This week's Contrabass Conversations episode features a continuation of our interview with double bassist François Rabbath plus some music from U.K.-based bassist Leon Bosch. You can check out episode 16 of the podcast for the first part of this interview with François, and detailed information for both guests is available in the show notes below. Enjoy!


____________
CBC 22: Rabbath interview part 2 and music from Leon Bosch

Show Notes

Release Date: 5/27/07
Length: 40:16
Website: www.contrabassconversations.com
E-mail: contrabassconversations@gmail.com
Blog: www.doublebassblog.com
Podcast T-shirts, hats, and more: www.cafepress.com/doublebass
MySpace: www.myspace.com/cbcpodcast

You can always call 206-666-6509 to leave a message and join in the conversation!

Click here to subscribe through e-mail or through another program besides iTunes

To get Contrabass Conversations downloaded automatically to your computer (for free!), you can subscribe in iTunes:



Click to listen (right-click to download)
or click player below:
News and notes:

-Thanks for the positive feedback on Eric Hochberg’s interview last week. There has been some very positive buzz about the episode on various jazz blogs, and it is great to see it get out there and to see the podcast start to cover non-classical musicians.

-Scott Spiegelberg (Musical Perceptions) just put out an updated list of the top 50 (actually 52 due to some ties) blogs in the world of classical music. You'll notice that my blog is number 22, just below Scott's own blog(!). I wasn't included on the list last time around, so it is good to see the bass blog getting more and more popular:

1 The Rest is Noise: 508 Alex Ross (Crit)
2 About Last Night: 347 Terry Teachout (Crit)
3 A Singer's Life: 248 Michelle Bennett (voice)
4 Opera Chic: 193 (O) [two listings of 106 and 87]
5 Sequenza21: 182 Jerry Bowles (C)
6 Night after Night: 149 Steve Smith (Crit) [two listings 96 and 53]
7 On an Overgrown Path: 145 Bob Shingleton (producer)
8 PostClassic: 129 Kyle Gann (C)
9 Ionarts: 123 Charles T. Downey (A)
10 Violinist.com Diaries: 114 (violin)
11 Sandow: 107 Greg Sandow (Crit)
12 Think Denk: 96 Jeremy Denk (piano)
13 La Cieca: 94 James Jorden (O)
14 Soho the Dog: 87 Matthew Guerreri (C)
15 Jessica Duchen: 86 (Crit)
16 Dial “M� for Musicology: 67 Phil Ford and Jonathan Bellman (A)
17 Aworks: 65 Robert Gable (L)
17 The Concert: 65 Anne-Carolyn Bird (voice)
19 Sounds and Fury: 62 AC Douglas (L)
20 Terminaldegree: 61 (kazoo) [57 + 4]
21 Musical Perceptions: 58 Me (A)
22 Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog: 57 (bass)
23 Adaptistration: 54 Drew McManus (orchestra management)
23 Mad Musings of Me: 54 Gertsamtkunstwerk (O)
25 Deceptively Simple: 53 Marc Geelhoed (Crit)
25 Loose Poodle: 53 Peter Kaye (C)
25 The Rambler: 53 Tim Rutherford-Johnson (A) [41 + 12]
28 Roger Bourland: 52 Roger Bourland (C) [43 + 9]
29 Oboeinsight: 50 Patty Mitchell (oboe)
30 Meanwhile, here in France: 43 Ruth (cello)
31 The Standing Room: 40 Monsieur C (L and voice?)
31 Sieglinde’s Diaries: 40 Leon Dominguez (O)
31 Classical Music: 40 Janelle Gelfand (Crit)
34 A Sort of Notebook: 38 Waterfall (L)
34 ANABlog: 38 Analog Arts Ensemble
36 The Well-Tempered Blog: 37 Bart Collins (piano)
36 The Iron Tongue of Midnight: 37 Lisa Hirsch (Crit)
36 My Favorite Intermissions: 37 Maury D’annato (O)
36 Renewable Music: 37 Daniel Wolf (C)
40 An Unamplified Voice: 34 JSU (O)
41 On a Pacific Aisle: 30 Josh Kosman (Crit)
41 Chicago Classical Music: 30 (L)
43 Listen: 29 Steve Hicken (C and Crit)
43 Wellsung: 29 Alex and Jonathan (O)
43 Twang twang twang: 29 Helen Radice (harp)
46 Trrill: 28 Nick Scholl (O)
46 Am Steg: 28 Kris Shaffer (A)
48 Musical Assumptions: 26 Elaine Fine (C and viola)
48 Sounds Like Now: 26 Brian Sacawa (saxophone) [18 + 8]
50 Eric Edberg: 25 (cello)
50 Collaborative Piano: 25 Chris Foley (piano)
50 Catalysts & Connections: 25 Evan Tobias (education)

I’d also like to congratulate double bassist Phillip Serna for receiving his Doctorate this month from Northwestern University. Phillip gave his lecture recital for the degree this month, and he is finally done with all of the coursework and requirements for the degree, so congratulations to Dr. Serna. You can hear more from Dr. Phil on episodes 5 and 8, as well as his recital showcase from April.

