Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

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

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366: Rick Jones of Acoustic Image

Rick Jones started Acoustic Image to solve the problem of hauling around a bulky amplifier that artificially colors the acoustic sound of the bass.  As an engineer, he came up with unique methods of construction that keep the weight down and eliminate the problem of cabinets changing the sound of the instrument.

Rick had a prototype new amp at the convention and was getting feedback from convention participants.  We chat about this prototype, the origins of Acoustic Image, and much more!

Be sure to check out the Acoustic Image Facebook page and check out this post about Martin Wind trying out the latest from the company.

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355: Tom Mendel on Hamilton, pedal boards, and finding joy in playing

Tom Mendel is currently playing bass for the Chicago production of Hamilton.  He has performed on over 100 musical theater productions like Wicked, The Lion King, Billy Elliot, and Book of Mormon.  Tom is also the President Emeritus of the Theatre Musicians Association.

We also cover the gear that Tom is using for Hamilton.

Tom uses most of the same gear that Richard Hammond is using for the New York production of Hamilton:

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