Contrabass Conversations
Contrabass Conversations features interviews and performances from top leaders in the world of the double bass. Podcast host Jason Heath dives deep into what makes these world-class artists tick. With 2 million downloads and counting, Contrabass Conversations is the most popular podcast for double bassists. Join the community and experience life on the low end of the spectrum!
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 45 minutes
- Episodes
- 1117
- Years Active
- 2007 - 2025
202: Chuck Israels on rhythm, amplification and jazz education
Today’s guest is jazz bass legend Chuck Israels. We start by covering more familiar topics like meeting Charlie Mingus, playing with Bill Evans, Bill’s use of rhythm, the importance of having concre…
201: Ira Gold on bow strokes, musical curiosity, and practicing techniques
200: Living a Fulfilling Life
I'm turning 40 today, the podcast just passed a million downloads, I wrote a chunky blog post that resonated with a lot of people, and I just got back from Cuba. This is a different kind of episode…
199: Federico Marchesano and The Inner Bass
198: Todd Coolman new release
197: Bert Turetzky on forging new paths, compositional language, and commissioning over 300 works
196: Andrés Martín on the creative process, the composer mind, and forging a bass scene
195: Gaelen McCormick on bow strokes, Progressive Repertoire, and the Pomodoro Technique
We are featuring double bassist Gaelen McCormick on today’s episode. Gaelen is a member of the Rochester Philharmonic, teaches at Nazareth College and the Eastman Community Music School and is the au…
194: Inez Wyrick on 911 bass teaching, creating artists, and teaching the whole fingerboard
Inez Wyrick has been a huge name in bass pedagogy for decades. She really is one of those teachers that I think we all aspire to be like—she can take a student at any level and develop their techniqu…
193: Gary Karr on making recordings, “retired” life, and arranging Baroque music
This episode from the archives features an interview that Barry Lieberman did with Gary Karr. In preparation for it, Barry listened to all of Gary Karr’s recordings and picked out his very favorite,…
192: Michael Klinghoffer on driving a double bass, how not to hold the bow, and directions in education
Today’s episode features double bassist, author, conductor, and educator Michael Klinghoffer. Michael is a former Gary Karr student and is the author of the unorthodox and compelling book Mr. Karr, W…
191: David Murray on the Karr sound, bow technique, and the spirit of Koussevitzky
Today’s episode features double bassist David Murray. David is on faculty at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, and has been on the board of the International Society of Bassists for past tw…
190: Czardas with Andy Anderson - the making of an arrangement
I had the opportunity recently to perform my arrangement of the Monti Czardas for double bass and orchestra recently, and I thought that it would make for a cool podcast episode. I though that Andy …
189: Barry Green and Jeff Bradetich on the Anna's Promise Project
We are diving into a really interesting project today called Anna’s Promise. Anna’s Promise is the third in a series of multimedia works developed by Barry Green (author of The Inner Game of Music an…
188: Ron Carter on technical development, an orchestral foundation, and developing the next generation of music lovers
I am thrilled to feature Ron Carter today on the podcast. If is one bassist in the world that truly needs no introduction, it’s Ron. Ron recently received the Guinness World Record title for most rec…
187: Chris Threlkeld-Wiegand on working at Robertson's, building extensions, and aesthetic wood choices
Friday's episode features another interview from the archives with bass maker Chris Threlkeld-Wiegand, who owns and operates the Heartland String Bass Shop. Chris makes beautiful basses and extensio…
186: Barrie Kolstein on making rosin, lessons learned from his father, and bass trunk technology
John Grillo and I recorded this interview with Barrie Kolstein back in 2008, and it has proven to be a very popular episode in the catalog. Barrie runs the Kolstein shop Long Island, and his instrume…
185: George Martin on challenging restorations, the art of varnishing, and riding horses in the English countryside
We are featuring George Martin from Thomas and George Martin Violin Makers. Their shop has been making basses for over 30 years, and they have a wealth of knowledge about the instrument-making and re…
184: Nick Lloyd on the craft of bass making, building flat backs, and traveling to Pakistan
Nick Lloyd has become one of the top double bass makers in the country over the years, with award-winning basses being played worldwide, including talents as diverse as New York Philharmonic principa…
183: Susan Lipkins on crafting bows, tonal characteristics of wood, and how to choose a bow
A graduate of Juilliard, Susan Lipkins is one of the most respected bowmaker in the country and has made bows for Hal Robinson, Alex Hanna, Jeff Turner, Max Dimoff, Thomas Martin, and other major bas…