Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

461: Erik Higgins on chamber music careers

I was first introduced to Erik Higgins by orchestra director and bassist Jonathan Lane.  Jonathan passed along a mesmerizing video of Erik performing an improvised duet with clarinetist Kinan Azmeh. 

This duet is based on a Syrian Folk tune and took place during a live performance with A Far Cry and the Silk Road Ensemble. 

Like New Century Chamber Orchestra bassist Tony Manzo, Erik has carved out a fascinating career for himself as a chamber music bassist.  In addition to performing in A Far Cry, Erik plays regularly with the Handel and Haydn Society, and remains active in the both the modern and period performance scenes locally, nationally and abroad.

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459: Music School Auditions – Advice from the pros

This episode is one of those astoundingly complex projects that I love digging into! 

We’re featuring questions from double bass student Baylee Brown, which are answered by 27 noted double bass faculty members.  This idea was suggested by University of Texas at Arlington bass faculty member Jack Unzicker, who help design and execute this project.

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458: Gary Karr home

Gary Karr… I mean, what can I say?  He’s the reason that I play bass. That so many people play the bass.  He’s truly one of a kind, and he’s not slowing down anytime soon!

When International Society of Bassists General Manager Madeleine Crouch heard that I would be the guest artist for the 2018 Las Vegas Bass Workshop, she suggested that Gary Karr and I coordinate an “at home with Gary” podcast.  Gary Karr and Harmon Lewis split their time between British Columbia and Las Vegas, and both Gary and Harmon were around that weekend for a visit.

Gary, Harmon, and I spent several hours on a sunny Sunday afternoon chatting about all kinds topics, including:

  • why Gary has never cared for Simandl… and how he ended up being photographed for the International Music Edition!
  • how “soft rosin” became the rosin of choice among bass players
  • the concept of proprioception

…and much more!

I hope you enjoy this inspiring and freewheeling conversation, and be sure to check out my conversation with Gary from the 2017 ISB Convention as well!

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Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by:

D’Addario Strings

This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Helicore strings, which are are designed, engineered, and crafted at the D’Addario string factory in New York and come in orchestral, hybrid, pizzicato, and solo string sets..

Upton Bass String Instrument Company

Upton’s Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.

A440 Violin Shop

An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440‘s commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools.

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