I was first introduced to Erik Higgins by orchestra director and bassist Jonathan Lane.  Jonathan passed along a mesmerizing video of Erik performing an improvised duet with clarinetist Kinan Azmeh. 

This duet is based on a Syrian Folk tune and took place during a live performance with A Far Cry and the Silk Road Ensemble. 

Like New Century Chamber Orchestra bassist Tony Manzo, Erik has carved out a fascinating career for himself as a chamber music bassist.  In addition to performing in A Far Cry, Erik plays regularly with the Handel and Haydn Society, and remains active in the both the modern and period performance scenes locally, nationally and abroad.

He previously played in the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (where bassist Alexandra Scott now plays), and he was on the “bass soloist” path in his younger years, having placed in competitions for the International Society of Bassists and American String Teachers Association.

Erik and I dig into all sorts of topics, like:

• why Erik left the “bass soloist” path
• what he finds musically fulfilling about chamber settings
• developing a passion for period performance
• how “being interested” is the key to so many things in life

Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

Upton Bass String Instrument Company

Upton’s Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.

D’Addario Strings

This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Helicore strings, which are are designed, engineered, and crafted at the D’Addario string factory in New York and come in orchestral, hybrid, pizzicato, and solo string sets.

Contrabass Conversations production team:

• Jason Heath, host
• Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing
• Mitch Moehring, audio engineer
• Trevor Jones, publication and promotion