Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

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Contrabass Conversations episodes

  • 594: Olivier Babaz on Jazz Bowing

    Olivier Babaz recently released his first course with Discover Double Bass. Titled Jazz Bowing, this incredibly cool course explores all kinds of cool bowing techniques that Olivier uses in his playing.

    Lessons cover topics like:

    • Fundamentals of Bow Technique
    • Basic Bow Strokes
    • Slurs
    • Developing Arco Technique
    • Left Hand Technique and the Bow
    • Bowed Walking Bass Lines
    • Bowed Melodies
    • Improvisation

    We reference a video interview that Olivier filmed with Discover Double Bass founder Geoff Chalmers, and we dig into Olivier's background, using kalina and bass, staying inspired, and many other topics.

    Olivier is a fascinating musician and a very cool person, and I know you'll enjoy checking out today's chat with him as well as the new course!

    Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle!

    Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

    D'Addario Strings

    This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.

    Kolstein Music

    The Samuel Kolstein Violin Shop was founded by Samuel Kolstein in 1943 as a Violin and Bow making establishment in Brooklyn, New York. Now on Long Island, over 60 years later, Kolstein's has built a proud reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise in both the manufacture and repair of a whole range of stringed instruments, and has expanded to a staff of twelve experts in restoration, marketing and production.

    Steve Swan String Bass

    Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast's largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada. Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor.

    A440 Violin Shop

    An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools.

    Texas Hill Country Bass Collective

    Join them July 22 thru July 25 for our 6th annual Austin Bass Workshop at the amazing Westlake High School. Come join friends from the Texas Hill Country Bass Collective for four days of music, bass, and fun and work with 2019 featured guest artist (and past Contrabass Conversations guest) Dennis Whittaker!

    Upton Bass String Instrument Company

    Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long "Karr neck" has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.

    The Bass Violin Shop

    The Bass Violin Shop offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

    Contrabass Conversations production team:

    • Jason Heath, host
    • Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing
    • Mitch Moehring, audio engineer
    • Trevor Jones, publication and promotion
    • Krista Kopper, archival and cataloging

    Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

    54 min
  • 593: Justin Carney and the Kill The Bass Podcast

    Justin Carney recently started a new podcast called Kill The Bass. It's all about exploring various concepts of musical practice from the perspective of jazz bassists.

    Justin has been planning this podcast for several years, and it was great to have a chance to sit down with him and talk about life, musical highs and lows, how musical practice relates to other areas of life, and many other topics.

    Be sure to check out Justin's new podcast, and he'd love it if you emailed him any suggestions for guests!

    We talked about several books and resources as well:

    • Ringr - podcast recording software
    • Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
    • The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines into Massive Success and Happiness
    • Atomic Habits by James Clear
    • San Francisco Podcasters Association

    Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle!

    Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

    D'Addario Strings

    This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.

    The Bass Violin Shop

    The Bass Violin Shop offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

    Kolstein Music

    The Samuel Kolstein Violin Shop was founded by Samuel Kolstein in 1943 as a Violin and Bow making establishment in Brooklyn, New York. Now on Long Island, over 60 years later, Kolstein's has built a proud reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise in both the manufacture and repair of a whole range of stringed instruments, and has expanded to a staff of twelve experts in restoration, marketing and production.

    Steve Swan String Bass

    Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast's largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada. Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor.

    Upton Bass String Instrument Company

    Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long "Karr neck" has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.

    Texas Hill Country Bass Collective

    Join them July 22 thru July 25 for our 6th annual Austin Bass Workshop at the amazing Westlake High School. Come join friends from the Texas Hill Country Bass Collective for four days of music, bass, and fun and work with 2019 featured guest artist (and past Contrabass Conversations guest) Dennis Whittaker!

    A440 Violin Shop

    An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools.

    Contrabass Conversations production team:

    • Jason Heath, host
    • Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing
    • Mitch Moehring, audio engineer
    • Trevor Jones, publication and promotion
    • Krista Kopper, archival and cataloging

    Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

    1 hr 46 min
  • 592: Krista Kopper and The Backstage Creative Podcast

    Krista Kopper recently launched a podcast called The Backstage Creative focusing on the people who work behind the scenes of theater to create the scenes, music, costumes, props, and everything else that goes into live productions.

    We chat about her background, starting a podcast, and the benefits that come from tackling a project like this. Be sure to check out this cool new podcast, and a huge shout-out to Krista for being a part of the Contrabass Conversations team!

    Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle!

    Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

    D'Addario Strings

    This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.

    Kolstein Music

    The Samuel Kolstein Violin Shop was founded by Samuel Kolstein in 1943 as a Violin and Bow making establishment in Brooklyn, New York. Now on Long Island, over 60 years later, Kolstein's has built a proud reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise in both the manufacture and repair of a whole range of stringed instruments, and has expanded to a staff of twelve experts in restoration, marketing and production.

    Steve Swan String Bass

    Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast's largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada. Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor.

    Texas Hill Country Bass Collective

    Join them July 22 thru July 25 for our 6th annual Austin Bass Workshop at the amazing Westlake High School. Come join friends from the Texas Hill Country Bass Collective for four days of music, bass, and fun and work with 2019 featured guest artist (and past Contrabass Conversations guest) Dennis Whittaker!

    A440 Violin Shop

    An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools.

    Upton Bass String Instrument Company

    Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long "Karr neck" has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.

    The Bass Violin Shop

    The Bass Violin Shop offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

    Contrabass Conversations production team:

    • Jason Heath, host
    • Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing
    • Mitch Moehring, audio engineer
    • Trevor Jones, publication and promotion
    • Krista Kopper, archival and cataloging

    Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

    1 hr 3 min
  • 591: Dutch Double Bass Festival

    James Oesi will be hosting the second Dutch Double Bass Festival this June 8th and 9th in Rotterdam. The line-up for the event is spectacular, including:

    • Francois and Sylvan Rabbath
    • Rick Stotijn
    • Renaud Garcia Fons
    • Richard Bona

    Check out the full line-up of guests and get your tickets on the festival website, and check out my previous conversation with James for more on his cool musical background and activities!

    Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle!

    Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

    D'Addario Strings

    This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.

    The Bass Violin Shop

    The Bass Violin Shop offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

    Texas Hill Country Bass Collective

    Join them July 22 thru July 25 for our 6th annual Austin Bass Workshop at the amazing Westlake High School. Come join friends from the Texas Hill Country Bass Collective for four days of music, bass, and fun and work with 2019 featured guest artist (and past Contrabass Conversations guest) Dennis Whittaker!

    Kolstein Music

    The Samuel Kolstein Violin Shop was founded by Samuel Kolstein in 1943 as a Violin and Bow making establishment in Brooklyn, New York. Now on Long Island, over 60 years later, Kolstein's has built a proud reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise in both the manufacture and repair of a whole range of stringed instruments, and has expanded to a staff of twelve experts in restoration, marketing and production.

    Steve Swan String Bass

    Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast's largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada. Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor.

    Upton Bass String Instrument Company

    Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long "Karr neck" has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.

    A440 Violin Shop

    An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools.

    Contrabass Conversations production team:

    • Jason Heath, host
    • Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing
    • Mitch Moehring, audio engineer
    • Trevor Jones, publication and promotion
    • Krista Kopper, archival and cataloging

    Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

    23 min
  • 590: Meet New ISB President-Elect Hans Sturm

    Hans Sturm and I go way back. In fact, it was 25 years ago that I first heard him play at our mutual alma mater Northwestern University.

    Since then, we've done a ton of things together:

    • We shot an old-school video about the Rabbath technique in my old apartment in Chicagoland (note the cat participating in the background)
    • Hans invited me to join the board of the International Society of Bassists (way back in 2006!)
    • I've had him on the podcast several times to talk about various projects
    • We're back on the ISB board together again (2017 through now)

    Hans is back in as president-elect for the ISB. We talk about his perspectives on ISB throughout the decades, where we've been, where we are now, and where we're headed in the future.

    Lots of good stories and takeaways from this one—enjoy!

    Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle!

    Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

    D'Addario Strings

    This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.

    Kolstein Music

    The Samuel Kolstein Violin Shop was founded by Samuel Kolstein in 1943 as a Violin and Bow making establishment in Brooklyn, New York. Now on Long Island, over 60 years later, Kolstein's has built a proud reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise in both the manufacture and repair of a whole range of stringed instruments, and has expanded to a staff of twelve experts in restoration, marketing and production.

    Steve Swan String Bass

    Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast's largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada. Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor.

    Upton Bass String Instrument Company

    Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long "Karr neck" has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.

    The Bass Violin Shop

    The Bass Violin Shop offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

    A440 Violin Shop

    An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools.

    Contrabass Conversations production team:

    • Jason Heath, host
    • Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing
    • Mitch Moehring, audio engineer
    • Trevor Jones, publication and promotion
    • Krista Kopper, archival and cataloging

    Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

    40 min
  • 589: John Goldsby on his Building Up course

    John Goldsby has recently released a new course on Discover Double Bass called Building Up. This course contains four hours of video in 45 different lessons.

