Contrabass Conversations

Contrabass Conversations

double bass podcast

1028: Jacob Warren on his Debussy Cello Sonata transcription

Jacob Warren has just released his transcription of the Debussy Cello Sonata, which was the main piece on his competition-winning program at the 2023 International Society of Bassists Convention.  This transcription is a notable new addition to the double bass repertoire and a great opportunity to explore the music of this great composer.

We talk about the history of this piece as well as the challenges and solutions for mapping this piece out on the bass.  We also listen to several selections of Jacob’s new recording of this work and break down the specifics of these sections.

Jacob’s transcription is available in our store here.

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Thank you to our sponsor!

Dorico – This podcast episode is sponsored by Dorico: the next-generation music notation software from Steinberg, that’s packed with smart, time-saving features to help you spend less time in front of your computer and more time doing what you love: making music.

The latest version of Dorico 5, includes Iconica Sketch, a new orchestral sound library, bringing more expressive playback, and making it easy to produce more life-like performances with a dynamic stereo soundstage. Try Dorico Now For 60 Days For Free: visit dorico.com

1027: Mark Foley on his Double Bass Concerto

Dr. Mark Foley is Professor of Double Bass and Electric Bass at Wichita State University is the Principal Double Bass for the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. He’s also a key figure in Wichita’s jazz scene, collaborating with local and national artists, and has performed as a concerto soloist. Mark also engages in rock gigs, bluegrass sessions at the Walnut Valley Music Festival, and creates records and live electronic music as a composer.

Mark recently premiered his Little Wichita Concerto for Double Bass and Chamber Orchestra with the Wichita State Symphony Orchestra. We talk about Mark’s background, getting into composition, what it was like writing this piece, and much more. Enjoy, and check out this great local news clip about the piece with Mark Foley and his WSU colleague Mark Laycock!

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Thank you to our sponsors!

Dorico – This podcast episode is sponsored by Dorico: the next-generation music notation software from Steinberg, that’s packed with smart, time-saving features to help you spend less time in front of your computer and more time doing what you love: making music.

The latest version of Dorico 5, includes Iconica Sketch, a new orchestral sound library, bringing more expressive playback, and making it easy to produce more life-like performances with a dynamic stereo soundstage. Try Dorico Now For 60 Days For Free: visit dorico.com

1026: The Only Girl in the Orchestra

In this episode, we delve into The Only Girl in the Orchestra, a new documentary directed by Molly O’Brien about the life and career of trailblazer Orin O’Brien, the first female musician in the New York Philharmonic. Despite the spotlight her unique position brought, Orin always preferred playing a supporting role to her family, students, friends, and colleagues.

Jason and Molly are joined by editor Monique Zavistovski to discuss this remarkable profile of one of the double bassist’s major figures. Watch the documentary on Netflix.

Learn more about this documentary on their website, and learn more about Molly, Monique, and all of the other collaborators here.

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Thank you to our sponsor, Dorico

This podcast episode is sponsored by Dorico, the next-generation music notation software from Steinberg that’s packed with smart, time-saving features to help you spend less time in front of your computer and more time doing what you love: making music.

The latest version of Dorico 5 includes Iconica Sketch, a new orchestral sound library, bringing more expressive playback and making it easy to produce more life-like performances with a dynamic stereo soundstage. Try Dorico Now For 60 Days For Free: visit dorico.com.

1025: Michael Bates on Lutoslawski

Michael Bates recently released an album titled Metamorphosis: Variations on Lutoskawski. This album contains Michael’s arrangements and is based on arrangements of the composer Witold Lutoslawski, with music for clarinet, violin, bassoon, double bass, drums, plus string quartet. It’s a hybrid of jazz, classical, and improvisation and is a wild ride of styles and textures.

We talk about the genesis of this idea, what it was like traveling to Poland to record this album, plans or touring with this ensemble, future projects with the Lutoslawski quartet, and more.

Check out the promo for this project on YouTube, give the album a listen on Spotify and Apple Music, and follow along with Michael’s inspiring work on Instagram!

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Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction and Album Promotion

00:08 Discussing Michael Bates’ New Album

01:02 Catching Up with Michael Bates

01:16 Exploring Lutoslavsky’s Music

04:03 The Making of the Album

09:55 Sponsor Shoutout: Carnegie Mellon University

12:05 Deep Dive into Lutoslavsky’s Music

16:32 The Composing Process

22:51 Finding Inspiration in the Backyard

23:31 The Art of Balancing Work and Rest

24:19 The Challenges of Being an Early Riser in the Music Industry

25:19 The Ideal Environment for Writing Music

26:22 Drawing Inspiration from Ludo Slavsky

26:43 The Journey of Creating the Album

31:03 The Influence of Polish Musicians and Culture

34:25 Future Projects and Plans

36:48 The Role of Instruments in Music Creation

42:03 The Power of Podcasts in Connecting Musicians

42:52 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward

1024: Hein Van de Geyn on his jazz bass journey

Hein van de Geyn  is a jazz double bassist, composer, teacher and band leader from the Netherlands.  His groundbreaking Comprehensive Bass Method has influenced a generation of bassists and is widely regarded as one of the leading pedagogical works for jazz double bass.

We talk about Hein’s remarkable career, his time in San Francisco, writing his bass method, what life in South Africa has been like these last several years, and much more.  Enjoy!

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Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:28 Getting to Know Hein van de Gein

01:50 Reminiscing About San Francisco’s Jazz Scene

03:17 Exploring the Jazz Scene in South Africa

04:35 The Importance of Practice and Mastery

10:17 The Role of a Music Teacher

14:10 The Art of Improvisation and Composition

18:12 The Value of Consistent Practice

22:33 The Journey of Learning and Teaching Music

26:58 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

28:50 Discovering Pablo Records and Dreaming of Playing

29:09 Memories of Performing with Joe Pass

30:07 The Art of Musical Language and Influence of Charlie Hayden

31:14 The Impact of Michael Brecker and the Role of Charlie Hayden

32:03 Reflections on Early Musical Influences and Evolution

32:56 The Shift in Bass Playing and Amplification Over the Years

33:33 The Unexpected Impact of Jaco Pastorius

34:57 The Evolution of Bass Amplification and Sound

36:56 Memories of Playing with Jazz Legends

39:00 The Importance of Technique and Style in Bass Playing

42:10 The Transition from Jazz Musician to South African Entrepreneur

47:32 The Enduring Passion for Music and Jazz

52:31 Lessons Learned from Playing with Jazz Greats

53:55 Closing Thoughts on the Global Jazz Community