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
182: Brent Edmondson on developing a satisfying career, subbing with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and gaps in music school training
One of the most enjoyable things about hosting a show like this is that I have the opportunity to connect with people that I find interesting and that are really exploring different directions in the…
181: Carlos Henriquez on playing with Wynton Marsalis, developing a creative voice, and creating effective Afro-Cuban bass lines
We are featuring Carlos Henriquez on today’s show. Carlos has been the bassist for the Wynton Marsalis Septet and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for nearly 20 years, and he has just released h…
180: Ian Hallas on winning a Lyric Opera bass section spot, effective excerpt practicing, and routines for audition success
Today's guest is Ian Hallas, the newest member of the double bass section of the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Ian successfully auditioned for Lyric in January of 2016 and joins a section with former Cont…
179: Douglas Mapp on successful freelancing, life as a jazz bass professor, and ISB insider insight
We are featuring Douglas Mapp on today’s episode. Douglas is the current president of the International Society of Bassists and is also on faculty at Rowan University, where he is professor of jazz s…
Crazy Gig Stories!
We are featuring a series of crazy gig stories that I had recorded in the first phase of the podcast. I had a total blast doing these back in the day and hope to do more of these in the near future.
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178: Useful Music Apps
Today’s episode is a bit of a departure from the norm for us. This is a recording of a talk I did for the Illinois American String Teachers Association’s Fall Teacher Enrichment Workshop in October o…
177: Bruce Bransby on principal bassist roles, life in the Indiana University bass studio, and optimizing bass gear
We are featuring Bruce Bransby on today’s show. Bruce has been professor of double bass at Indiana University for three decades and has taught bass players who now hold positions in major orchestras …
Moving to San Francisco!
Jason talks about his rapidly approaching move to San Francisco and discusses what's in store for the show.
176: Andrew Raciti on living in Australia, studying with Paul Ellison, and helpful student mindsets
175: Ju-Fang Liu on growing up in Taiwan, the path from student to principal bassist, and a love of teaching
Today’s episode features Indianapolis Symphony principal bassist Ju-Fang Liu. We had a great conversation about growing up in Taiwan, her years studying at the Interlochen Arts Academy and at Indian…
174: Per questa bella mano with John Grillo
Today’s episode features longtime collaborator John Grillo performing Mozart’s aria Per questa bella mano. So, today’s episode features John performing Per Questa Bella Mano with John Dennison singi…
173: Marc Ramirez on Portugal, life as an expat, and differences between American and European orchestras
Today we are featuring an interview with Marc Ramirez. Originally from New York, Marc is the principal bassist with the Gulbenkian Orchestra of Lisbon, Portugal. Marc and I had a great conversation a…
172: Lauren Pierce and Geoff Chalmers on innovating online
Today’s episode features Lauren Pierce and Geoff Chalmers, both of whom have been doing some remarkable things online in the world of the bass. What’s really cool is that these two have paired up to …
171: Paul Ellison on musical athletes, period performance, and the comprehensive undergraduate experience
It is our pleasure to bring you this interview with Paul Ellison. Paul is chair of strings and professor of double bass at Rice University, where he has taught for the past four decades. He is the fo…
170: Blair Tindall on Mozart in the Jungle, searching for a new career path, and observations on the orchestral world
We are featuring Blair Tindall on the podcast today. Blair is the author of the book Mozart in the Jungle, which explores the world of classical musicians in a very compelling narrative. Blair and I…
169: Shigeru Ishikawa on Switzerland and Japan, premiering new works, and studying bass in the United States
About Shigeru:
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Shigeru Ishikawa is one of the foremost double bassists of his generation, both as a performer and a teacher. He is currently He is currently Solo Bass (ie. pri…
Learn Double Bass - new app for iOS from Brian Johnson
Today we talk with Los Angeles Philharmonic bassist Brian Johnson, who has just released an app for iOS called Learn Double Bass. What a cool app! This app (currently free!) contains over 70 videos…
168: Lawrence Hurst Interview (complete)
We are featuring our complete interview with former Indiana University and University of Michigan double bass professor Lawrence Hurst on this week's Contrabass Conversations episode. This interview…
167: Scott Pingel on accelerated musical development, life as principal bass of San Francisco, and differences between conservatory and university teaching
We're featuring San Francisco Symphony Principal Double Bass and University of Michigan faculty member Scott Pingel on this week's show. In addition to holding down the principal bass chair for the …
166: Larry Gray on multi-instrumentalism, thinking in jazz, and the history behind Chicago's Jazz Showcase
We're featuring an interview with bassist Larry Gray on this week's episode. Larry's multi-instrumental path has taken him through performance on guitar, flute, cello, and piano in addition to bass.…