Contrabass Conversations

Today's episode features UK-based bassist Phil Donnelly . Phil is an active performer on London's West End and recently released a video for D'Addario about how to record a double bass on any budget. We dig into the benefits of having your own studio space, how Phil has navigated London's theater world, his relationship to practicing, avoiding burnout, and much more. Enjoy, and be sure to give Phi...

Today's episode features acclaimed bassist Brandon Lopez discussing his unique approach to the double bass, his collaborative experiences, and his journey developing a distinctive musical voice. From performing with the New York Philharmonic to playing in DIY Brooklyn basements, Lopez has worked alongside luminaries across jazz, classical, poetry, and experimental music. We explore the physical an...

Lorraine Campet is recognized as one of the most talented double bassists of her generation. A passionate musician who embraces her profession fully, she thrives equally in chamber music, orchestral performance, and sharing her passion for the violin and double bass. She recently released her debut album Ames soeurs , which has garnered critical acclaim. We explore Lorraine's musical background, h...

In this mini episode, we explore tonal comparisons of mutes crafted from various woods with Sienna George . Be sure to follow Sienna on Instagram and check out her past podcast appearance from 2022 . Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically! Connect with us all things double bass double bass merch double bass sheet music   Thank you to our sponsor! Upton Bass...

Acclaimed double bassist and composer Xavier Foley recently made his recital debut at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. During his visit, he generously made time to chat for the podcast and brought his bass along to perform. In this episode, we explore Xavier's background, compositional process, and much more. Watch the video version on YouTube , and discover his exceptional playing, sheet mu...

Double bassist and educator Kate Jones has just published her first book. Titled " Scotland Through the (St)Ages ," this resource explores the concept of deep review through a familiar and simple tune—presenting 84 variations on the classic melody "Scotland's Burning." We explore the inspiration behind this book, the creative process of putting it together, and how teachers, students, and professi...

Katie Thiroux recently released "Always but Never Alone," her first solo album featuring voice and bass. This intimate recording explores a wide array of genres through creative and diverse arrangements. We delve into the story behind the album, motherhood, and much more in this episode. Enjoy, and be sure to check out "Always but Never Alone" on Spotify , Apple Music , or wherever you listen to m...

Jacob Warren and Grant Flick have been performing as the duo project Warren & Flick for the past 10 years. Warren & Flick have just released their third duo album, Cormorant . While the physical album is available now, they're rolling out the digital release from June through December. In today's episode, we explore the duo's story and listen to excerpts from each track on the album. Don't miss th...

Kostas Patsiotis has an upcoming solo bass album "Childhood Heroes" and recently released " This Moment ," his first instrumental single from it. We talk about his use of looping, various technical setups to perform live, his desire to incorporate more Mediterranean sounds, and much more. Be sure to follow along with Kostas on his website , YouTube , Facebook , and Instagram , and check out his pa...

Chris Minh Doky is a world-renowned bassist, bandleader, and composer celebrated for his melodic solos and deeply funky bass lines. His rich sound, innovative approach, and pioneering work with the electric upright bass have earned him global recognition. He is also a  course creator for Discover Double Bass and has performed with iconic artists and bands including the Michael Brecker Quartet, Bre...

Michael Geib is a professor at the University of Central Oklahoma and an active double bass performer. His latest album, Don't Panic , features six original compositions written during the early days of the 2020 pandemic. In our conversation, we explore Michael's university roles, his approach to student recruitment in the social media age, his work with ATSA and ISB, his position as a Grammy voti...

Mark Bernat is a double bassist currently living in Austin, Texas. His groundbreaking recording and edition of the Six Bach Cello Suites were driving forces that led to their wider adoption in the double bass world. Mark studied at Juilliard and is a former member of the Israel Philharmonic, the Jerusalem Symphony, and the Seattle Symphony. He has taught at the Oberlin Conservatory, the University...

Margarethe Maierhofer-Lischka, born 1984 in Regensburg, is a double bassist, improviser, researcher, and sound artist. As an active ensemble musician, she collaborates with artists across disciplines to create performances, radio art, and sound installations. She is a member of several initiatives focusing on contemporary music, improvisation, and interdisciplinary art. Her work has been recognize...

