Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

1131: 8 Weeks to the Jam Session – First Notes to Walking Like a Pro with Matt Rybicki

Matt Rybicki is a jazz bassist, author, and educator who helps bassists of all levels master jazz bass. Through his online courses and YouTube channel, Matt makes jazz bass education accessible to students worldwide.

His new course, 8 Weeks to the Jam Session: First Notes to Walking Like a Pro, takes beginners from their first notes to confidently walking bass lines at jam sessions.

Check out the new course here and explore Matt’s past podcast appearances.

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Theme music by Eric Hochberg

1128: Hannah Marks on Finding Her Voice

Hannah Marks is a bassist, composer, and educator living in New York City. She has performed at festivals including the Detroit Jazz Festival, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, and Kennedy Center, and currently leads an acoustic jazz quartet featuring NYC’s most in-demand musicians. Hannah teaches at prestigious programs including Interlochen, Stanford Dance Workshop, and Jazz Camp West.

In this episode, Hannah shares insights about her versatile playing style, her evolution from rock guitar to jazz bass, and what it’s like to balance classical training with a thriving jazz career. Enjoy and be sure to connect with Hannah and her cool projects on her website.

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When you buy a product using a link on this page, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting DBHQ.

1126: Adam Kubota on Postmodern Jukebox and beyond

In this episode, we sit down with Adam Kubota, bassist and bandleader of the internationally acclaimed Postmodern Jukebox. Adam shares his musical journey—from studying bass with Barry Green to becoming a key figure in one of the most innovative ensembles reimagining modern pop hits with vintage flair.

Enjoy, and be sure to give Adam a follow on Instagram!

Connect with DBHQ

Gear used to record this podcast

When you buy a product using a link on this page, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting DBHQ.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Upton Bass – From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like 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!

1120: Kinda Out West – Aretha Tillotson’s Tribute to Western Canada

In this episode, we sit down with Edmonton-based jazz bassist and composer Aretha Tillotson to discuss her highly anticipated second album, Kinda Out West, releasing on November 7th, 2025.

Following her Western Canadian Music Award-winning debut, Introducing Aretha Tillotson, this new album pays tribute to the musicians and landscapes of Alberta and British Columbia. Aretha’s chordless quartet channels the spirit of legendary groups led by Sonny Rollins and Ornette Coleman, creating a sound that’s both rooted in tradition and distinctly modern.

Enjoy, and give Aretha a follow on Instagram and bandcamp!

Connect with DBHQ

Gear used to record this podcast

When you buy a product using a link on this page, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting DBHQ.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Upton Bass – From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like 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.

1097: Katie Thiroux on her new solo album

Katie Thiroux recently released “Always but Never Alone,” her first solo album featuring voice and bass. This intimate recording explores a wide array of genres through creative and diverse arrangements. We delve into the story behind the album, motherhood, and much more in this episode.

Enjoy, and be sure to check out “Always but Never Alone” on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you listen to music!

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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!