Contrabass Conversations

Kieran Hanlon is Assistant Professor of String Bass and Jazz at The State University of New York at Fredonia. In addition to his teaching, Kieran is a first call performer in both the classical and jazz idioms, and enjoys a diverse performing career in both genres across Upstate New York and Pennsylvania.

• what it was like starting college as a violin and jazz bass student
• Kieran's varied career path
• going to Eastman for orchestral studies with James VanDemark
• studying wth Steve Molina and Colin Corner
• nuts & bolts teaching techniques for students in music education methods classes coming to the bass

Follow along with all ISB-related coverage at contrabassconversations.com/ISB.

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which 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!

John Davis is a great example of how musicians in smaller markets can create a vibrant career. John runs his own business, providing string instrument rentals and repairs. He also restrings tennis rackets!

Additionally, John serves as principal bass of the Salina Symphony. He teaches at Kansas Wesleyan University and maintains a private studio as well.

John's background in radio, television, and film along with his background in business give him a valuable perspective on how to make a career as a musician regardless of where you live. This episode is filled with great advice!

Follow along with all ISB-related coverage at contrabassconversations.com/ISB.

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which 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!

Jon Liebman is the founder of For Bass Players Only, which recently published its 500th interview. Jon is also the author of several titles for Hal Leonard and has a series of online bass lessons.

Jon and I had been in touch about doing an interview for the past six months, and the 2017 International Society of Bassists Convention was a great opportunity to do so. We chatted about what Jon has learned during his 500+ interviews, some favorite past interviews of his, how he got into the book writing business, and much more!

• jonliebman.com
• forbassplayersonly.com
• forguitarplayersonly.com

• Carol Kaye
• Christian McBride
• Chris Squire
• Paul McCartney
• John Patitucci
• Ron Carter

Follow along with all ISB-related coverage at contrabassconversations.com/ISB.

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which 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!

Rick Jones started Acoustic Image to solve the problem of hauling around a bulky amplifier that artificially colors the acoustic sound of the bass. As an engineer, he came up with unique methods of construction that keep the weight down and eliminate the problem of cabinets changing the sound of the instrument.

Rick had a prototype new amp at the convention and was getting feedback from convention participants. We chat about this prototype, the origins of Acoustic Image, and much more!

Be sure to check out the Acoustic Image Facebook page and check out this post about Martin Wind trying out the latest from the company.

Follow along with all ISB-related coverage at contrabassconversations.com/ISB.

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which 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!

Curtis Burris has taught bass for many years at the Chautauqua Institution. I was with Kate Jones and ran into Curtis as he was chatting with Virginia Dixon on the streets of Ithaca. Kate is a former student of Curtis, and she set up this interview for the following day.

• went to Northwestern
• taught at DePaul
• played the Lithuanian Opera in Chicago
• subbed in the Lyric Opera and Grant Park Symphony
• played in Milwaukee (he was in the symphony and I played in the ballet)

Curtis shares a ton of hilarious tales from the orchestra trenches and offers a wonderful perspective on teaching. This conversation was a ton of fun!

Follow along with all ISB-related coverage at contrabassconversations.com/ISB.

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which 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!

Gaelen McCormick was heading up the Young Bassists Program for the 2017 International Society of Bassists Convention. Gaelen is a past guest on the podcast, and we were able to find a few minutes to chat about her role at the convention as well as her new book Mastering the Bow, Part 3: Studies for Bass.

• Mastering The Bow, Part 1: Studies For Bass
• Mastering the Bow, Part 2: Spiccato
• Mastering the Bow, Part 3: Studies for Bass

Follow along with all ISB-related coverage at contrabassconversations.com/ISB.

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which 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!

David Neubert was one of the early champions of the International Society of Bassists. He hosted conventions at UT-Austin (1986) and Interlochen (1993). He was the Principal Bass of the Springfield Symphony (Massachusetts), the Wichita Symphony and recently retired from the Austin Symphony Orchestra. He was a double bass professor at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Wichita State University, and The University of Texas at Austin.

• David's early years in Northern California
• the accomplishments of former students of his
• David's cross-country career path
• the Reinshagen (New Work) and Torello (Philadelphia) schools of playing
• David Walter and his Melodious Bass book

Follow along with all ISB-related coverage at contrabassconversations.com/ISB!

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which 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!

David Gage opened his shop in 1978 in New York City. He has played an integral role in the double bass world ever since. David has served on the International Society of Bassists board of directors in the past and provides a wide range of products and services for the double bassist.

• studying with Dave Holland in 1976
• working with Chuck Traeger
• the origins of the shop
• getting into making products and services
• being a part of the "bass revolution" over the past few decades

Follow along with all ISB-related coverage at contrabassconversations.com/ISB.

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which 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!

Today's episode covers details about the BASS2018 European Bass Congress that will be taking place in Lucca, Italy.

Follow along with the slideshow through this link, and be sure to keep up with current BASS2018 updates on the organization's Facebook page.

• Jimmi Roger Pedersen, President
• Gabriele Ragghianti, President-Elect
• Stephan Petzhold, Vice President
• Alberto Bocini, Vice President-Elect
• Stefan Nestler, Treasurer
• Ursula Beate Dietrich, Secretary
• Dan Styffe, Board Member
• Thierry Barbé, Board Member

• Gabriele Ragghianti
• Alberto Bocini
• Furio Di Castri (Jazz Artistic Director)
• Jimmi Roger Pedersen (Jazz Artistic Director)

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which 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!

Today's episode features a panel discussion with individuals that started the International Society of Bassists, guided it through the early years, and helped shape it to what it is today.

• Barre Phillips (via video)
• Lawrence Hurst (via video)
• Lucas Drew (thoughts read by David Neubert)
• David Neubert
• Gary Karr
• Tom Knific
• Barry Green
• Jeff Bradetich
• Paul Ellison
• Madeleine Crouch
• David Murray
• Douglas Mapp
• Kristin Korb

Follow along with all ISB-related coverage at contrabassconversations.com/ISB.

• 1967 - Gary Karr founds the International Institute for String Bass (IISB)
• 1974 - organization is relaunched by Barry Green and Lucas Drew as the International Society of Bassists (ISB)
• 1982 - Jeff Bradetich is appointed executive director
• 1984 - ISB Convention at Northwestern University
• 1986 - ISB Convention at University of Texas at Austin
• 1988 - ISB Convention at UCLA
• 1990 - ISB Convention at New York University
• 1993 - ISB Convention at Interlochen Arts Academy
• 1995 - ISB Convention at Indiana University
• 1997 - ISB Convention at Rice University
• 1999 - ISB Convention at University of Iowa
• 2000 - ISBworldoffice.com launched
• 2001 - ISB Convention at Butler University
• 2003 - ISB Convention at University of Virginia
• 2005 - ISB Convention at Western Michigan University
• 2007 - ISB Convention at Oklahoma City University
• 2008 - ISB Store and ISB Editions launched
• 2009 - ISB Convention at Penn State
• 2011 - ISB Convention at San Francisco State University
• 2013 - ISB Convention at Eastman School of Music
• 2015 - ISB Convention at Colorado State University
• 2017 - ISB Convention at Ithaca College

The ISB has a great history page on their website with more detailed information.

This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance.

Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings!

Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which 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!