We’re wrapping up our interview with double bassist Peter Seymour this week on Contrabass Conversations. We began this interview on episode 53, so be sure to check this episode out if you missed it! Peter has performed for the New World Symphony and spent a season playing with the Cleveland Orchestra, and he is now involved with an exciting new trio called Project. This group is made up of Peter on bass, Eric Stephenson on cello, and Greg Patillo on flute. Learn more about Project at projecttrio.com.
This episode, we discuss:
- how Project (which is both a group and a nonprofit organization) came to be
- playing in the style of today
- their upcoming Brooklyn Philharmonic presentation
- how although classical musicians are some of the most creative people out there, we can be very passive professionally
- how Project for Peter is a full-on business
- how the wide network of contacts he’s made over the years in professional orchestras across the country are paying off now with Project
- similarities between the orchestral path and what Peter’s doing with Project in terms of outlook and work ethic
- balancing the administration of Project with practicing and finding time to continue to grow musically
Although Peter has focused on obtaining a position in a major orchestra for many years, he is now focused on creating new creative outlets with Project, and his decision to strike out on his own with this great trio is an example of musical entrepreneurship at its finest. Be sure to pick up a copy of Winter in June, the new release from this killer trio. Enjoy!
Videos from Project:
About Peter:
Dallas native Peter Seymour has performed with a multitude of highly acclaimed artists and ensembles. As a member of the Cleveland Orchestra he performed under the baton of Franz Welser-Möst and in the New World Symphony under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas. He was the recipient of the Downbeat Magazine Award for Best Jazz Soloist in 1996 and has appeared with Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, and Bobby McFerrin.
The son of an educator, Peter has been very active in planning and performing community outreach activities throughout the country and served as events coordinator for the New World Symphony Orchestra from 2001-2004.
He received a Bachelor of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a Master’s Degree in Bass Performance from Rice University where he was a student of Paul Ellison. Peter is active composing and performing with PROJECT, the ensemble he co-founded with cellist Eric Stephenson. He presently resides in New York City.
About Project:
PROJECT is a dynamic young group that is exciting audiences with their energy and innovative style. Their sound can only be described as a fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and world music – balanced out by a sincere allegiance to their classical roots. By combining the classical repertoire with original compositions, PROJECT reaches out to new audiences. Through performance and outreach/education concerts, we can provide access for the next generation of music lovers.
Tracks played:
From ‘Winter in June’ by Project – available at http://cdbaby.com/cd/projectmusic
Music Provided by:
- Project – www.whatisproject.org
- Eric Hochberg – www.erichochberg.com