    Many of the tracks feature piano and drum accompaniment and also include tracks without the bass so you can practice along.

    The course is perfect for intermediate to advanced jazz bassists who want to solidify their technique and learn new approaches, and it's put together from material that John has found to be quite effective with his students.

    John and I go behind the scenes of the new course, digging into the recording process, what it's like putting a course like this together. We also dig into how John balances his various life projects, like his writing for the new online publication Bass Magazine.

    It was great to catch up with John, who is a past podcast guest. He's a great guy and one heck of a bassist and teacher, and I know you'll love this new course of his!

    Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle!

    Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

    D'Addario Strings

    This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.

    Upton Bass String Instrument Company

    Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long "Karr neck" has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.

    Kolstein Music

    The Samuel Kolstein Violin Shop was founded by Samuel Kolstein in 1943 as a Violin and Bow making establishment in Brooklyn, New York. Now on Long Island, over 60 years later, Kolstein's has built a proud reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise in both the manufacture and repair of a whole range of stringed instruments, and has expanded to a staff of twelve experts in restoration, marketing and production.

    Steve Swan String Bass

    Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast's largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada. Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor.

    The Bass Violin Shop

    The Bass Violin Shop offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

    A440 Violin Shop

    An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools.

    Contrabass Conversations production team:

    • Jason Heath, host
    • Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing
    • Mitch Moehring, audio engineer
    • Trevor Jones, publication and promotion
    • Krista Kopper, archival and cataloging

    Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

    28 min
  • 588: Kiyoe Wellington on forging your own path

    Kiyoe Kaimana Delphine Wellington is on an inspiring journey through the music world. After picking up the violin at an early age, Kiyoe switched to bass at age six and began daily lessons on the instrument with her renowned grandfather George Wellington.

    Kiyoe was a part of the Hawaii Contrabass Festival as she grew up, and she has been attending International Society of Bassists conventions for the past 20 years.

    After spending her senior year of high school at the Interlochen Arts Academy, Kiyoe studied with Todd Seeber at the New England Conservatory. Todd actually studied with George Wellington while he was living in Hawaii and returned many times to take part in the Hawaii Contrabass Festival.

    After New England Conservatory, Kiyoe went to graduate school at the University of California San Diego, where she worked with Mark Dresser. She is a passionate advocate of solo bass explorations, and she appeared on the PBS's show playing solo bass on From the Top when she was 15.

    Kiyoe is currently a fellow at the Luzerner Sinfonieorchester in Switzerland, and she will be taking part in the Lucerne Festival this summer.

    We talk about her grandfather, her path through music, some recent contemporary music projects that she has been involved with, how practicing on the bass has changed for her over the years, advice for students at the beginning of their careers, and much more!

    Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle!

    Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

    D'Addario Strings

    This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.

    Kolstein Music

    The Samuel Kolstein Violin Shop was founded by Samuel Kolstein in 1943 as a Violin and Bow making establishment in Brooklyn, New York. Now on Long Island, over 60 years later, Kolstein's has built a proud reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise in both the manufacture and repair of a whole range of stringed instruments, and has expanded to a staff of twelve experts in restoration, marketing and production.

    Steve Swan String Bass

    Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast's largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada. Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor.

    A440 Violin Shop

    An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools.

    Upton Bass String Instrument Company

    Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long "Karr neck" has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.

    The Bass Violin Shop

    The Bass Violin Shop offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

    Contrabass Conversations production team:

    • Jason Heath, host
    • Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing
    • Mitch Moehring, audio engineer
    • Trevor Jones, publication and promotion
    • Krista Kopper, archival and cataloging

    Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

    40 min
  • 587: Utah Symposium for Double Bass

    Ranaan Meyer is launching a new camp called the Utah Symposium for Double Bass.

    It will be taking place in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah June 7-9, and it's open for registration for anyone ages 12 and up.

    This new event is a full scholarship, immersive program which provides participants with the opportunity to explore the entire spectrum of the double bass. From orchestra, to solo, to jazz, participants will join the faculty in sharing their knowledge and approach to the double bass.

    The Faculty will include (links to past podcast appearances):

    • Ranaan Meyer
    • Max Dimoff
    • Peter Dominguez
    • Mike Valerio

    Ranaan and I talk about the new camp, the inspiration he finds participating in events like this, the stylistic openness of this approach, and much more.

