386: Larry Grenadier on sound, technique, and fluidity

Being able to sit down with outstanding artists and thinkers like Larry Grenadier is one of the true pleasures of doing this podcast.

Larry is a longtime member of the Brad Mehldau Trio and Pat Metheny‘s group, and has recorded with Paul Motian, Charles Lloyd, Enrico Rava, Danilo Perez, Chris Potter, Joshua Redman, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and many others.

I had the chance to check out Larry’s mesmerizing headlining concert at the 2017 International Society of Bassists Convention, and I’m so thankful that we were able to catch up for this podcast!  Check out Larry on Facebook as well as his own trio Fly, and look for his solo bass album in the near future.

Here’s the flow for this episode:

  • Part 1 – Bay Area Years
  • Part 2 – Technique
  • Part 3 – Gear and Advice

Check out more jazz artists on the podcast at contrabassconversations.com/jazz

Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

The Upton Bass String Instrument Company. Upton’s Bostonian was conceived at the 2009 International Society of Double Bassists convention at State College, Pennsylvania, while world-renowned jazz bassist and Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas, Lynn Seaton and Upton Bass String Instrument Co. President and Founder, Gary Upton Birkhamshaw were playing and discussing the various instruments Upton Bass had created for the convention. They started with a blank sheet of paper, and together began jotting down Lynn’s preferences and suggestion with each model. The result was a rough outline of what would become the UB Bostonian Concert Double Bass.

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.

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! Check out what people are saying about the Bass Violin Shop on Facebook.

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By Jason

An active double bass performer and teacher, Jason teaches double bass at DePaul University and served on the Board of Directors of the International Society of Bassists for many years. Jason is the current President of the Illinois chapter of the American String Teachers Association. Jason has been a member of the Elgin Symphony since 2000 and has played with the Midsummer’s Music Festival in Door County for the past decade. He is a past member of the Milwaukee Ballet and IRIS Orchestra, and has performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Grant Park Symphony, and numerous other professional ensembles.