CBC 144: advice from James Knabe

This week’s podcast features an interview with James Knabe, a trumpet performer and teacher who also runs a web consulting service for musicians. Learn more about what musicians can do to effectively market themselves by listening to this short interview. Enjoy!

CBC 143: Jeff Weisner interview

This week’s Contrabass Conversations episode features an interview with National Symphony bassist and Peabody Conservatory faculty member Jeff Weisner. In addition to performing and teaching, Jeff is a prolific blogger, writing about all kinds of subjects on PeabodyDoubleBass. Jeff also cross-posts many of these posts on doublebassblog.org, adding his own perspective and enhancing this site.

After the interview, we feature a live recording from the 2007 International Society of Bassists Convention of Jeff performing the Ostinato from Tom Schnauber’s Alba and Ostinato. Enjoy!

Peabody Double Bass Faculty:

Paul Johnson, Jeffrey Weisner (classical). Michael Formanek (jazz). Artist in Residence Hal Robinson.

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About Jeff:

B.M., Boston University School for the Arts; M.M. , Peabody Conservatory. Bass instruction with Lawrence Wolfe, Edwin Barker, and Hal Robinson. Member, National Symphony Orchestra, Washington DC, since 1995. Active chamber musician and solo performer, with recitals and masterclasses at venues including San Francisco Conservatory, the Colburn School for the Performing Arts, and Interlochen Arts Academy.

CBC 142: Alan Steiner and audition tapes

Alan Steiner.png We’re featuring double bassist Alan Steiner on this week’s episode of Contrabass Conversations. A graduate of the Curtis Institute, Alan performs regularly with the Chicago Sinfonietta and Lake Forest Symphony. In addition to maintaining a private double bass studio, Alan teaches bass each summer at the Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Door County, Wisconsin.

The topic of discussion for today’s brief (15 min) episode focuses on tips for helping students to make quality audition tapes. Alan listens to many audition tapes each year when choosing bassists for the Birch Creek Symphony, and he offers advice to help students make better tapes and get more out of the process. Enjoy!

CBC 141: David Grossman Interview

This week’s episode of Contrabass Conversations features an interview with double bassist David Grossman, a member of the New York Philharmonic bass section and an active jazz bassist. Hosted by John Grillo, this interview covers David’s early musical experiences, his dual interest in jazz and classical music, current projects, his philosophy and approach as a teacher, and a variety of other topics.

About David:

Bassist David J. Grossman began playing with the New York Philharmonic as its youngest member in December 1999 before graduating from The Juilliard School in May 2000. Born and educated in New York City, Mr. Grossman has performed as double bassist and pianist in orchestral, chamber, and jazz venues worldwide. He is a member of the double bass faculties of the Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School, and regularly gives master classes across the country. (view complete bio)

Tracks featured:

Thirds The Charm – from The Bass Of Both Worlds Jazz (iTunes link)
Janacek: Pohadka (Fairy Tale) Mvt. 3 – from The Bass Of Both Worlds Classical (iTunes link)

More information on David’s recordings is available on his website davidjgrossman.com.

Other John Grillo-hosted podcasts:

CBC 140: The American String Project – The Process of Collaboration

The following video (25 min.) is a behind-the-scenes documentary about The American String Project, the innovative string ensemble which we have profiled previously on the podcast and blog.

Artistic director (and former Contrabass Conversations guest) Barry Lieberman describes the documentary as follows:

We have produced a documentary about the Project, created from extensive film footage of our May 2009 concert week. Being able to show how we work, rehearse, and perform to those who have never experienced the Project in person will be a very valuable tool for us. There are many sequences showing our rehearsal process as well as interviews with some of our musicians.

Enjoy the following video, and be sure to visit the website for more extensive information:

Part 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLwKsT3gb-A

Part 2 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCxuRUfnxK0

Part 3 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jpumLcKGU8