New York City jazz bassist Neal Miner joins the podcast to talk about his new book of original bass-feature compositions, a 25-year collection designed for students and professionals to use in ensemble settings. Neal shares how longtime collaborator Chris Byars encouraged the project, how the book grew into play-alongs and a My Music Masterclass, and how his work as a bassist, teacher, composer, and documentary filmmaker all connect through a patient “chip away” creative process.
We dig into Neal’s love of bass melodies, contrafacts, gut strings, his longtime Juzek bass, Golden Spiral strings, DPA mic setup, recording acoustic bass, and the realities of playing unfamiliar instruments on the road. Neal also talks about his YouTube documentaries, his trio album Invisibility on Cellar Music, and life as an active New York jazz musician.
Enjoy, and learn more at Neal’s website, follow him on Instagram, and check out his work on YouTube! Be sure also to check out Neal’s excellent appearance on Discover Double Bass.
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Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio – CMU is dedicated to helping each student achieve their goals as a musician. Every week each student receives private lessons and participates in a solo class with Micah Howard. Peter Guild, another member of the PSO, teaches Orchestral Literature and Repertoire weekly. They encourage students to reach out to the great bassists in their area for lessons and direction. Many of the bassists from all of the city’s ensembles are more than willing to lend a hand. Every year members of the Symphony, the Opera and the Ballet give classes and offer our students individual attention. Click here to visit Micah’s website and to sign up for a free online trial lesson.
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Gear used to record this podcast
- Zoom H6 studio 8-Track 32-Bit Float Handy Recorder
- Rode Podmic
- Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera
- Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Lens
- Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens
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Theme music by Eric Hochberg
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