Contrabass Conversations - double bass life on the low end of the spectrum

143: Jeff Weisner Interview

We’re featuring double bassist Alan Steiner on this week’s episode of Contrabass Conversations. A graduate of the Curtis Institute, Alan performs regularly with the Chicago Sinfonietta and Lake Forest Symphony. In addition to maintaining a private double bass studio, Alan teaches bass each summer at the Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Door County, Wisconsin. The topic of discussion for today’s brief (15 min) episode focuses on tips for helping students to make quality audition tapes. Alan listens to many audition tapes each year when choosing bassists for the Birch Creek Symphony, and he offers advice to help students make better tapes and get more out of the process. Enjoy!

142: Alan Steiner and Audition Tapes

This week’s episode of Contrabass Conversations features an interview with double bassist David Grossman, a member of the New York Philharmonic bass section and an active jazz bassist. Hosted by John Grillo, this interview covers David’s early musical experiences, his dual interest in jazz and classical music, current projects, his philosophy and approach as a teacher, and a variety of other topics. About David: Bassist David J. Grossman began playing with the New York Philharmonic as its youngest member in December 1999 before graduating from The Juilliard School in May 2000. Born and educated in New York City, Mr. Grossman has performed as double bassist and pianist in orchestral, chamber, and jazz venues worldwide. He is a member of the double bass faculties of the Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School, and regularly gives master classes across the country. (view complete bio) Tracks featured: Thirds The Charm – from The Bass Of Both Worlds Jazz (iTunes link) Janacek: Pohadka (Fairy Tale) Mvt. 3 – from The Bass Of Both Worlds Classical (iTunes link) More information on David’s recordings is available on his website davidjgrossman.com. Other John Grillo-hosted podcasts: Ed Barker interview The State of the Orchestra Differences in Opera and Orchestra Playing Opera Excerpt Breakdown Orchestral Excerpt Breakdown Owen Lee interview Max Dimoff interview Dan Krekeler interview Ranaan Meyer interview Lawrence Hurst interview Jack Budrow interview Barrie Kolstein interview John Grillo Recital Showcase John Grillo interview

The following video (25 min.) is a behind-the-scenes documentary about The American String Project, the innovative string ensemble which we have profiled previously on the podcast and blog. Artistic director (and former Contrabass Conversations guest) Barry Lieberman describes the documentary as follows: We have produced a documentary about the Project, created from extensive film footage […]

141: David Grossman Interview

139: The American String Project

137: Todd Coolman Interview

136: Joel Quarrington Interview

135: Matt Heller Interview

134: Colin Corner update and music

133: Scott Best Interview

128: David Allen Moore Interview

130: P. Kellach Waddle Interview

131: Jiri Slavik Interview