Nina Bernat is a double bass performer and educator based in New York City. In 2023, Nina was honored as a recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant and winner of the CAG Elmaleh Competition. Her recent first-prize awards include the Barbash J.S. Bach String Competition, the Minnesota Orchestra Young Artist Competition, the Juilliard Double Bass Competition, and the 2019 International Society of...

Today's episode features a conversation with Gary Upton , the founder of Upton Bass . Since founding the company in 1999, Gary has built it into one of the most established and trusted names in the world of double bass. Besides exploring the backstory of Upton Bass, we delve into their latest innovations, including amplifiers, strings,  BuildBass.com and rosin. Enjoy!   Subscribe to the podcast to...

Today's episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the 2025 International Society of Bassists Convention , taking place June 2-7 at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. FSU bass faculty members and convention hosts Rodney Jordan and George Speed join Jason to discuss organizing this event, share upcoming highlights, and preview what attendees can expect during the week. Enjoy!   Subsc...

Melody Ruiz is writing a book about Thelma Terry, a double bassist and bandleader in 1920s Chicago. She documents her research process on Instagram and is crowdfunding the project through gofundme and Etsy . We discuss how Melody discovered Thelma's story, the challenges and rewards of researching someone from a century ago, and the fascinating discoveries she's made along the way. We'll reconnect...

Christopher Dammann is a Chicago-based composer and bassist whose sextet recently released its debut album . Our conversation explores Christopher's journey from self-taught musician to Northwestern University bass student, examining how iconic Chicago venues like Velvet Lounge and Constellation shaped his artistry, his practice methodology, and much more. Enjoy, and don't miss this excellent debu...

In today's podcast, we speak with Kathryn Schulmeister and Andrew Mell . Kathryn and Andrew joined the double bass faculty at the University of the Pacific's Conservatory of Music in fall 2023, where they recently hosted the inaugural Pacific Bass Day in January 2025. We explore their backgrounds, discuss the experience of launching their first bass day, and delve into their plans for the future,...

Today's podcast features a conversation with Nina DeCesare about The Artemis Bass Initiative , an organization dedicated to advancing the careers of women and nonbinary bassists through mentorship, orchestral training, and professional development. We explore the origins of this project and discuss its key programs, including upcoming seminars, orchestral training, and mentorship opportunities. To...

Adam Ben Ezra is a truly original voice on the double bass, and each new project of his is fascinating in its own right. His latest album, a collaboration with Cuban drummer Michael Olivera titled Heavy Drops , is no exception. We explore Adam's life in the Portuguese countryside, the inspiration behind his latest album, his current approach to the double bass, his creative process with Ableton Li...

TianYang Liu currently teaches double bass at Beijing's Central Conservatory. He earned First Prize at the 2013 International Society of Bassists Competition and has garnered top honors in several other competitions, including Singapore's International Double Bass Competition and the San Francisco Conservatory's Concerto Competition. He regularly performs solo recitals across the United States and...

Bruce Gertz is a jazz bassist, composer, and educator who has taught at the Berklee College of Music for nearly half a century. In addition to his numerous awards and recordings, Bruce developed musicsightreader.com , an Apple Books publication designed to develop sightreading skills through duets, trios, and quartets. We explore Bruce's daily creativity habits, Berklee's evolution over the decade...

Javier Martin is a double bassist, teacher, and YouTuber based in Madrid, Spain. He began his double bass studies at age 8 at the Arturo Soria Professional Conservatory of Music with Professor José Antonio García Alamá. He continued his advanced studies at the Katarina Gurska Higher Center with Professor Karen Martirossian before pursuing his master's studies with Ed Barker at Boston University.  ...

Jake Thurston is a double bassist, educator, and YouTube content creator based in Boulder, Colorado. In this episode, we explore the story behind his YouTube channel, share insights about creating engaging content, and discuss how he balances content creation with performing and teaching. Enjoy, and be sure to subscribe to Jake's YouTube channel and also check him out on Patreon ! Subscribe to the...