Podcast appearances and mentions of john grillo

On this bowl of Question Crunch, John Grillo talks about their work in comics. Answering questions about making zines, vending at conventions, and being finnspired by a pink fox-rabbit.

Atrasa mas não falha! Lucas Hermsdorff    / @lucashermsdorff     / lucashermsdorff_   Músicas: Samba de Amigo - Mambo Beat Metrô - Convite Ao Amor Ghost Note - Rise Up and Walk (Andrew Wartts & The Gospel Story Tellers - Peter & John) Grillo 13 - Pixar é humano

Stuttering John, Steve Grllo and Doug Goodstein have a barely comprehendable conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The boys review an episode of The Stuttering John Podcast from 2021.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Grillo is the President of JG Vault Coaching, a coaching firm dedicated to helping mid-life men overcome their limiting beliefs regarding, their fitness, finances, and futures. John believes his best days are ahead of him and instills that belief in his clients. His tagline of Mind, Money, Muscles reflects that belief. John is a former IT executive for a major Wall Street Bank and an Air Force Veteran. He is a husband, father, brother and uncle as well as a Big Brother. A claim to fame, John bench-pressed 500 pounds at age 55 years old. Now ten years older, he is working to get back to that level and his most recent bench was 465 pounds. He has trained under Tim Grover and Omar Periu. His coaching credentials are from David Bayer and Tim Storey. He has spoken at live events alongside Les Brown. John is a true believer in the power of the universe God, signs, and synchronicity, and during our conversation, he shares with us: - The Loss of his Father at 12⁣ ⁣- The endless experiences in his family system of Grief⁣ ⁣- Murder and death - The presence of Anger and its alchemy to grace -Defying and Cursing God in times of sorrow⁣ ⁣- The gifts that loss gave him of Wisdom, perception, and spiritual gifts⁣ ⁣- The magic of 1969 Baseball as a church Plato's Retreat and Studio 54⁣ ⁣- A vision of Jesus Being smacked by God before joining the Air force, and -Is God lifting weights? To learn more about John, we invite you to visit his social media: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grill... - Web Page: https://www.jgvaultcoaching.co... Visit https://delaflorteachings.com/... to receive the “21 Days of Faith in Action Course” as our gift to you. Podcast sponsored by Delaflor Teachings International and produced by Asynd Media.

Today's episode is an audio rebroadcast for our 10,000 YouTube subscribers celebration from December 3, 2021.   Enjoy, and thanks to John Grillo, Paul Thompson, Valentina Ciardelli, and Geoff Chalmers for joining me! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically! Check out our Online Sheet Music Store with 100+ wide-ranging titles for bassists.   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle. Check out my Beginner's Classical Bass course and Intermediate to Advanced Classical Bass course, available exclusively from Discover Double Bass.   Thank you to our sponsors!   Upton Bass String Instrument Company - Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.   Carnegie Mellon University Double Bass Studio - CMU is dedicated to helping each student achieve their goals as a musician. 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.   Ear Trumpet Labs - They make hand-built mics out of Portland, OR and they have an excellent mic for upright bass called Nadine. The Nadine is a condenser mic with a clear natural sound and incredible feedback rejection. This mic is a completely new design -- the head mounts in between the strings above the tailpiece with a rubber grommet, and the body securely straps to the tailpiece with velcro elastic. A 14-inch Mogami cable connects the two parts making it easy to place on any bass. It's durable and holds up to the demanding needs of the instrument while offering excellent sound quality. Ear Trumpet Labs is offering a free t-shirt just for Contrabass listeners with the purchase of a mic, just visit EarTrumpetLabs.com/contrabass to claim yours and check out the Nadine!   Contrabass Conversations production team: Jason Heath, host Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing Mitch Moehring, audio engineer Trevor Jones, publication and promotion theme music by Eric Hochberg

On this episode of The Point is Progress, I talk to Christina, of The Perfect Perk about how she connected with owner, John Grillo. She immediately went to work with him to build a brand that took this already well known shop to the next level. We discuss how the twists and turns of life prepared her for supporting the growth of the shop, and how her fearless nature  was cultivated by her upbringing. Fun fact - she was working for a shoe company before working for Perfect Perk! She, no doubt, inspires and motivates people with her energy and passion. You MUST check out their shop - their coffee and treats are second to none! https://perfectperknj.com/

