Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

1087: Melody Ruiz on Thelma Terry

Melody Ruiz is writing a book about Thelma Terry, a double bassist and bandleader in 1920s Chicago. She documents her research process on Instagram and is crowdfunding the project through gofundme and Etsy.

We discuss how Melody discovered Thelma’s story, the challenges and rewards of researching someone from a century ago, and the fascinating discoveries she’s made along the way.

We’ll reconnect with Melody as her book nears publication. Meanwhile, follow her journey on Instagram!

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

1086: Christopher Dammann on the Chicago jazz scene

Christopher Dammann is a Chicago-based composer and bassist whose sextet recently released its debut album.

Our conversation explores Christopher’s journey from self-taught musician to Northwestern University bass student, examining how iconic Chicago venues like Velvet Lounge and Constellation shaped his artistry, his practice methodology, and much more.

Enjoy, and don’t miss this excellent debut album from Christopher’s sextet!

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Thank you to our sponsor!

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

1062: Ali Watson – A Journey Through Jazz from London to Glasgow and Beyond

In this episode, we chat with Ali Watson, a Glasgow-based bassist, who is set to release his debut album, ‘Terrarium,’ on November 26th. Ali shares his experiences from studying jazz at the Guildhall in London and contrasts it with Glasgow’s smaller but thriving jazz scene. He reflects on his musical influences, the process of creating his album, and the unique jazz community in Scotland. We also explore his early days in music, including his classical training and transition to jazz, as well as his participation in various projects and collaborations.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

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

Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah’s website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here.

1048: Peter Dominguez on The Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass

On this episode, we welcome accomplished bassist and Professor of Double Bass and Jazz Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Peter Dominguez. Peter started his career in Milwaukee and has also taught at Michigan State University, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and performed with various artists globally.

Peter’s contributions include adjudicating international competitions, directing the Richard Davis Foundation conference, and the Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass. His discography includes “How About This”, “Groove Dreams”, and a solo recording “Bass Salute”.

We discuss the Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass, a summer program for teenage bass players, which Peter directs. Hosted by NJPAC and Montclair State University in July 2024, the program offers classes, performances, ensemble work, studio sessions, and more. Visit njpac.org/hinton for more information.

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Upton Bass Rosin, developed by Gary Upton, boasts an excellent feel, response, and tone for double bass bows. Gary believes it’s the best bass rosin available. It’s appreciated by users like Blake Hinson from the New York Philharmonic for its quality and performance.  Learn more about Upton’s rosin, basses, and more at uptonbass.com.

1036: Matt Rybicki on learning jazz bass

Matt Rybicki  has performed with renowned artists like Wynton Marsalis and played at esteemed venues from The Village Vanguard to international concert halls. He balances an active performance schedule with his roles as a faculty member at The Juilliard School and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. 

Matt recently started a YouTube Channel titled Learn Jazz Bass with Matt Rybicki, which digs into all kinds of insights into jazz bass for players of all levels.

We talk about the inspiration for starting this channel, what it has been like making weekly videos, and much more.  Enjoy!

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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