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Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

238: Thomas Martin on Bottesini, gut strings, and the bass revolution

Thomas Martin

Today’s episode features Thomas Martin.  Tom has worn many hats throughout his career, working as an orchestra principal bass, soloist, champion of Bottesini’s music, luthier, teacher, and conductor.  We cover a wide variety of topics, including Tom’s early years, playing in the Army Orchestra, studying with Roger Scott, the process of uncovering the music of Bottesini and reconstructing how Bottesini approached the instrument, making basses, and the bass revolution that’s currently taking place.  Enjoy!

Links:

  • Tom’s website
  • Tom’s Bottesini recordings:
    • Bottesini Collection Vol. 1
    • Bottesini Collection Vol. 2
    • Bottesini Collection Vol. 3
    • Bottesini Collection Vol. 4
    • Bottesini Collection Vol. 5

Listener feedback links:

  • Cassie LaMarche’s GoFundMe for BASS2016
  • Music Podcasts I’ve been Enjoying:
    • The Entrepreneurial Musician
    • Divergent Paths
    • Clarineat
    • A Musical Life
http://traffic.libsyn.com/contrabassconversations/CBC_238_-_Thomas_Martin_Interview.mp3

236: Matthew McDonald on resonance, bow distribution, and mindset

Berlin Philharmonic principal bassist Matthew McDonald is today's featured guest!

Berlin Philharmonic principal bassist Matthew McDonald is today’s featured guest!

Today’s episode features Berlin Philharmonic principal bassist Matthew McDonald. Originally from Australia, Matthew joined the Philharmonic in 2008 after spending time in orchestras in Denmark and Germany. We cover bow distribution, resonance, the performers mindset, practicing, advice for students, and several other topics.

We also feature excerpts of Matthew performing pieces by Hindemith, Bruch, Bottesini, and Koussevitzky.  Check out these complete recordings and more on Matthew’s YouTube channel.  Enjoy!

Tracks featured:

  • Hindemith Sonata
  • Bruch Kol Nidrei
  • Bottesini Grande Allegro alla Mendelssohn
  • Koussevitzky Valse Miniature
http://traffic.libsyn.com/contrabassconversations/CBC_236_-_Matthew_McDonald_Interview.mp3

234: Justin Locke returns!

 

Management coach, speaker, author, and playwright Justin Locke

Management coach, speaker, author, and playwright Justin Locke

Today’s episode is a “round two” with Justin Locke. After playing double bass for many years with the Boston Pops, Justin is now a management coach, speaker, author, and playwright.

We talk about many concepts, including the Toyota Lean Manufacturing system and how it relates to the Simandl technique, crazy stories from the Boston Pops, arts education, lessons from the music world that can be applied to the corporate world, workflow and timing, the “Mozart in the Jungle” effect that Justin has experienced, and his latest book that explores the physics of emotional energy.

Check out the original interview from nearly a decade ago here.

Books mentioned:

  • Justin’s books
    • Real Men Don’t Rehearse
    • Principles of Applied Stupidity
    • Getting in Touch with Your Inner Rich Kid
    • Time Light Love
  • Mozart in the Jungle
  • The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing
http://traffic.libsyn.com/contrabassconversations/CBC_234_-_Justin_Locke_Returns.mp3

232: Jory Herman on community engagement, balance, and resonant churches

San Diego Symphony bassist Jory Herman is today's guest!

San Diego Symphony bassist Jory Herman is today’s guest!

Today’s episode features Jory Herman, who is a member of the San Diego Symphony bass section and has just released his second solo album titled Life.  In addition to playing in the San Diego Symphony, Jory is actively involved in community engagement in the San Diego area.  He has recently become Director of Community Engagement with Art of Elan and is an active teacher and clinician.

We talk about his early years in music, studying bass with Paul Ellison at Rice University, and his time playing in the New World Symphony, where he got bitten by the community engagement bug.  We also discuss the recording of both his previous album of Bach Cello Suites and his most recent album, as well as what it’s like to continue to develop as a player and a person after landing an orchestra job.  Enjoy!

Links:

  • joryherman.com
  • Art of Elan
  • Bach album
  • Life album

Continue Reading …

http://traffic.libsyn.com/contrabassconversations/CBC_232_-_Jory_Herman_Interview.mp3

228: David White on Broadway, New York City, and Networking

David White performs on upright and electric bass in musical theatre

David White performs on upright and electric bass in musical theatre

Today’s episode features David White, who works as an upright and electric bassist in the world of musical theatre.  David is based in New York City and is currently on tour with the Bridges of Madison County.  We talk about his time at the Berklee College of Music and working as a bassist for Royal Caribbean, moving to New York City and getting involved with the theatre scene, a week in the life of a theatre musician, developing networking skills, and much more.  Enjoy!

Links:

  • David’s website
  • Shirtwaist Sisters

Continue Reading …

http://traffic.libsyn.com/contrabassconversations/CBC_228_-_David_White_Interview.mp3
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