I first met Patrick Neher when I was an 18-year-old student at Northwestern University, and I’ve followed along with his career ever since.
Honestly, I can’t believe that it has taken me this long to interview him for the podcast!
After teaching at the University of Arizona for 28 years, Patrick has relocated to Bellingham, Washington. He is immersed in composing new works… including two new double bass concertos!
We dig into all kinds of things:
- growing up in New Mexico
- attending Juilliard and studying with David Walter (be ready for a funny story about this!)
- taking his bass on the subway and surviving blackouts in New York City
- meeting François Rabbath and switching rom a block technique to an open hand technique
- how the right hand is core to Rabbath’s approach
- Patrick’s “natural tempo, natural forms” approach
Here’s a video featuring Patrick discussing the concept of pivoting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7acbI3b1L0
We also feature several excerpts from Patrick’s wonderful solo albums. It was a pleasure to spend some time with this active artist who has contributed so much to the double bass!
Links to check out:
- Patrick’s website
- Patrick demonstrating “natural forms” approach (YouTube)
- Recordings from Patrick:
Thanks to our sponsors!
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