Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

1076: Yuka Tadano’s Musical Odyssey to 1st call Broadway Bassist

In today’s episode, Yuka Tadano shares her musical journey. Starting with her current gigs, including a new Broadway show, “Swept Away,” and preparing for a cast album of “Suffs,” she reflects on her extensive experience in musical theater.

Yuka discusses her involvement in several productions, including the Neil Diamond show “Beautiful Noise.” She also touches on her passion for jazz, her educational background at the University of North Texas, and her transition to New York’s vibrant scene.

We also discuss the blend of stability and uncertainty in a musician’s life, her experiences with both electric and acoustic bass, and the importance of creativity and attention to detail. Don’t miss this conversation with one of Broadway’s first-call bassists.

Enjoy, and check out Yuka’s CASE-4-BASS interview to learn more about her electric bass great and playing.

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Upton Bass – From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like ME Max Zeugner of the New York Philharmonic, each Upton Bass is crafted with precision in Connecticut, USA, and built to last for generations.  Discover your perfect bass with Upton Bass today!

1075: Redefining Classical Music with Kebra-Seyoun Charles

This episode is an in-depth and inspiring conversation with 2022 Sphinx Competition winner Kebra-Seyoun Charles (they/them), a classical bassist and composer renowned for overcoming barriers and diversifying the landscape of classical music.

As a modern virtuoso and composer of concerti, ballets, and pop ballads, Kebra’s music has been praised for its “buoyancy and verve — pushing the far reaches of tonality while savoring hummable grooves” (ICareIfYouListen). A rising star and advocate for a more inclusive classical music community, The Strad confirms that “Versatility defines Charles’s approach.”

We cover their musical journey, the importance of inclusive music education, experiences with stage fright and imposter syndrome, and the critical role of classical music in today’s world. Kebra-Seyoun also shares insights into their creative process, the impact of mentorship, and the goal of merging classical music with mainstream culture.

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Thank you to our sponsor!

Upton Bass – From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like ME Max Zeugner of the New York Philharmonic, each Upton Bass is crafted with precision in Connecticut, USA, and built to last for generations.  Discover your perfect bass with Upton Bass today!

1073: Sidney King on his multifaceted career

In this episode, acclaimed double bassist, composer, and arranger Sidney King discusses his busy fall filled with outreach events, master classes, and student recitals at the University of Louisville. 

Sidney highlights his collaborations, notably with flamenco guitarist Gareth Jones, and shares insights into his compositions for orchestras, educational groups, and church services. 

He emphasizes the importance of community and education in his work and the success he’s found in making his compositions accessible through his new website.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

Upton Bass – From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like ME Max Zeugner of the New York Philharmonic, each Upton Bass is crafted with precision in Connecticut, USA, and built to last for generations.  Discover your perfect bass with Upton Bass today!

Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah’s website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here.

1072: Joyful Connections – The Power of Music with Roberto Cassani

In this episode, Roberto Cassani shares his journey into the world of improvised music and his latest project Music for the purpose of Joy, which provides group music sessions to children, young people and adults based on his improvisational approach. 

Initially focused on mastering his instrument and securing gigs, Roberto discovered a profound sense of joy and connection through improvisation. He discusses his academic research into the emotional and social benefits of music improvisation, highlighting the positive impacts on community building and personal interaction. 

Roberto also details his methods for engaging different groups, from children to university students, in creative music-making sessions. Additionally, he talks about his recent musical projects and the importance of fostering joy and connection through music.

Enjoy, and check out Roberto’s past podcast appearances here.

Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

Connect with us:

Thank you to our sponsors!

Upton Bass – From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like ME Max Zeugner of the New York Philharmonic, each Upton Bass is crafted with precision in Connecticut, USA, and built to last for generations.  Discover your perfect bass with Upton Bass today!

Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah’s website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here.

1071: Tim Cobb on the path to becoming New York Philharmonic Principal Bassist

In this episode, New York Philharmonic principal bassist Tim Cobb discusses his journey from growing up in Albany with a musically gifted family to his renowned career in the New York Philharmonic. Tim shares anecdotes about his father’s influence, his early experiences in Albany’s vibrant music scene, and his tenure at the Metropolitan Opera.

He reflects on his time studying with Roger Scott at Curtis, his involvement with the Marlboro Music Festival, and the transition from the Met Orchestra to the Philharmonic.

Tim also delves into his teaching philosophy, the importance of enthusiasm and work ethic in students, and the evolving world of double bass craftsmanship. 

Enjoy, and check out the video version here.

Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

Connect with us:

Thank you to our sponsor!

Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio is a valued part of an innovative fine arts community in a top research university. Students receive weekly private lessons and solo classes with Micah Howard, and Peter Guild teaches weekly Orchestral Literature and Repertoire. They encourage students to seek lessons and guidance from local bassists. Members of the Symphony, the Opera, and the Ballet provide annual classes and individual attention. Visit Micah’s website to sign up for a free online trial lesson here.