What does a jazz education in the 21st century look like? And what should it look like?

Why would a working bassist decide to drop it all and go to school?

How does focusing deeply on contemporary music outside of jazz change the way you approach the instrument?

We answer these questions and much more on this episode featuring Jeff Denson.

Jeff is a professor at the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley, California. He’s also an active performer and has worked for many years with saxophonist Lee Konitz.

He’s got a wealth of other projects, including a recent album with the San Francisco String Trio titled May I Introduce To You.

Here’s the flow for the episode:

• Part 1 – the CJC and redefining jazz education
• Part 2 – the cauldron of influences in Jeff’s life
• Part 3 – why school?

Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

The Upton Bass String Instrument Company.  Upton’s Concord model is the first truly authentic New England double bass that they’ve made. Beautiful sloping shoulders (the same upper bouts as their Gary Karr Upton Double Bass), Busetto corners, Prescott ff-holes, flat maple back and sides (many grades available) with deep ribs (lined outside) and a deluxe spruce top combined with a finely detailed scroll, button and hand-cut tuners that pay homage to Prescott while keeping with their own highly-revered and uniquely New England tradition of instrument building.

A440 Violin Shop – An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440’s commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools.

Bass Violin Shop –  Offers the Southeast’s largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome!