Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

238: Thomas Martin on Bottesini, gut strings, and the bass revolution

Thomas Martin

Today’s episode features Thomas Martin.  Tom has worn many hats throughout his career, working as an orchestra principal bass, soloist, champion of Bottesini’s music, luthier, teacher, and conductor.  We cover a wide variety of topics, including Tom’s early years, playing in the Army Orchestra, studying with Roger Scott, the process of uncovering the music of Bottesini and reconstructing how Bottesini approached the instrument, making basses, and the bass revolution that’s currently taking place.  Enjoy!

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236: Matthew McDonald on resonance, bow distribution, and mindset

Berlin Philharmonic principal bassist Matthew McDonald is today's featured guest!

Berlin Philharmonic principal bassist Matthew McDonald is today’s featured guest!

Today’s episode features Berlin Philharmonic principal bassist Matthew McDonald. Originally from Australia, Matthew joined the Philharmonic in 2008 after spending time in orchestras in Denmark and Germany. We cover bow distribution, resonance, the performers mindset, practicing, advice for students, and several other topics.

We also feature excerpts of Matthew performing pieces by Hindemith, Bruch, Bottesini, and Koussevitzky.  Check out these complete recordings and more on Matthew’s YouTube channel.  Enjoy!

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234: Justin Locke returns!

 

Management coach, speaker, author, and playwright Justin Locke

Management coach, speaker, author, and playwright Justin Locke

Today’s episode is a “round two” with Justin Locke. After playing double bass for many years with the Boston Pops, Justin is now a management coach, speaker, author, and playwright.

We talk about many concepts, including the Toyota Lean Manufacturing system and how it relates to the Simandl technique, crazy stories from the Boston Pops, arts education, lessons from the music world that can be applied to the corporate world, workflow and timing, the “Mozart in the Jungle” effect that Justin has experienced, and his latest book that explores the physics of emotional energy.

Check out the original interview from nearly a decade ago here.

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