Today’s interview guest: Francois Rabbath

Today we will be continuing our conversation with the great double bass performer and composer Francois Rabbath. This interview continues the discussion that we had on episode 16 in April, and I know that double bassists from all musical disciplines will get something out of our talk.
Topics discussed:

-the origins of Rabbath’s bass – how he ended up with it and the benefits of its construction
-mistakes bassists make when buying basses and bows
-how wood has a memory
-how every note has the right spot for the bow, for the speed, for the weight, and what happens when all of these factors align
-you make the wood of your instrument sound bad by playing badly, and you make it sound good by playing well yourself

Rabbath has traveled extensively with his double bass during the course of his career, and he offers some real insight into what it is really like hauling a bass all over the world through various customs and security checks, as well as dealing with airline baggage bureaucrats.
François Rabbath biography (from Liben website)

Every now and then, just when you thought you had things all neatly arranged in their proper order, someone comes along and not only upsets everything you've done, but demands that you change your entire way of thinking before you can even begin to put them back together again. François Rabbath is one of those people.

Born in Aleppo, Syria into a musical family of six boys and three girls, François discovered the double bass at the age of thirteen when one of his brothers brought an instrument home and allowed him to experiment with it. When the family moved to Beirut, Lebanon he found an old copy of Edouard Nanny's Contrabass Method in a tailor shop and with some difficulty, since he read neither music nor French, began to teach himself. After nine years of work in Beirut, François saved enough money to move to Paris for a year. He was eager to go to the Paris Conservatory, meet with Monsieur Nanny and show him what he was able to do with the bass. When he applied at the Conservatory he was disappointed to learn that Nanny had died in 1947. He was also told that auditions were to be held in three days and that he would never have enough time to learn the required pieces. He asked for the music anyway and returned three days later to finish first among the applicants. However, his stay at the Conservatory was a brief one, since it didn't take very long to see that he was not only far ahead of the other students but of the professors as well!

While in Paris he began to earn his living as an accompanist for Jacque Brel, Charles Aznavour, Gilbert Becaud, Michel Legrand and others. In 1963 he made his first of many solo record albums. Although never advertised or promoted, the Phillips album Bass Ball became one of the most sought after recordings of its time.

From 1964 he became active composing much music for movies and the theater. At the same time he started to play solo recitals, first in France, then throughout Europe. His American debut was in Carnegie Hall in 1975.

François Rabbath's uniqueness stems from his refusal to accept any traditional limitations. Whether performing his own fascinating compositions, the music of others or the classical repertoire, one is always moved by his profound musicianship and dazzling virtuosity. You quickly discover that he brings you such a sense of security that the most difficult passages sound effortless.

In 1978 Rabbath met the American composer-double bassist Frank Proto. A close friendship quickly developed when the two discovered that they had many shared musical experiences and philosophies. Neither had any respect for the boundaries that separated classical, jazz and ethnic musicians. Both were as comfortable playing chamber music at a formal concert one day and improvising with jazz musicians the next. In 1980 the Cincinnati Symphony asked Proto to compose a concerto especially for Rabbath. The resulting Concerto No. 2 for Double Bass and Orchestra was premiered by Cincinnati in 1981. Two years later the Houston Symphony asked Proto to write another work especially for Rabbath. The Fantasy for Double Bass and Orchestra was premiered in Houston in 1983. Rabbath has since played the work around the world. Their third collaboration, the Carmen Fantasy, began life as a work for double bass and piano. Rabbath again premiered the work in Cincinnati in July of 1991 with the composer at the piano. Proto orchestrated the work in the spring of 1992. All three works have been recorded and are available on the Compact Disc Frank Proto: Works for Double Bass and Orchestra. (Red Mark 9204). Their most recent collaboration has been on Proto's Four Scenes after Picasso - Concerto No. 3 for Double Bass and Orchestra.

