Year: 2016

203: Adam Ben Ezra on YouTube fame, looping, and percussive techniques

Today we are featuring Adam Ben Ezra, who has exploded onto the double bass scene in recent years with his unique musical voice. Adam combines elements of Arabic music, Latin drumming, American pop, looping, and many other styles to form his own craft. He has become quite popular on YouTube, and his videos are fun… Continue reading 203: Adam Ben Ezra on YouTube fame, looping, and percussive techniques

202: Chuck Israels on rhythm, amplification and jazz education

Today’s guest is jazz bass legend Chuck Israels.  We start by covering more familiar topics like meeting Charlie Mingus, playing with Bill Evans, Bill’s use of rhythm, the importance of having concrete and specific role models, and then go deep into topics like Balinese wood carving (the time it takes to get good) – not… Continue reading 202: Chuck Israels on rhythm, amplification and jazz education

201: Ira Gold on bow strokes, musical curiosity, and practicing techniques

We’re featuring National Symphony bassist and Peabody Institute faculty member Ira Gold on today’s episode.  Ira was one of the very first interview guests for the podcast, and we spread it out over three episodes: 15, 18, and 43.  This “round two” interview was conducted almost a decade after the first conversation, and Ira has… Continue reading 201: Ira Gold on bow strokes, musical curiosity, and practicing techniques

199: Federico Marchesano and The Inner Bass

Italian contrabassist Federico Marchesano

This is an all-music episode of Contrabass Conversations featuring Italian bassist Federico Marchesano and tracks from his recent release on the Solitunes label titled The Inner Bass. The first track, Piggy, features pedal effects and overdubs.  We then hear Hakazehe, a traditional Burundi song that features the bass being hit by a wooden stick.  We round out the… Continue reading 199: Federico Marchesano and The Inner Bass