While living in Mexico City, John Grillo saw an opportunity to work on a film set, so he came on as a translator for a Disney film. While meeting the crew, he was drawn to the lifestyle. These days, Grillo is a Cinematographer known for ‘Westworld,’ ‘The Leftovers,’ ‘Snowpiercer,’’ Preacher,’ and various Michael Mann projects such as ‘Luck,’ ‘Miami Vice,’ ‘Ali,’ and ‘Collateral.’ In this interview, Grillo discusses what he learned from Michael Mann, how to see subtext in images, how filmmaking is like jazz, what drew him to television, the importance of paying attention on set, and why you don’t need film school. If you enjoyed this interview, join millions of viewers for the new YouTube video essay series, Creative Principles, which dissects new films, series, and more: bit.ly/2FARJz5

A futuristic park that simulates the Old West with human-like robot characters. A 1001-car-long bullet train that speeds perpetually along the remnants of a frozen Earth. These are the worlds of two of TV's most high-concept series to date, HBO's Westworld and TNT's Snowpiercer. Both adaptations of out-there science fiction films -- the former from Michael Crichton, the latter from Bong Joon-ho -- the challenge of adapting them to screen is still vast, even in the big-budget world of Peak TV. And yet, cinematographer John Grillo has worked on both, spearheading the visual look for Westworld's second and third seasons and acting as lead cinematographer for Snowpiercer, which itself took a long, rocky track to release. Grillo's work differs greatly in approach for each of these disparate sci-fi worlds: Westworld is vast and sprawling, contrasting the open plains of the Old West for futurist minimalism in its robot cowboy-less third season; Snowpiercer, meanwhile, is all cramped train cars and mining social drama out of the intricately-designed cars that make up its central setting. Each car is a different world, from the prison-like barracks of the tail to the neon-soaked bacchanal of the Night Car. The Spool sat down with Grillo to talk about the logistical challenges of shooting for TV, the ways both shows have had to change and grow to fit their specific tonal briefs, and whether he might like to take a break from robot revolutions and futuristic class metaphors for a simple, straightforward psychological drama. (More of a Comment, Really… is a proud member of the Chicago Podcast Coop. Thanks to Cards Against Humanity for sponsoring this episode!)

We were thrilled to have Dr. Don Greene back as our guest on the podcast.  Don first appeared on the show in 2017–his first podcast appearance ever!  Don is a performance coach with an amazing track record in music music, sports, and other specialties.  Over 1000 musicians won auditions after working with Don, and he continues to expand into new projects. On today’s episode, longtime co-host John Grillo and I dig into his TED Ed video (over 25 million views!) on how to practice more effectively.  This leads us down all kinds of interesting paths, from mental rehearsal and centering to thinking of performance as play.  We also cover his new book and website on college prep for musicians and all the other offerings on his new website. Links to check out: Don’s website College Prep for Musicians Don’s TED Ed video Don’s 2017 CBC appearance   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: D'Addario Strings This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.   Upton Bass String Instrument Company Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.   Steve Swan String Bass Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast’s largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada.  Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor.   Kolstein Music The Samuel Kolstein Violin Shop was founded by Samuel Kolstein in 1943 as a Violin and Bow making establishment in Brooklyn, New York. Now on Long Island, over 60 years later, Kolstein’s has built a proud reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise in both the manufacture and repair of a whole range of stringed instruments, and has expanded to a staff of twelve experts in restoration, marketing and production. The Bass Violin Shop The Bass Violin Shop offers the Southeast’s largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome! A440 Violin Shop An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools. Contrabass Conversations production team: Jason Heath, host Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing Mitch Moehring, audio engineer Trevor Jones, publication and promotion Krista Kopper, archival and cataloging Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

