Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

379: Dennis Whittaker on opera life, endurance, and career paths

Dennis Whittaker has had a fascinating journey through the music world.

After his studies in music education at Baylor University and a masters degree with Jeff Bradetich at Northwestern University, Dennis found himself teaching middle and high school orchestra in Texas.

After seven years of teaching in the Waco and Houston public schools, a series of events occurred that propelled him into the professional performing world:

  1. he landed the principal bass position for the Houston Grand Opera
  2. he was hired to teach bass at the University of Houston
  3. he began subbing regularly in the Houston Symphony

We dig into the events surrounding this transition and much more!

Check out the opera excerpts that Dennis talks about here!

Continue Reading …

378: how wood choice affects tone with Seth Kimmel

I’m so pumped to bring you today’s episode covering the tonal differences of various woods with Seth Kimmel!

Seth is an awesome luthier located in Eugene, Oregon.  I had the chance to play some of his basses at the 2017 International Society of Bassists Convention and was blown away.

Seth uses a wide variety of woods for his basses, including:

  • maple
  • walnut
  • myrtle
  • spruce
  • pine
  • cedar
  • redwood

We dig into the tonal characteristics of these various woods today.  Totally fascinating!

I took notes on everything that Seth covered and  put them all into a PDF.

If you have our Contrabass Conversations app, the PDF is included with this episode in the bonus content.

You can also click here to get a copy of these notes.

Enjoy!

Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

The Upton Bass String Instrument Company.  Upton’s Bostonian was conceived at the 2009 International Society of Double Bassists convention at State College, Pennsylvania, while world-renowned jazz bassist and Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas, Lynn Seaton and Upton Bass String Instrument Co. President and Founder, Gary Upton Birkhamshaw were playing and discussing the various instruments Upton Bass had created for the convention. They started with a blank sheet of paper, and together began jotting down Lynn’s preferences and suggestion with each model. The result was a rough outline of what would become the UB Bostonian Concert Double Bass.

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!

Check out all luthier episodes at contrabassconversations.com/luthiers

377: Alexis Cuadrado on technique, composition, and 21st-century careers

Barcelona-born Alexis Cuadrado is one of New York’s most sought-after musicians.

In addition to performing as a sideman with Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo, Youssou N’Dour, Dianne Reeves, Omara Portuondo, Steve Wilson and Seamus Blake, Alexis maintains a thriving career as a composer and educator.

I had the chance to see Alexis at the 2017 International Society of Bassists Convention, and it was great to catch up with him for this deep dive into his craft.

This episode is divided into three parts:

  • Part 1 – discovering François Rabbath
    • starting to play upright in Barcelona and developing severe tendinitis
    • trying to “start the house from the roof instead of the foundation”
    • meeting Barry Green – the link to Francois
    • the benefits of “starting from the beginning” with Rabbath
  • Part 2 – the language of jazz
    • improvisation
    • composition
    • approaches with students
    • work habits
  • Part 3 – 21st-century careers
    • multiple income streams
      multiple skills sets
      how you present yourself to the world – what’s your outlook?
    • moving to New York

Links to check out:

Check out all jazz-related episodes at contrabassconversations.com/jazz

Continue Reading …

375: Jessica Valls on improvisation, emotion, and finding your voice

Jessica Valls has created a fascinating career as a double bass performer, educator, and free improvisor.

She performs regularly with the Austin Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, and the vocal group Conspirare.  She also plays chamber music, jazz gigs, and solo performances.

Jessica teaches at Southwestern University, Austin Community College, and Huston-Tillotson University.  She is also the founder and director of the Austin Bass Workshop.

Jessica is a dedicated free improvisor, incorporating singing, bass playing, and other elements on a regular basis into her performances.

This episode is divided into three parts:

  • Part 1 – Being Onstage
  • Part 2 – Improvisation: The Hows and Whys
  • Part 3 – Reflection and Advice

Continue Reading …

374: being an adult amateur with Stuart Pearce

Stuart Pearce is an engineer by trade.

Three years ago, he sent his youngest child off to college and did a “rest of life” evaluation.

What do things look like for the next 20-30 years?

Golf and finishing would be fun… but it didn’t have the appeal to Stuart.

Playing an instrument came to mind.  Inspired by hearing Edgar Meyer, he decided to pick up the bass.

He’s three years in and is loving it!

Our story today in three parts:

  • Part 1 – why the bass?
    • the story of the aluminum bass
    • being stewards of these instruments
  • Part 2 – the challenges
    • what it’s like learning the bass as an adult
    • what has been surprisingly difficult
  • Part 3 – advice for those thinking about picking up an instrument

Reach out to Stuart by emailing him.

Links from Stuart:

Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

The 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.

Check out this video of David Murray “auditioning” his Upton Bass!

The Bass Violin Shop, which  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!

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