We are fortunate in that Rabbath has recorded constantly through the years. His sequel to Bass Ball - Multi Bass '70 (Red Mark 9202) is still available, as is Live Around the World (Red Mark 9201), a collection of his own compositions recorded in concert. The original Carmen Fantasy for Double Bass and Piano with the composer at the piano, was recorded recently along with his own Concerto No. 3 and Two Miniatures - Carmen! (Red Mark 9203).

The importance of François Rabbath to the development of double bass playing can be compared with that of Paganini to the violin. Since the early 1800s when Nicole Paganini established the violin as a virtuoso instrument, solo violinists have practiced the most brilliant of instrumental art. Meanwhile, the development of double bass playing had been seriously neglected. The great and popular 19th century composers did not consider the bass worth their attention and in turn the bass repertoire did not attract potential virtuoso performers with enough genius to change the situation. It demanded an artist with the unique qualities of François Rabbath to break this impasse.

Recordings and Publications by François Rabbath

Art of the Bow DVD

A New Technique for the Double Bass

Solos for the Double Bassist
Two Miniatures for Double Bass and Piano

Bach: Suite No. 1 in G Major for Solo Double Bass
Bach: Suite No. 2 in D Minor for Solo Double Bass
Vivaldi: Concerto in F (or G Major) for Double Bass and Piano

CD02 - Live Around the World
Breiz, Poucha Dass, Ordis, et al.






CD03 - Multi Bass '70
Poucha Dass, Incantation, et al.






CD04 - Carmen!
Proto: A Carmen Fantasy for Double Bass and Piano. Rabbath: Incantation pour Junon; Reitba; Concerto No. 3.





CD05 - Rabbath Plays Proto
A Carmen Fantasy for Double Bass and Orchestra; Fantasy for Double Bass and Orchestra; Concerto No. 2.





CD06 - François Rabbath: 60
Rabbath’s recordings of the 1960s, including the legendary “Bass Ball� album.






Check out even more recordings of François Rabbath here

______________

After the interview, we will be hearing some tracks from double bassist Leon Bosch’s new solo album, which was released on Meridian Records in 2007.
INTERIVEW

Thanks so much for your time and energy in doing this interview, Francois!

Musical Guest - Leon Bosch

You will be hearing the Bottesini Elegy and the Bottesini Gavotta from Leon Bosch’s recent solo album called Virtuoso Double Bass, which is available from Meridian Records.

Leon’s website: http://www.leonbosch.co.uk

Album information for Virtuoso Double Bass: http://www.leonbosch.co.uk/music.php

Click here to order this great album from Leon Bosch:

http://www.meridian-records.co.uk/acatalog/CDE84544a.html

Meridian Records website: http://www.meridian-records.co.uk/

About Leon Bosch:

(Visit his website for more information about this great artist’s career and the challenges he had to overcome during his early years in Apartheid South Africa.)

From liner notes to his recent release as well as an interview with Lawrence Milner – published in the Summer 2003 edition of Double Bassist magazine:

Leon had to overcome many difficult circumstances in the early years of his career. He was arrested by members of the Cape Town special branch when he was just 15 years old for demonstrating against the Apartheid government outside of parliament. He faced a month’s detention and torture, only to be found not guilty on all charges. This experience fired up his ambition to become a lawyer, but this field of study was forbidden to him by the regime at the time. He then chose to study a subject that would be the least likely to mark him out as subversive—music.

Had Bosch been able to pursue his prime aspiration to become a lawyer, the cello/double bass debate might never have occurred. Born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1961, Bosch
was forbidden by the repressive regime of the time to study law, so applied to the University's music faculty instead `as a light-hearted prank.'
The `prank' soon turned more serious. Once enrolled at the University, Bosch studied with Zoltan Kovats, principal double bassist of the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra at that time. A single year into his studies, the young student was invited to
play in the Symphony Orchestra's bass section alongside his mentor. Only another 12 months passed before he was giving his first solo performance of Dittersdorf 's concerto in E major. Completing his Batchelor of Music Performance degree at the
University, he received the highest mark ever awarded there in a performance examination.

Post-university, Bosch quickly realised that he would have to study abroad if he really wanted to further his performance career, but was thwarted once again by the apartheid laws which decreed that overseas scholarships could only be given to white performers. However, Bosch was undeterred. `I had a passionate commitment to the double bass and never enter- tained the idea that I would fail in my pursuit', he asserts.
Fortunately, a number of private individuals came forward to sponsor his travel to England where he was heard playing by Rodney Slatford, the former Head of School of Strings at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), who offered to
teach him. Bosch enrolled at the RNCM following a successful interview with Eleanor Warren to study with Slatford and Duncan McTier. He describes his time at RNCM as
`extremely fruitful'. Bosch's prestigious record of achievements also continued there, as he received the College's PPRNCM (Professional Performer of the RNCM) with
distinction, the first such award to a double bassist in the College's history.

Studies completed, Bosch embarked on the varied professional orchestral and chamber career that continues to this day. His first assignment was with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, moving onto The Manchester Camerata as principal in 1985. His playing career has also taken in the BBC Philharmonic, Hallé, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Opera North and Scottish Chamber orchestras, plus the Moscow
Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, Brodsky Quartet and Goldberg Ensemble as a freelance performer, a career path that he chose to `give me greater variety in my playing.'
A decade after his first principal appointment, Bosch began his current association with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, touring with the orchestra's founder, Sir Neville
Marriner. `Chamber music represents the most enjoyable part of my musical life,' he enthuses, explaining why he has focused on this area through most of his professional career ¬ which has taken in almost all of the major chamber orchestras in the UK.

Listener feedback:


………from Seth:

Hi Jason,
Just a note to say thanks very much for your show - I'm finding it really stimulating and inspiring - I'd say it's added an extra hour to my daily practise, just from hearing so many fantastic bass players. Lord knows I need it. it's easy to feel isolated when you play an unusual instrument, especially here in the u.k. - eg I know five other double bass players in Leeds, where i live, and it's a city of 700,000 people - not a good ratio - so it's great to have some support and inspiration from so many fine players. Thanks again, and keep up the good work!
Seth

……..from Alex:

Hi Jason,
I love your blog and podcast man!
Thank you SO MUCH for interviewing Larry Hurst. What an amazing guy who has
done so much for the bass family. I really enjoyed the interview.
Looking forward to hearing and reading much more of your fine work.
I also wanted to say that I think Jeff Turner would make a great interview
too.
Thanks man,
-Alex

Sign-off

Website: www.contrabassconversations.com
E-mail: contrabassconversations@gmail.com
Blog: www.doublebassblog.com
Podcast T-shirts, hats, and more: www.cafepress.com/doublebass
MySpace: www.myspace.com/cbcpodcast
Theme song by Eric Hochberg: www.erichochberg.com

This week's Contrabass Conversations guest is jazz bassist Eric Hochberg. Eric is very active in the jazz scene here in Chicago, and you will get a chance to hear him during the interview and his playing after the interview. I'm really excited to be able to present you with this great episode. Enjoy!
___________

CBC 21: E. Hochberg Interview

Release Date: 5/20/07
Length: 39:04
Website: www.contrabassconversations.com
E-mail: contrabassconversations@gmail.com
Blog: www.doublebassblog.com
Podcast T-shirts, hats, and more: www.cafepress.com/doublebass
MySpace: www.myspace.com/cbcpodcast
Theme song by Eric Hochberg: www.erichochberg.com

You can always call 206-666-6509 to leave a message and join in the conversation!

To get Contrabass Conversations downloaded automatically to your computer (for free!), you can subscribe in iTunes.

Click here to subscribe through e-mail or through another program besides iTunes

Click to listen (right-click to download)
or click player below:


News and Notes

-I hope you all enjoyed last week’s episode featuring IU bass professor Lawrence Hurst. It was a real pleasure to co-host this interview with double bassist John Grillo, and expect more of this interview in the near future and many more episodes involving John Grillo as well. I really like the dynamic of multiple guests on the show, and I think that listeners will be really into some of the future offerings we have in store! You can always hear John Grillo on episodes 6, 9, 14, and his recital showcase. Visit www.contrabassconversations.com or www.doublebassblog.com for these episodes.

-I also hope you enjoyed DaXun’s Beethoven track; DaXun will be a guest on the show in the next few weeks; you can visit him online at www.daxunzhang.com

-Finally, I hope that you enjoyed the recital showcase last week featuring Civic Orchestra of Chicago double bassist Peter Lawson. Pete was also featured on episode 2 of the podcast with a piece for thirty separate vocal tracks. What a multi-talented individual!

-CBC widget available for your website, blog, or MySpace though my blog or by clicking this link.

-I am currently working on Miloslav Gajdos video and audio projects; expect recital showcases soon plus videos on YouTube and on my blog; material kindly provided by Greg Sarchet, our guest for CBC 19

-Part 1 of Road Warrior Without an Expense Account was published in the Adjunct Advocate this month. Follow the link below to read the story:

http://jasonheath.blogspot.com/2006/12/road-warrior-without-expense-account.html



Today’s guest is jazz bassist Eric Hochberg. You can visit him online at www.erichochberg.com.

Eric’s bio:

A mainstay of the Chicago music scene for more than twenty years, Eric Hochberg has lent his bass work -- both upright and electric -- and an occasional trumpet lick, to a variety of projects across the realms of jazz, folk, rock and blues.
He has performed and/or recorded with the likes of Pharoah Sanders, Bobby McFerrin, Pat Metheny, Cassandra Wilson, Von Freeman, Chico Freeman, Ken Nordine, Cannonball Adderly, David Bromberg, Johnny Frigo, Howard Levy Quartet, Kurt Elling, Trio New, Tierny Sutton, Patricia Barber, Jackie Allen, Bob Mintzer, Dave Liebman Quartet, Sam Rivers, Bobby Broom, Rick Margitza, Grazyna Augucik, Sheila Jordan, Alan Pasqua, Bob Sheppard, Mark Murphy, Randy Brecker, Terry Callier, Don Ellis, Larry Coryell Trio, Sonny Fortune Quartet, Fareed Haque, Lew Tabackin, Kahil El Zabar, Brian Lynch, Jon Faddis, Lester Bowie, Don Moye, Henry Butler, Frank Catalano, Chevere de Chicago, Mark Colby, Anthony Molinaro, Bonnie Koloc, Michal Urbaniak Quartet, Bill Holman, Jon Faddis, Joshua Redman, The Chicago Jazz Ensemble and Sonia Dada.

He has toured nationally/internationally with the Lyle Mays Quartet, the Terry Callier Group, the Paul Wertico Trio, the Kurt Elling Quartet, and the Grazyna Auguscik Quintet and has performed at the Jazz Festivals of Montreal, San Fransisco, Chicago (16 times), Montreux, Rotterdam, UK London, Free Jazz/Sao Paolo & Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Leverkeusen/Germany, Bam Festival/Barcelona, Nice Jazz(Fr), Cully Jazz(Swiss), The International Society of Jazz Educators/Atlanta, The Percussive Arts Society/Columbus, OH and many others.
Eric Hochberg's groups perform frequently around Chicagoland. The Eric Hochberg Orchestra has performed for countless events of all kinds over the past twenty years and Eric Hochberg Music contracts the finest musicians in the Chicago area for clients worldwide.
As a producer, Eric is credited with Jackie Allen's 2006 debut Blue Note Records release, "Tangled" and her 2003 release "The Men in My Life". Eric has also worked extensively with legendary singer-songwriter Terry Callier, producing his latest album, "Lookin' Out", on Emarcy and Mr. Bongo Records, the critically acclaimed "TC in DC" on Premonition, Verve Forecast's "Timepeace", Novo Record's "Chicago Rapid Transit" and Acid Jazz "Totally Re-wired Vol. 8". He co-produced "Future Tense" by Hochberg/Eisen/Potter available at musicstem.com. He is currently working on a trio project with pianist Michael Kocour, saxophonist Rich Fudoli and Eric on bass.

As a composer, Eric has made contributions to Kurt Elling's "Close Your Eyes" and "The Messenger" on Blue Note, Hochberg and Potter's "World Thing" on HoPo Records, Trio New "New Bolero", Paul Wertico's "Yin and the Yout" and The Paul Wertico Trio's "Live in Warsaw" & "Don't Be Scared Anymore". Five new compositions are featured on "Future Tense", the new recording by Eric, Steve Eisen & Andrew Scott Potter.

He can be heard on the recordings of:

• Paul Wertico "Live in Warsaw", "Don't Be Scared Anymore" and "Stereonucleosis"
• Grazyna Augucik's "River"
• Terry Callier's "Lookin' Out", "TimePeace", "Lifetime" and "TC in DC"
• Kurt Elling's "Close Your Eyes" and "The Messenger"
• Rich Corpolongo's "Just Found Joy" and "Smiles"
• Howard Levy's "Harmonica Jazz"
• Ken Nordine's "Upper Limbo" and "Transparent Mask"
• Mark Colby's "Tenor Reference" and "Speaking of Stan"
  

and many others.

Eric endorses Lakland Basses and D'Addario strings.

Track played - ‘The Visit’ from Don’t be Scared Anymore by the Paul Wertico Trio
Eric plays multiple basses on this track

Eric Hochberg, bass
Paul Wertico, drums
John Moulder, guitar

http://www.paulwertico.com/

visit the link below to purchase this album:

http://www.paulwertico.com/products/order.php

Listener feedback:

….from Jeff Turner:

Jason,
I've had a wonderful time listening to several of your podcasts. Great
work!
Jeff Turner

….from Peter James:

My name is Peter James
I'm just start learning Contrabass. Do you have any books that can help me learn from the beginning. Like how to handle the bass, what the best bow fits you, fingering, technique, etc.

….from Chad Cole:

Hi Jason, my name is Chad Cole and I’m a 16 year old bassist who has
recently discovered and fallen in love with your podcast. I live in Phoenix,
Arizona, and I’ve been playing the bass for almost three years now and I
absolutely love it. I have played in both Arizona regional and all state
orchestras and practice the bass non-stop. I’m pleased at how much your
podcast have helped me with my practicing for auditions, solos, technique,
etc. So on to my question have you ever considered interviewing high school
bassist across the country and see what Americas next generation of bass
players are up to? Or even if you could give me some advise as how to set up
a podcast so I can start my own and start to interview teens across the
country and ask who their teachers are, practice techniques, and what they
are doing performance wise etc. So if you could email me back with either
some helpful tips on how to start up a podcast, or that you would be
interested in interviewing teen bassist so I can look forward to that in the
future. Thanks again for all of the great podcast.
Chad Cole

…from Anthony C. Orlando:

I am relocating from Cleveland OH to
Evanston IL. I have a near mint condition non-laminate
String Bass I cannot play due to disability. I'd like
to find a student in need of a quality non-laminate
student instrument, approx. 10 y.o. Knilling built in
Bucharest (spruce arch top, maple flatback & sides,
ebony fingerboard, w/ bridge height adjusters & soft
case). Not sure what "bluebook" value would be but I
paid approx $2500. If you have any students in need
could you pass along the info.

Sign-off

Website: www.contrabassconversations.com
E-mail: contrabassconversations@gmail.com
Blog: www.doublebassblog.com
Podcast T-shirts, hats, and more: www.cafepress.com/doublebass
MySpace: www.myspace.com/cbcpodcast
Theme song by Eric Hochberg: www.erichochberg.com

This week's Contrabass Conversations episode features an excellent interview with Indiana University double bass professor Lawrence Hurst. Double bassist (and frequent Contrabass Conversations guest) John Grillo co-hosted the interview with me. You'll be hearing the first part of our interview this week, and we'll be putting out more of this interview in the next few weeks.

You will also be hearing a track from the fabulous double bass virtuoso DaXun Zhang. DaXun was a student of Mr. Hurst at Indiana University, and he is currently on faculty at Northwestern University. Enjoy!

_____________

CBC 20: Interview with Lawrence Hurst and music from DaXun Zhang

Release Date: 5/13/07
Length: 39:22
Website: www.contrabassconversations.com
E-mail: contrabassconversations@gmail.com
Blog: www.doublebassblog.com
Podcast T-shirts, hats, and more: www.cafepress.com/doublebass
MySpace: www.myspace.com/cbcpodcast

You can always call 206-666-6509 to leave a message and join in the conversation!

To get Contrabass Conversations downloaded automatically to your computer (for free!), you can subscribe in iTunes.

Click here to subscribe through e-mail or through another program besides iTunes

Click to listen (right-click to download)
or click player below:

News and Notes

-new theme song! – Eric Hochberg and Jason Heath, double basses
-visit Eric Hochberg online at www.erichochberg.com
-thanks for positive feedback on interview with Greg Sarchet
-great response to Catalin’s playing last week—more of that in future episodes
-we are going to be doing our first jazz interview this week with double bassist Eric Hochberg
-I was featured in the most recent installment of Double Bassist magazine in an article called Poducation. I am the Poducator. You cannot resist….

-This week’s interview was co-hosted by double bassist John Grillo. You have heard John on CBC episodes 6, 9, and 14, plus his recital showcase back in February of this year. John was a Mr. Hurst student at Indiana University for his undergraduate degree, and he introduces some great questions and commentary into the interview.

After the interview, we will be featuring some double bass playing from the great young double bass virtuoso DaXun Zhang. DaXun was a student of Mr. Hurst at Indiana University, and he has received international acclaim as a double bas soloist. He is current on faculty at Northwestern University just down the street from me here in Evanston, IL.

Interview with Lawrance Hurst

Lawrence Hurst is the former principal double bass for the Dallas Symphony. He is a former faculty member of Southern Methodist and Eastern Michigan Universities and former faculty member, associate dean, and chair of the string department at University of Michigan School of Music. He was honored with the Alumni Award from the University of Michigan School of Music in 1998.

Professor Hurst is former director of the University Division of the National Music Camp and is a summer faculty member of the Interlochen Arts Camp.

