Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

1132: Chris Jennings on Traveling the World with a Double Bass

photo Goffredo Loertsher 2019

Chris Jennings is a Canadian left-handed double bassist who’s been based in Paris since 2002, traveling extensively across jazz and world music projects to all corners of the globe. A D’Addario Orchestral Artist, Chris has carved out a unique niche playing in ensembles where there’s often no bass part written, working with artists like Nguyên Lê, Dhafer Youssef, and exploring the rhythmic complexities of Gnawa music.

In this episode, Chris shares the story of his game-changing Petite Double Bass made by Polish luthier Piotr Poludniak — a hand-carved, neck-off instrument that weighs just 12kg in its carbon fiber case and sounds remarkably like a full-size acoustic bass.

We also dive into his bow technique journey with Tom Martin and Edgar Meyer, his philosophy of being “in service to the music,” his travel productivity hacks, the polyrhythmic world of Gnawa music, and much more.

Enjoy, and connect with Chris on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube!

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Theme music by Eric Hochberg

1127: Stephen Tramontozzi on Basso Antico

In this episode, San Francisco Symphony Assistant Principal Bassist Stephen Tramontozzi joins Jason to talk about his new solo album Basso Antico. Alongside his orchestral work, Steve has built a wide?ranging career as a soloist and educator. He has released a series of solo recordings, including Walkabout, Home Bass, Urban Bass, and Basso Novo.

In this conversation, Steve shares the musical and historical ideas behind Basso Antico, which traces the evolution of the cello and bass voice from 17th?century Italy through the world of J. S. Bach. He discusses approaching ricercari, early sonatas, and Bach’s Suite No. 4 on the modern double bass, and how elements such as improvisation, counterpoint, and dance inform his interpretation. Download Steve’s sheet music edition of Gabrielli: 7 Ricercari for solo double bass.

Enjoy, and check out Basso Antico on Spotify or wherever you listen to music! 

Connect with DBHQ

Gear used to record this podcast

When you buy a product using a link on this page, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting DBHQ.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Upton Bass – From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like 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!

946: How DO you find good fingerings for double bass parts?

This episode covers the “rules” of good bass fingering and how and when to apply or break them. And don’t forget to download your free guide on how to develop great double bass fingerings. Enjoy!

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Check out our Online Sheet Music Store with 100+ wide-ranging titles for bassists.

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

Check out my Beginner’s Classical Bass course and Intermediate to Advanced Classical Bass course, available exclusively from Discover Double Bass.

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Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio – CMU is dedicated to helping each student achieve their goals as a musician. Every week each student receives private lessons and participates in a solo class with Micah Howard. Peter Guild, another member of the PSO, teaches Orchestral Literature and Repertoire weekly. They encourage students to reach out to the great bassists in their area for lessons and direction. Many of the bassists from all of the city’s ensembles are more than willing to lend a hand. Every year members of the Symphony, the Opera and the Ballet give classes and offer our students individual attention. Click here to visit Micah’s website and to sign up for a free online trial lesson.

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.

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889: Susan Hagen on warming up on the double bass

Susan Hagen has recently written a book of Warm-Ups for double bassists.  It’s titled BASSics of Bass and is available in digital form through our sheet music store or in print form by emailing Susan.

We talk about this book and much more.  Enjoy, and be sure to check out Susan on her website, YouTube Channel, and Berklee faculty profile!

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

Check out our Online Sheet Music Store with 100+ wide-ranging titles for bassists.

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

Check out my Beginner’s Classical Bass course and Intermediate to Advanced Classical Bass course, available exclusively from Discover Double Bass.

Thank you to our sponsors!

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.

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