I first spoke with Barrie Kolstein for the podcast back in 2008 with my frequent co-host John Grillo.  Barrie has been in the double bass business for nearly 50 years, and Kolstein Music is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Barrie and I cover all kinds of new ground in this long-overdue “round two” conversation, including what it was like working with bass legends like Fred Zimmermann and Orin O’Brien, new product innovations like silicon rosin cases, the Busetto bass, and new flight trunk designs, how the bass world has (and hasn’t) changed over the decades, advice Barrie would give to his younger self, and much more! Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: Kolstein Music The Samuel Kolstein Violin Shop was founded by Samuel Kolstein in 1943 as a Violin and Bow making establishment in Brooklyn, New York. Now on Long Island, over 60 years later, Kolstein’s has built a proud reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise in both the manufacture and repair of a whole range of stringed instruments, and has expanded to a staff of twelve experts in restoration, marketing and production. The Bass Violin Shop The Bass Violin Shop offers the Southeast’s largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome! Steve Swan String Bass Steve Swan String Bass features the West Coast’s largest selection of double basses between Los Angeles and Canada.  Located in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, their large retail showroom holds about 70 basses on display. Their new basses all feature professional setups and come with a cover at no additional cost. Used and consignment instruments receive any needed repairs and upgrades before getting a display position on the sales floor. A440 Violin Shop An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools. Upton Bass String Instrument Company Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players. D'Addario Strings This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.   Contrabass Conversations production team: Jason Heath, host Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing Mitch Moehring, audio engineer Trevor Jones, publication and promotion Krista Kopper, archival and cataloging Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

John Grillo is the director of photography for Westworld season 2 and he’s on the show today to discuss his accomplished career, the challenges and rewards of shooting film, and behind the scenes secrets from the set.   The Go Creative Show is supported by: Premium Beat Rule Boston Camera Hedge Shutterstock News Shooter Show Topics The benefits of shooting film Controlling the look of your film What is a "tone meeting" Transitioning from director of photography to director Lighting for film vs. digital and much more PremiumBeat.com Song of the Week Edgy Pasture by Brightside Studio   Follow Go Creative Show Twitter Facebook Apple Podcasts Stitcher Follow Ben Consoli BC Media Productions BenConsoli.com Twitter Instagram   Follow Matt Russell Gain Structure Sound Twitter

Ken's Last Ever Radio Extravaganza - "So Now You Take My Breath Away" - Show #352, from Jan. 25, 2005 Ken's Last Ever Radio Extravaganza - "The Retina of the Mind's Eye" - Show #342, from Nov. 23, 2004 Terry Gilliam (director, writer); Charles McKeown, Tom Stoppard (writers); Jonathan Pryce, Oscar Quitak, Harold Innocent, John Grillo, Ralph Nossek, David Gant, James Coyle (actors) - "Scene: Charges read to Sam" - Brazil [More screaming] Cowboy Junkies - "Sweet Jane" - The Trinity Session [Loop] David Cronenberg (director, writer); Jack Creley, actor - "Scene: That's why I only appear on television" - Videodrome [The television screen has become the retina of the mind's eye. That's why I refuse to appear on television, except on television. Soon, all of us will have special names. Names designed to cause the cathode ray tube to resonate.] Rick Prelinger - "Excerpts" - Panorama Ephemera [Feature-length collage film] Terry Gilliam (director, writer); Charles McKeown, Tom Stoppard (writers); Peter Vaughan, John Flanagan (actors) - "Scene: Opening, Mr. Helpmann on terrorist campaign" - Brazil Terry Gilliam (director, writer); Charles McKeown, Tom Stoppard (writers); Sheila Reid, Jonathan Pryce (actors) - "Scene: What have you done with his body?" - Brazil Terry Gilliam (director, writer); Charles McKeown, Tom Stoppard (writers); Kim Greist, Jonathan Pryce (actors) - "Scene:How many actual actual terrorists have you met?" - Brazil Terry Gilliam (director, writer); Charles McKeown, Tom Stoppard (writers); Michael Palin, Jonathan Pryce (actors) - "Scene: I got the right man" - Brazil [The wrong man was delivered to me as the right man. Was it my fault Mr. Buttle's heart condition didn't appear on Mr. Tuttle's file?] David Cronenberg (director, writer); Jack Creley, actor - "Scene: I had a brain tumor" - Videodrome [The battle for the mind of North America will be fought in the video arena.] - "The Odd Couple opening" - Classic TV shows Tape 6 Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox - "Happy Days (extended non-TV version)" - Classic TV shows Tape 6 The Rembrants - "Friends Theme (instrumental)" - Classic TV shows Tape 6 Walt Disney - "Mickey Mouse March (Alma Matter Theme)" - Classic TV shows Tape 6 [with Jimmy Dodd & the Mouseketeers] Terry Gilliam (director, writer); Charles McKeown, Tom Stoppard (writers); Ian Richardson (actor) - "Scene: Welcome to the team, DZ-015!" - Brazil [You'll like it up here, send that back. We've got a crack team of are they kidding decision makers. Don't let Progress see those. Between you and me, Lowry, this no no department tell Records to get stuffed is about to be upgraded and ahhhhhhh, here we are: Your very own number on your very own door, and behind that door, your very own office. Congratulations, DZ-015, welcome to the team!] Bryce - "Bryce's show on WFMU June 26, 2004" Ken - "Identification" Zach Braff, director, writer, actor - "Scene: Family means people who miss the same imaginary place" - Garden State Ken - "Sometimes you're not listening" David Cronenberg (director, writer); Jack Creley, actor - "Therefore, television is reality, and reality is less than television" - Videodrome Brak - "I'm Forgettable" - The Brak Album [Pitch shifted] Bryce - "Bryce's show on WFMU June 26, 2004" Kim Kriswell - "You Can't Get a Man With a Gun" - Annie Get Your Gun Rick Prelinger - "Excerpt" - Panorama Ephemera Michel Gondry - "I'm So Tiny" - The Work of Director Michel Gondry Enya - "Eclipse" - Stars [3 copies] Phone caller - "Who is this? (It's Bob.)" Brak - "I'm Forgettable" - The Brak Album [Pitch shifted] David Cronenberg (director, writer); Jack Creley, actor - "Your reality is already half video hallucination" - Videodrome [Uncontrollable flesh] Harold Ramis (director, writer); Danny Rubin (writer); Bill Murray, Rick Ducommun (actors) - "Scene: I'm not going to live by their rules anymore" - Groundhog Day [I can see that, Phil.] Harold Ramis (director, writer); Danny Rubin (writer); Stephen Tobolowsky, Bill Murray (actors) - "Scene: It's me, needle-head Ned!" - Groundhog Day [Pitch shifted. Am I right or am I right or am I right? Right, right, right.] Zach Braff, director, writer, actor; Peter Sarsgaard, Natalie Portman, actors - "Scene: Screaming into ditch" - Garden State [More screaming, with Simon & Garfunkel] Ken's Last Ever Radio Extravaganza - "Excerpts from A Little Scream (of me)" - A Little Scream (of me) (11/9/04) Martha Coolidge (director); Neal Israel, Pat Proft, Peter Torokvei (writers); Chas Jankel (music) - "Scene: Study scene freakout" - Real Genius [Song "Number One" in background. Even more screaming, 3 copies] Martha Coolidge (director); Neal Israel, Pat Proft, Peter Torokvei (writers); Val Kilmer, Jon Gries (actors) - "Scene: Ice is nice!" - Real Genius [How did you do? I passed, but I failed! Then I'm happy and sad for you.] Martha Coolidge (director); Neal Israel, Pat Proft, Peter Torokvei (writers); Tommy Swerdlow (actor) - "Scene: I guess it goes from God to Jerry to you to the cleaners" - Real Genius [...right, Ken? (T edited out)] Cowboy Junkies - "Sweet Jane" - The Trinity Session [Loop] Bryce Ken - "Ending" Drahomira Song Orchestra - "Argentine" https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/77541

Ken's Last Ever Radio Extravaganza - "So Now You Take My Breath Away" - Show #352, from Jan. 25, 2005 Ken's Last Ever Radio Extravaganza - "The Retina of the Mind's Eye" - Show #342, from Nov. 23, 2004 Terry Gilliam (director, writer); Charles McKeown, Tom Stoppard (writers); Jonathan Pryce, Oscar Quitak, Harold Innocent, John Grillo, Ralph Nossek, David Gant, James Coyle (actors) - "Scene: Charges read to Sam" - Brazil [More screaming] Cowboy Junkies - "Sweet Jane" - The Trinity Session [Loop] David Cronenberg (director, writer); Jack Creley, actor - "Scene: That's why I only appear on television" - Videodrome [The television screen has become the retina of the mind's eye. That's why I refuse to appear on television, except on television. Soon, all of us will have special names. Names designed to cause the cathode ray tube to resonate.] Rick Prelinger - "Excerpts" - Panorama Ephemera [Feature-length collage film] Terry Gilliam (director, writer); Charles McKeown, Tom Stoppard (writers); Peter Vaughan, John Flanagan (actors) - "Scene: Opening, Mr. Helpmann on terrorist campaign" - