15: Ira Gold Interview

Lauren Pierce recently released Basstudes, a series of 16 etudes organized around bowing, left hand technique, and right and left-hand coordination.

We dig into the inspiration behind this project, her accompanying audio guides, and much more.  Enjoy, and be sure to check out more titles from Lauren on DBHQ and also give her a follow on Instagram.

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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

• theme music by Eric Hochberg

Sean Michael Casey has just released A Progressive Guide to Orchestral Excerpts for the Double Bass, which is a step-by-step method for teaching the fundamentals of good orchestral double bass playing.

Sean is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the American Federation of Musicians, and the International Society of Bassists.  Sean currently operates a teaching studio in Allen, TX, with students making All-Region and chosen for TMEA’s All-State orchestras. His students have attended prestigious music schools like Baylor and Julliard.

Learn more about Sean on his website, and pick up a copy of his book in our DBHQ sheet music store!

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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

• theme music by Eric Hochberg

Jordyn Davis, a multi-talented bassist, composer, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Detroit, MI, is the first African-American woman to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Music Composition from Michigan State University.

She also earned a Master's in Jazz Studies from the same university. In 2021, after moving to Brooklyn, NY, she was honored as one of the inaugural Jazz Leader Fellowship recipients by the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. Recently, she has worked on the Tony-Winning Broadway Musical “New York, New York: A new musical and had a residency at Brown University collaborating with Craig Harris & the contemporary dance company Urban Bush Women.

We talk about her journey into bass, studies with Rodney Whittaker, life in New York City, and much more. Enjoy, and be sure to follow along with her work on her website, Facebook, and Instagram!

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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

• theme music by Eric Hochberg

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

• theme music by Eric Hochberg

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!

Photo: Douglas Hahn

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• theme music by Eric Hochberg

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

In this episode, we delve into 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. Tickets are available now for the next screening of Only Girl in the Orchestra, which will take place on Saturday, February 3rd, at MoMA in New York City.

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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• theme music by Eric Hochberg

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.

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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Timestamps

• theme music by Eric Hochberg

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

Hein van de Geyn  is 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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• theme music by Eric Hochberg

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

Jason selects on 2023 and plans for 2024 in this “solo rant.”

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Overview

• theme music by Eric Hochberg
• 00:00 Introduction and Reflections on Solo Shows
• 01:35 Moving to California and Weather Benefits
• 02:21 Experiences with San Francisco Symphony
• 03:04 Journey as a Freelancer and Teaching
• 04:29 Launch of Double Bass HQ
• 06:20 Attending the Pittsburgh Double Bass Symposium
• 07:23 Travel and Performances in Early 2023
• 11:22 Summer Events and Performances
• 14:04 Fall Performances and Future Plans
• 17:26 Closing Thoughts on Life Balance

Steve Husted began his musical journey at the ripe old age of 6. From there he was always involved in everything musical from school band to private instruction to playing local parties for friends. At age 15, Steven moved from CT. to San Francisco, where he jumped head first into the study of jazz. By the time Steven was 23, he was one of the top call bassists in the San Francisco Bay Area, including 6 years teaching at the acclaimed Stanford Jazz Workshop. Steven has played with many jazz greats including Kenny Burrell, Billy Higgins, and Vince Wallace. Now residing in Austin, TX, Steven remains an in demand bassist/composer and band leader.

We talk about growing up in San Francisco, his new album Standards and Then Some, how life led hi to move to Austin, and much more.  Enjoy, and be sure to check out Steve’s cool new album and also follow him on Instagram and his website!

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Thank you to our sponsors!

Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio – The School of Music at CMU highly values each and every individual who wants to be a part of an innovative fine arts community immersed in a top research university.

Every week each student receives private lessons and participates in a solo class with Micah Howard. Peter Guild, another member of the PSO, teaches Orchestral Literature and Repertoire weekly. They encourage students to reach out to the great bassists in their area for lessons and direction. Many of the bassists from all of the city’s ensembles are more than willing to lend a hand. Every year members of the Symphony, the Opera and the Ballet give classes and offer our students individual attention. Click here to visit Micah’s website and to sign up for a free online trial lesson.

• theme music by Eric Hochberg
•  
• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
• 00:43 Conversation with Steve Husted
• 00:55 Discussing San Francisco and Austin Music Scenes
• 06:14 Reflecting on the Impact of the Pandemic
• 13:05 Sponsor Shoutout: Carnegie Mellon University
• 14:27 Continuing the Conversation: Life in Austin and Music Career
• 25:54 Discussing the Stanford Jazz Workshop
• 30:45 The Unpredictability of a Music Career
• 31:17 The Challenges of Being a Musician
• 31:32 The Impact of Internet on Music Industry
• 32:03 The Art of Bass Playing
• 32:40 The Importance of Technique in Playing Instruments
• 32:54 The Role of Internet in Learning Music
• 33:28 The Difference Between Arco Playing and Pizzicato in Jazz
• 33:46 The Struggles of Learning Classical Music
• 34:20 The Fear of Performing Solo
• 35:25 The Mastery of Arco Jazz
• 35:33 The Influence of Christian McBride in Arco Playing
• 36:18 The Art of Playing Double Bass
• 37:06 The Challenges of Playing Different Instruments
• 39:09 The Importance of the Right Equipment in Music
• 39:18 The Influence of Heavy Metal in Bass Playing
• 56:16 The Experience of Touring with Different Bands
• 01:02:55 The Journey of Podcasting