Contrabass Conversations

Jason Heath

Contrabass Conversations, produced by Double Bass HQ, features interviews and performances from leaders in the world of the double bass. Host Jason Heath dives deep into what makes these world-class artists tick. With over 3 million downloads, Contrabass Conversations is the most popular podcast for double bassists. Join the community and experience life on the low end of the spectrum! read less
MusicMusic

Episodes

1041: Peter Doubrovsky and Brandino on 5 string double basses
5d ago
1041: Peter Doubrovsky and Brandino on 5 string double basses
Peter Doubrovsky and Brandino are both renowned musicians and fans of the 5-string double bass. Peter Doubrovsky, aside from his work with the Pasadena Symphony and POPS orchestra, is a highly sought-after recording musician. His illustrious career spans over twenty years, during which he has recorded for countless feature film soundtracks. Some notable works include Coco (2017), Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Star Trek (2009), and Conspiracy Theory (1997). Brandino's success is marked by his collaborations with many of the world's top recording artists and entertainers. His extensive involvement encompasses the music, entertainment, television, multimedia, web designing, and film industries. In 2007, his musicianship was recognized with double Grammys for his participation in the 2007 Grammy Nominated "Album of the Year" and "Best Pop Vocal Album" Justin Timberlake's "FutureSex/LoveSounds," Mary J Blige's "Breakthrough" which won 2006 Best R&B Album of the Year, Beyonce and Stevie Wonder's "So Amazing" single in 2005, and "OUTKAST" which bagged the 2004 Grammy Album Of The Year and Best Rap Album. Thanks to both Peter and Brandino for their insightful conversation on this episode. For further inquiries or to connect with Peter, he can be reached directly at pdoubrosky@hotmail.com. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Connect with us: all things double bassdouble bass merchdouble bass sheet music     theme music by Eric Hochberg
1032: Stephen Tramontozzi on Basso Novo
Mar 14 2024
1032: Stephen Tramontozzi on Basso Novo
In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of Stephen Tramontozzi's new solo double bass album, Basso Novo. Tramontozzi shares the three-fold mission behind the album: to uncover and bring to light underappreciated works for the double bass, to transcribe works from other instruments for the double bass, and to commission new works for the instrument. This is his fourth, and most ambitious recording project to date, with all tracks designed for solo double bass and featuring contemporary works. Among the highlights, Tramontozzi commissioned Larry Wolfe from the Boston Symphony Orchestra for a suite, "Blomidon Set", inspired by Bach suites but adding a twist from Celtic, Scottish, Irish, and Acadian fiddler traditions. An exciting addition to the album is "The Earth and Stars", a piece written by talented composition student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, José Vargas. This piece, which Tramontozzi premiered in the previous year, stands out as the only track where he used his orchestra tuned bass. The album also features other important works like "Ballade" by Ranjbaran, written for the 1999 International Society of Bassists solo competition, "Hommage a J.S. Bach" by Zbinden, and Berio's short gem "Psy". Join us as we explore the rich sounds and captivating stories behind Basso Novo. Check out the sheet music for Blomidon Set here, and be sure to check out the latest album on Apple Music and Spotify! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Connect with us: all things double bassdouble bass merchdouble bass sheet music   Thank you to our sponsor!   Dorico - This podcast episode is sponsored by Dorico: the next-generation music notation software from Steinberg, that’s packed with smart, time-saving features to help you spend less time in front of your computer and more time doing what you love: making music.   The latest version of Dorico 5, includes Iconica Sketch, a new orchestral sound library, bringing more expressive playback, and making it easy to produce more life-like performances with a dynamic stereo soundstage. Try Dorico Now For 60 Days For Free: visit dorico.com     theme music by Eric Hochberg
1030: Sean Michael Casey on Progressive Orchestral Excerpts
Feb 29 2024
1030: Sean Michael Casey on Progressive Orchestral Excerpts
Sean Michael Casey has just released A Progressive Guide to Orchestral Excerpts for the Double Bass, which is a step-by-step method for teaching the fundamentals of good orchestral double bass playing. Sean is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the American Federation of Musicians, and the International Society of Bassists.  Sean currently operates a teaching studio in Allen, TX, with students making All-Region and chosen for TMEA’s All-State orchestras. His students have attended prestigious music schools like Baylor and Julliard. Learn more about Sean on his website, and pick up a copy of his book in our DBHQ sheet music store! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Connect with us: all things double bassdouble bass merchdouble bass sheet music   Thank you to our sponsor!   Dorico - This podcast episode is sponsored by Dorico: the next-generation music notation software from Steinberg, that’s packed with smart, time-saving features to help you spend less time in front of your computer and more time doing what you love: making music.   The latest version of Dorico 5, includes Iconica Sketch, a new orchestral sound library, bringing more expressive playback, and making it easy to produce more life-like performances with a dynamic stereo soundstage. Try Dorico Now For 60 Days For Free: visit dorico.com     theme music by Eric Hochberg
