Contrabass Conversations

In this episode, Gary Upton, the founder of Upton Bass, joins us for an in-depth conversation about the craftsmanship, innovation, and business of building double basses. 

We explore a wide range of topics including the growing popularity of 5/8-sized basses, the development of Kay-inspired plywood models, the econom...

In this episode, we sit down with Edmonton-based jazz bassist and composer Aretha Tillotson to discuss her highly anticipated second album, Kinda Out West, releasing on November 7th, 2025.

Following her Western Canadian Music Award-winning debut, Introducing Aretha Tillotson, this new album ...

In this episode, we sit down with Andy Anderson, the newly appointed Clinical Assistant Professor of Double Bass at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With over two decades of experience performing with some of Chicago's most prestigious ensembles, Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his teaching role.

In this episode, renowned bassist and educator Gaelen McCormick joins us to discuss her newly released annotated edition of Franz Simandl's 30 Etudes, published by Carl Fischer. For over a century, these etudes have been a cornerstone of double bass pedagogy. Gaelen's fresh annotations bring new insights and perspectives to this essential collection.

In this episode, we chat with Darren Sacks, a double bass audition coach, UMass Boston Associate Lecturer, and Greater Boston freelance bassist, to discuss winning strategies for double bass auditions.

Darren shares insights from his 9 years of coaching experience, during which he's helped students gain acceptance into major youth orchestr...

In this episode, Jason Heath interviews Rodney Slatford. Rodney is joined by his friend Mike Coombs, who helped facilitate this conversation. Together, they explore Rodney's remarkable career as a performer, educator, publisher, and advocate for the double bass.

As founding Chairman of the Yorke Trust, Rodney Slatford has established himself as a renowned double b...

Tim Rinehart is the Principal Double Bassist of the Oregon Symphony. A graduate of Rice University's Shepherd School of Music, Tim studied with Paul Ellison while also earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He is the winner of the 2025 International Society of Bassists Orchestral Division Competition and has performed with numerous prestigious orchestras including the B...

In this episode, we speak with composer and flutist Dr. Sarah Bassingthwaighte about her groundbreaking Concerto for Double Bass and Orchestra, recently recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra with soloist Stephen Schermer.

We dig into Sarah's approach to composition, the experience of writing this piece, balancin...

In this episode, Charles Gambetta introduces his innovative bass position system that addresses traditional limitations in fingerboard comprehension. His method combines Roman numerals with Arabic numbers to provide contextual information that enhances physical and mental connections during play.

Charles explains how starting students at th...

Winston "Jack" Budrow, former ISB board member, passed away on September 4, 2024, at age 79 after a brief hospice stay.

Jack retired from Michigan State University's College of Music, where he served as professor of double bass and co-chair of the string area. His distinguished career encompassed both performance and teaching, including positions with the Houston ...

In this episode, we're joined by Gaelen McCormick, President of the International Society of Bassists, to discuss her groundbreaking book Teaching Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass: Historical and Modern Pedagogical Practices, co-authored with Dijana Ihas and Miranda Wilson. Gaelen shares insights on the historical developme...

In today's episode, Trevor Jones and Jason explore the joys and terrors of subbing in the high-stakes world of musical theater.

Read the transcription of this interview with other helpful links and resources.

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In this episode, my wife, Courtney, and I share our exciting experiences from the recent Biarritz International Bass Academy in the beautiful coastal town of Biarritz, France.

We discuss the unique atmosphere of this bass event and explore why gatherings like this are invaluable for musicians at all levels.

In this special episode, Jason Heath shares three personal memories of the legendary double bassist Gary Karr, who passed away this summer. Gary Karr was widely regarded as the world's leading solo bassist who elevated the double bass as a solo instrument during his illustrious career.

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In this episode, we're joined by UK-based double bassist Olie Brice, a prominent voice in the world of free jazz and improvised music. Olie shares his musical journey, practice approaches, and experiences as a touring bassist working with renowned artists like Evan Parker and Tony Malaby.

This episode offers valuable insights for bassists i...

In this episode, we welcome back David Cutler to discuss his new book, "The Savvy Musician 2.0: Amplifying Impact, Income, & Inspiration" (Oxford University Press, July 2025). David shares insights from this comprehensive resource on music careers and entrepreneurship, featuring over 150 case studies of diverse performers, creators, educators, and instit...

This episode features a conversation with Renée-Paule Gauthier, host of the "Mind Over Finger" podcast and a successful violinist who recently won a position in the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

We reminisce about past interactions and discuss the power of podcasting and coaching in providing continuous learning and personal growth. Renée shares...

In this episode, we speak with acclaimed double bassist James VanDemark about his remarkable musical journey to Ukraine, where he recently premiered two new works with the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Theodore Kuchar.

We discuss the commissioning and premiering of two new concerti by Ukrainian composers Maksim Kolom...

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 relations...