He is past chair of the American String Teachers Association National Solo Competition, and past president of the International Society of Bassists.

His former students can be found in many prestigious orchestras, including Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Indianapolis, and Atlanta.

He has chaired the Indiana University Strings Department for the past 19 years and has been on faculty at Interlochen for the past 40 years.

Learn more about Lawrence Hurst and his Indiana University double bass studio at http://newsinfo.iu.edu/sb/page/normal/231.html

______________

Music from DaXun Zhang

Beethoven Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 3 – mvt 3

Visit DaXun online at http://www.daxunzhang.com/
DaXun’s Biography:

The Washington Post declares, “If the bass is finally to produce a headliner, the instrument can have no better champion than Zhang,� of 24-year-old double bassist DAXUN ZHANG. Zhang has performed and toured with Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project, including concerts in Japan, California, and an appearance at Carnegie Hall in September 2004. He also worked with Mr. Ma to record the soundtrack to a 10-part documentary series on the Silk Road. The series aired on Japan’s national broadcast channel, NHK, and the CD was released on Sony Classical.

In April 2006, Zhang performed Bizet’s Carmen Fantasy in YCA’s annual Irene Diamond Concert at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall with Keith Lockhart conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. During the 2005-2006 season, Zhang performed with the Monroe (LA) Symphony Orchestra, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic and gave recitals at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Missouri State University, and in the Embassy Series in Washington, DC. He will perform as a member of Lincoln Center’s Chamber Music Society II during the 2006-2007 season.

Zhang has appeared as soloist with Orange County’s Pacific Symphony (CA), Orchestra New England, and the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle (NC). He has given recitals at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (FL), the University of Georgia, Western Michigan University, the Buffalo Chamber Music Society, and in The Artist Series in Tallahassee, FL. He has performed chamber music in the La Jolla Music Society Summerfest and the Linton Chamber Music Series in Cincinnati.

As the first double bass player to win the Young Concert Artists Auditions in 2003, Zhang was also awarded the Claire Tow Prize, which sponsored his New York debut in the Young Concert Artists Series and the Washington Performing Arts Society Prize, which sponsored his Washington, DC debut at the Kennedy Center, as well as the La Jolla Music Society Prize, the Orchestra New England Soloist Prize, and The Fergus Prize.

Zhang was the first double bassist ever to win First Prize in the 2003 WAMSO (Women's Auxiliary of the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra) competition. In 2001, Zhang was the youngest artist ever to win the International Society of Bassists Solo Competition. He has also received the Grand Prize of the American String Teachers Association National Solo Competition.

DaXun Zhang comes from a family of bassists in Harbin, China. He has been playing the instrument since the age of nine, and studied at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing beginning at the age of eleven. He continued his studies in the U.S. at the Interlochen Arts Academy and received his Artist Diploma from Indiana University School of Music, where he worked with Lawrence Hurst. He is currently on the faculty at Northwestern University.

Listener Feedback

……….David Ballam wrote:

Hi Jason,
Congratulations on being mentioned in the Doublebassist (Spring 07). I just received my issue in the mail today. The title is "Poducation" and is found on p.28-29. Your blog is mentioned and given credit for this growing area of podcasting/blogging. Btw... I think the sites (Bass Blog & Contrabassconversations) really has done a lot for the bass community, not only here in Chicago, but nationally and internationally. I'm really excited to see the technology bring the bass community together. Keep up the great work.

…………Christian Dillingham wrote:

Hey Jason,

I just listened to 3 interviews from the show. I'm addicted! They're all inspiring, and it's really great what you're doing. Just wanted to say thanks. Also, I'm sure Jeff Turner would be into the podcasting. Let me know if you would like to consider that, and I can get you his info.

Sign-off

Website: www.contrabassconversations.com
E-mail: contrabassconversations@gmail.com
Blog: www.doublebassblog.com
Podcast T-shirts, hats, and more: www.cafepress.com/doublebass
MySpace: www.myspace.com/cbcpodcast

Show notes:

Release Date: 5/10/07

Length: 50:18

Website: www.contrabassconversations.com

E-mail: contrabassconversations@gmail.com

Blog: www.doublebassblog.com

Podcast T-shirts, hats, and more: www.cafepress.com/doublebass

MySpace: www.myspace.com/cbcpodcast

You can always call 206-666-6509 to leave a message and join in the conversation!