1029: Jordyn Davis on Compose the Way
Feb 22 2024
1029: Jordyn Davis on Compose the Way
Jordyn Davis, a multi-talented bassist, composer, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Detroit, MI, is the first African-American woman to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Music Composition from Michigan State University. She also earned a Master's in Jazz Studies from the same university. In 2021, after moving to Brooklyn, NY, she was honored as one of the inaugural Jazz Leader Fellowship recipients by the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. Recently, she has worked on the Tony-Winning Broadway Musical “New York, New York: A new musical and had a residency at Brown University collaborating with Craig Harris & the contemporary dance company Urban Bush Women. We talk about her journey into bass, studies with Rodney Whittaker, life in New York City, and much more. Enjoy, and be sure to follow along with her work on her website, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Connect with us: all things double bassdouble bass merchdouble bass sheet music   Thank you to our sponsor!   Dorico - This podcast episode is sponsored by Dorico: the next-generation music notation software from Steinberg, that’s packed with smart, time-saving features to help you spend less time in front of your computer and more time doing what you love: making music.   The latest version of Dorico 5, includes Iconica Sketch, a new orchestral sound library, bringing more expressive playback, and making it easy to produce more life-like performances with a dynamic stereo soundstage. Try Dorico Now For 60 Days For Free: visit dorico.com     theme music by Eric Hochberg
1027: Mark Foley on his Double Bass Concerto
Feb 8 2024
1027: Mark Foley on his Double Bass Concerto
Dr. Mark Foley is Professor of Double Bass and Electric Bass at Wichita State University is the Principal Double Bass for the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. He's also a key figure in Wichita's jazz scene, collaborating with local and national artists, and has performed as a concerto soloist. Mark also engages in rock gigs, bluegrass sessions at the Walnut Valley Music Festival, and creates records and live electronic music as a composer. Mark recently premiered his Little Wichita Concerto for Double Bass and Chamber Orchestra with the Wichita State Symphony Orchestra. We talk about Mark’s background, getting into composition, what it was like writing this piece, and much more. Enjoy, and check out this great local news clip about the piece with Mark Foley and his WSU colleague Mark Laycock!   Photo: Douglas Hahn   Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Connect with us: all things double bassdouble bass merchdouble bass sheet musictheme music by Eric Hochberg   Thank you to our sponsor! Dorico - This podcast episode is sponsored by Dorico: the next-generation music notation software from Steinberg, that’s packed with smart, time-saving features to help you spend less time in front of your computer and more time doing what you love: making music. The latest version of Dorico 5, includes Iconica Sketch, a new orchestral sound library, bringing more expressive playback, and making it easy to produce more life-like performances with a dynamic stereo soundstage. Try Dorico Now For 60 Days For Free: visit dorico.com
1026: Only Girl in the Orchestra
Feb 1 2024
1026: Only Girl in the Orchestra
In this episode, we delve into Only Girl in the Orchestra, a new documentary directed by Molly O’Brien about the life and career of trailblazer Orin O’Brien, the first female musician in the New York Philharmonic. Despite the spotlight her unique position brought, Orin always preferred playing a supporting role to her family, students, friends, and colleagues. Jason and Molly are joined by editor Monique Zavistovski to discuss this remarkable profile of one of the double bassist’s major figures. Tickets are available now for the next screening of Only Girl in the Orchestra, which will take place on Saturday, February 3rd, at MoMA in New York City. Learn more about this documentary on their website, and learn more about Molly, Monique, and all of the other collaborators here.   Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Connect with us: all things double bassdouble bass merchdouble bass sheet musictheme music by Eric Hochberg Thank you to our sponsor, Dorico: This podcast episode is sponsored by Dorico, the next-generation music notation software from Steinberg that’s packed with smart, time-saving features to help you spend less time in front of your computer and more time doing what you love: making music. The latest version of Dorico 5 includes Iconica Sketch, a new orchestral sound library, bringing more expressive playback and making it easy to produce more life-like performances with a dynamic stereo soundstage. Try Dorico Now For 60 Days For Free: visit dorico.com.
