz from London to Glasgow and Beyond

    In this episode, we chat with Ali Watson, a Glasgow-based bassist, who is set to release his debut album, 'Terrarium,' on November 26th. Ali shares his experiences from studying jazz at the Guildhall in London and contrasts it with Glasgow's smaller but thriving jazz scene. He reflects on his musical influences, the process of creating his album, and the unique jazz community in Scotland. We also explore his early days in music, including his classical training and transition to jazz, as well as his participation in various projects and collaborations.   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

    52 min

  6. 3 OCT

    From Biology to Bass - Aidan Plank's Musical Journey

    In this episode, Aidan Plank shares his unique journey from attempting nursing school and working with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to becoming a dedicated bassist and educator. Aidan recently joined the music faculty at Bowling Green State University. He discusses his transition from biology to music, the influence of early mentors, and his experiences teaching and playing jazz. Aidan reflects on the challenges and rewards of composing for big bands, the intricacies of playing on gut strings, and the importance of following one's passion, even if it leads to unexpected places. Along the way, he offers insights into the practical challenges of being a musician, such as long commutes and the benefits of taking breaks during travels. Whether considering a significant career shift or simply pondering the diverse paths within the music world, Aidan's story is a powerful reminder of the value of pursuing what truly brings joy and fulfillment.   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

    1h 5m

  7. 26 SEPT

    Mastering Auditions Through Technique and Intonation with Daniel Chiva Sanz

    In this episode, Daniel Chiva Sanz shares his journey of mastering musical auditions by focusing on technical precision and intonation. Two years ago, after a failed audition at the Seattle Symphony, he realized that his practice method needed restructuring. The result is 'The School of Patience,' an exercise series that develops the intonational security required to develop a professional level of playing and win auditions. 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

    43 min

  8. 19 SEPT

    Exploring the Rich Soundscape of Gut Strings with Ernst Glerum

    Today’s episode dives into the multifaceted career of bassist and pianist Ernst Glerum, focusing on his recent piano-bass album Détaché. We delve into Ernst's use of gut strings on his mid-19th-century English bass and his shift to a mix including Pirastro Olive strings. Ernst shares his compositional process, the technical challenges and expressive nuances of playing with gut strings versus steel strings, particularly the influence of rosin type on sound quality. Ernst speaks fondly about his admiration for iconic musicians and his future plans for composing new music, encapsulating the essence of his artistic explorations.   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

    53 min
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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!

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Heath
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    1.1K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Contrabass Conversations
  • Show Website
    Contrabass Conversations

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