238: Thomas Martin on Bottesini, gut strings, and the bass revolution

Thomas Martin

Today’s episode features Thomas Martin.  Tom has worn many hats throughout his career, working as an orchestra principal bass, soloist, champion of Bottesini’s music, luthier, teacher, and conductor.  We cover a wide variety of topics, including Tom’s early years, playing in the Army Orchestra, studying with Roger Scott, the process of uncovering the music of Bottesini and reconstructing how Bottesini approached the instrument, making basses, and the bass revolution that’s currently taking place.  Enjoy!

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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.

2 comments

  1. You are engaging, both with the interviewee, but also with the audience. I intended to check a few posts when I found the Thomas Martin interview. I couldn’t leave.
    You choose excellent guests and your interviews dig out interesting things about them.
    Thank you for your contributions to the world of the Double Bass.

  2. Wow–thanks, David! I really appreciate you saying it. Let me know if you have ideas for anyone I should have on the show, and thanks for listening!

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