1025: Michael Bates on Lutoslawski
Jan 25 2024
1025: Michael Bates on Lutoslawski
Michael Bates recently released an album titled Metamorphosis: Variations on Lutoskawski. This album contains Michael’s arrangements and is based on arrangements of the composer Witold Lutoslawski, with music for clarinet, violin, bassoon, double bass, drums, plus string quartet. It’s a hybrid of jazz, classical, and improvisation and is a wild ride of styles and textures. We talk about the genesis of this idea, what it was like traveling to Poland to record this album, plans or touring with this ensemble, future projects with the Lutoslawski quartet, and more. Check out the promo for this project on YouTube, give the album a listen on Spotify and Apple Music, and follow along with Michael’s inspiring work on Instagram!   Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Connect with us: all things double bassdouble bass merchdouble bass sheet music   Timestamps theme music by Eric Hochberg 00:00 Introduction and Album Promotion 00:08 Discussing Michael Bates' New Album 01:02 Catching Up with Michael Bates 01:16 Exploring Lutoslavsky's Music 04:03 The Making of the Album 09:55 Sponsor Shoutout: Carnegie Mellon University 12:05 Deep Dive into Lutoslavsky's Music 16:32 The Composing Process 22:51 Finding Inspiration in the Backyard 23:31 The Art of Balancing Work and Rest 24:19 The Challenges of Being an Early Riser in the Music Industry 25:19 The Ideal Environment for Writing Music 26:22 Drawing Inspiration from Ludo Slavsky 26:43 The Journey of Creating the Album 31:03 The Influence of Polish Musicians and Culture 34:25 Future Projects and Plans 36:48 The Role of Instruments in Music Creation 42:03 The Power of Podcasts in Connecting Musicians 42:52 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward
1024: Hein Van de Geyn on his jazz bass journey
Jan 18 2024
1024: Hein Van de Geyn on his jazz bass journey
Hein van de Geyn  is jazz double bassist, composer, teacher and band leader from the Netherlands.  His groundbreaking Comprehensive Bass Method has influenced a generation of bassists and is widely regarded as one of the leading pedagogical works for jazz double bass. We talk about Hein’s remarkable career, his time in San Francisco, writing his bass method, what life in South Africa has been like these last several years, and much more.  Enjoy!   Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Connect with us: all things double bassdouble bass merchdouble bass sheet musictheme music by Eric Hochberg Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:28 Getting to Know Hein van de Gein 01:50 Reminiscing About San Francisco's Jazz Scene 03:17 Exploring the Jazz Scene in South Africa 04:35 The Importance of Practice and Mastery 10:17 The Role of a Music Teacher 14:10 The Art of Improvisation and Composition 18:12 The Value of Consistent Practice 22:33 The Journey of Learning and Teaching Music 26:58 Closing Thoughts and Reflections 28:50 Discovering Pablo Records and Dreaming of Playing 29:09 Memories of Performing with Joe Pass 30:07 The Art of Musical Language and Influence of Charlie Hayden 31:14 The Impact of Michael Brecker and the Role of Charlie Hayden 32:03 Reflections on Early Musical Influences and Evolution 32:56 The Shift in Bass Playing and Amplification Over the Years 33:33 The Unexpected Impact of Jaco Pastorius 34:57 The Evolution of Bass Amplification and Sound 36:56 Memories of Playing with Jazz Legends 39:00 The Importance of Technique and Style in Bass Playing 42:10 The Transition from Jazz Musician to South African Entrepreneur 47:32 The Enduring Passion for Music and Jazz 52:31 Lessons Learned from Playing with Jazz Greats 53:55 Closing Thoughts on the Global Jazz Community