Today, we’re featuring Ralph Alcala, who has recently moved into building basses full-time. Ralph is a super-talented luthier. Check out past podcast guest Aaron Olguin playing Ralph’s fourth double bass to hear these beautiful bass cannons that Ralph’s building. Ralph has actually been on the podcast before as a part of our Luthier Roundtable at… Continue reading 557: Ralph Alcala on building basses
Category: Interview Guests
556: Aaron Olguin on solo bass
Aaron Olguin is truly one of the rising stars in the double bass world. As the winner of the 2017 International Society of Bassists Solo Competition, Aaron will be playing the opening recital for the 2019 ISB Convention. He is also the new principal bassist for the Trondheim Symfoniorkester. I had a wonderful time hanging… Continue reading 556: Aaron Olguin on solo bass
553: Musicality vs Technique
Today’s episode features the following past podcast guests on the role of musicality and technique: Mark Dresser – University of San Diego David Murray – Butler University Michael Klinghoffer – Conservatory Orchestra at JAMD Todd Coolman – Indiana University Miles Mosley – jazz artist Listen to more “best of” episodes at contrabassconversations.com/highlights. Listen to Contrabass Conversations… Continue reading 553: Musicality vs Technique
551: Gary Karr new course!
I had the chance to chat recently with Denis Chang, who has produced a new four-part double bass course featuring Gary Karr! This course rocks. I’ve been using it for my own playing and with my students with great results. Here are links and details: In The Style Of Gary Karr, Vol.1 Lessons Warm-up Exercise… Continue reading 551: Gary Karr new course!
550: Scott Dixon on rebuilding your playing
I also had the opportunity to spend some time with Cleveland Orchestra bassist and Cleveland Institute of Music Strings Chair Scott Dixon during this recent trip. Scott has been on my “to interview” list for nearly a decade, and we finally made it happen! We cover what it was like growing up in Idaho, driving… Continue reading 550: Scott Dixon on rebuilding your playing