    Learn more about the Utah Symposium for Double Bass on their website, and following along with Ranaan and the camp on social media through the following links:

    • Utah Symposium for Double Bass - Facebook
    • Ranaan Meyer - Facebook
    • Ranaan Meyer - Instagram
    • Time for Three - Instagram

    Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle!

    Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

    D'Addario Strings

    This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.

    The Bass Violin Shop

    The Bass Violin Shop offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

    Kolstein Music

    The Samuel Kolstein Violin Shop was founded by Samuel Kolstein in 1943 as a Violin and Bow making establishment in Brooklyn, New York. Now on Long Island, over 60 years later, Kolstein's has built a proud reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise in both the manufacture and repair of a whole range of stringed instruments, and has expanded to a staff of twelve experts in restoration, marketing and production.

    Steve Swan String Bass

    Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast's largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada. Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor.

    Upton Bass String Instrument Company

    Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long "Karr neck" has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.

    A440 Violin Shop

    An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools.

    Contrabass Conversations production team:

    • Jason Heath, host
    • Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing
    • Mitch Moehring, audio engineer
    • Trevor Jones, publication and promotion
    • Krista Kopper, archival and cataloging

    Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

    37 min
  • 586: Phoebe Russell on her musical journey

    It is such a pleasure to have Phoebe Russell on the podcast!

    Phoebe joined the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in 2017 as Principal Bass after graduating from the Berlin Philharmonic's Karajan Academy. Phoebe is originally from Melbourne, Australia.

    She has worked with a remarkable number of professional orchestras across the globe, including the Berlin Philharmonic, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Radio Symphony Orchestra Berlin, Deutsches Symphonie Orchester, the Netherlands Philharmonic and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra.

    Phoebe has also built a remarkable career outside of the orchestra as a soloist, and she is the lecturer in double bass at The University of Queensland and a faculty member of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.

    We dig into all kinds of topics, like Phoebe's musical journey from Melbourne to Berlin, how studying in Berlin shaped her bass playing, spending time with Gary Karr, this year's Women in Bass concert celebrating fantastic double bass women from Australia and New Zealand, and much more.

    I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did, and be sure to follow Phoebe on Instagram and also check out her awesome appearance on TwoSetViolin's YouTube Channel!

    Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle!

    Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

    D'Addario Strings

    This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.

    Upton Bass String Instrument Company

    Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long "Karr neck" has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.

    Kolstein Music

    The Samuel Kolstein Violin Shop was founded by Samuel Kolstein in 1943 as a Violin and Bow making establishment in Brooklyn, New York. Now on Long Island, over 60 years later, Kolstein's has built a proud reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise in both the manufacture and repair of a whole range of stringed instruments, and has expanded to a staff of twelve experts in restoration, marketing and production.

    A440 Violin Shop

    An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools.

    Steve Swan String Bass

    Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast's largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada. Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor.

    The Bass Violin Shop

    The Bass Violin Shop offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

    Contrabass Conversations production team:

    • Jason Heath, host
    • Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing
    • Mitch Moehring, audio engineer
    • Trevor Jones, publication and promotion
    • Krista Kopper, archival and cataloging

    Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

    52 min
  • 585: Charles Winters of Miami String

    Miami String is a string shop with a unique business setup. Located in metro Miami and founded by Charles Winters, this shop recently added Dale Cockrum as a full-time master luthier.

    We chat with Charles, his wife and business partner Katrina, and Dale about the string business in Miami, unique challenges facing double basses in this humid climate, the active double bass rental market, and much more.

    Learn more on their website, and follow along with them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

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    Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

    D'Addario Strings

    This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.

    Kolstein Music

    The Samuel Kolstein Violin Shop was founded by Samuel Kolstein in 1943 as a Violin and Bow making establishment in Brooklyn, New York. Now on Long Island, over 60 years later, Kolstein's has built a proud reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise in both the manufacture and repair of a whole range of stringed instruments, and has expanded to a staff of twelve experts in restoration, marketing and production.

    Steve Swan String Bass

    Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast's largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada. Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor.

    Upton Bass String Instrument Company

    Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long "Karr neck" has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.

    The Bass Violin Shop

    The Bass Violin Shop offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!

    A440 Violin Shop

    An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools.

    Contrabass Conversations production team:

    • Jason Heath, host
    • Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing
    • Mitch Moehring, audio engineer
    • Trevor Jones, publication and promotion
    • Krista Kopper, archival and cataloging

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    54 min

About Contrabass Conversations

From the publisher's feed

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. …

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