Click to listen (right-click to download)
or click player below:

___________

Program Order:

Bottesini Romanza Dramatica Op. 20 (Elegie No. 2)

Bach Suite No. 3 in C Major (performed in original key)

Sofia Gubaidulina Pantomime

Eccles Sonata
            Andante
            Allegro
            Adagio
            Presto

Here is this week's Contrabass Conversations episode! This episode features an interview with double bassist Greg Sarchet (pictured here with Flea). Greg is a member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago orchestra and the double bass instructor at Northeastern Illinois University. You'll hear Greg playing with the Vienna Waltz Ensemble, and at the end of the episode we will feature a track from double bassist Catalin Rotaru. Enjoy!

______________

Show Notes

Release Date: 5/6/07
Length: 35:04
Website: www.contrabassconversations.com
E-mail: contrabassconversations@gmail.com
Blog: www.doublebassblog.com

To get Contrabass Conversations downloaded automatically to your computer (for free!), you can subscribe in iTunes.

Click here to subscribe through e-mail or through another program besides iTunes

Click to listen (right-click to download)
or click player below:

Interview with Greg Sarchet

Greg’s bio:

Greg Sarchet considers himself fortunate to have had an array of musical experiences and training, from studying with his first teacher, jazz luminary Rufus Reid, to receiving degrees from the Juilliard School (where he was a student of Michael Morgan), to hundreds of television/radio commercial recordings. His strong interest in researching the double bass and ongoing international exchange efforts were recognized by a 1996 Chicago Artists International Program award which sent him to the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria for performances, masterclasses, and archival research. These and other exchange activities have allowed him to build an extensive library of unpublished, out-of-print, and contemporary double bass works, as well as a first-hand understanding of Europe's leading teaching methods. Since 1986, he has been a member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra. Additionally, he frequently serves as Principal Bass with Chicago Opera Theater and the Chicago Chamber Orchestra. He maintains a limited private studio for high school and adult pupils. Briefly, his musical foundation was laid by his first double bass teachers, Rufus Reid and Todd Coolman. The musical values and priorities they, among others, instilled in him have led him to a wide variety of professional opportunities ranging from recordings with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Mannheim Steamroller, Smashing Pumpkins, and hundreds of television and radio commercials.

Greg Sarchet maintains a great double bass website called Bass Club Chicago. I have been visiting this site for years, and it is full of great information, photos, and more.

Check out the bass family tree from Greg’s site. It is quite interesting!

Greg will be featured on a few tracks in this episode from his recordings with the Vienna Waltz Ensemble. Visit them online at www.viennawaltz.com.

To purchase any of the Vienna Waltz Ensemble’s albums, please visit their product page.

Music from Catalin Rotaru

Catalin’s bio:

Catalin Rotaru, double bass, joined the School of Music at Arizona State University, in 2005. Mr. Rotaru is in demand as a performer and clinician throughout the world. He is a licentiate of the National University of Music from Bucharest, Romania, and holds a Master’s degree in music performance from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. Previously he was Associate Professor of Double Bass and Jazz Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, taught at Millikin University, and at the University of Illinois. He has performed both solo classical and jazz bass throughout Europe, the United States, South America and Japan. He served as associate principal bass in the Romanian National Radio Orchestra, principal bass in the Sibiu Philharmonic Orchestra, Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra of Bucharest, Danville Symphony Orchestra, Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra, associate principal and principal bass in Sinfonia Da Camera, and principal bass of the Orchestra Sinfonica Europea. Mr. Rotaru performs extensively as soloist in recitals or with symphony orchestras throughout the United States and abroad and gives numerous clinics and master classes. He received the second prize at the 1997 International Society of Bassists Competition and the Jury's Special Award for the best performance of the required piece at that competition. He was the winner of the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Debut Recital Award in 1997, and received the Central Illinois Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters Award in 1996. For the last several years, Professor Rotaru has been a frequent solo performer at the International Chamber Music Festival of Pernambuco in Brazil.

Visit Catalin online at his Arizona State University faculty page.

Music played:

Brahms Sonata for Cello and Piano No.1 in E Minor, Op. 38 mvt 3(Allegro)

From:

· Bass*ic Cello Notes
· Catalin Rotaru
· Summit Records
· (Classical)

Street Release: Mar 13, 2007

Download "Sonata for Cello and Piano No.1 in E Minor, Op. 38" (mp3)
from "Bass*ic Cello Notes"
by Catalin Rotaru
Summit Records

• Buy at iTunes Music Store
• Buy at eMusic
• Buy at Napster

More On This Album


We’ll wrap up today with a song from Mark Gunn called Wild Kitty from his album “Irish Drinking Songs for Cats�.