Category: Interview Guests

490: Thomas Zera on orchestral bass section differences

Thomas Zera has undertaken a fascinating project these past couple of years: play in the bass section of many of the United States’ major orchestras and learn the differences between how these sections approach their craft.  For this project, Tom performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Oregon Symphony, San Francisco Symphony,… Continue reading 490: Thomas Zera on orchestral bass section differences

489: Eric Hansen on teaching and learning

I was driving from Santa Cruz to San Jose with Barry Green recently.  We were talking about folks I should connect with for the podcast, and Eric Hansen was the first person Barry suggested.  Eric teaches bass at Brigham Young University and is the former principal bassist of the Winnipeg Symphony. Eric and I met… Continue reading 489: Eric Hansen on teaching and learning

487: Bernard Gallone on left handed bass playing

(photo courtesy of Upton Bass) When Moulin Rogue bandleader and bassist Bernard Gallone reached out to me about doing an episode on the unique challenges of being a left-handed bassist, I was intrigued.  I am also a left-handed bassist, though like many other left-handed people, I was taught to play in the traditional, “right-handed” way.… Continue reading 487: Bernard Gallone on left handed bass playing

486: James Ham on double bass innovations

James Ham is a legend in the double bass luthier world.  After a multifaceted background that landed him in Victoria, British Columbia, James Ham created a series of revolutionary designs for the double bass. His first instrument was commissioned by Gary Karr after a deep analysis of the various positive and not-so-positive traits of the… Continue reading 486: James Ham on double bass innovations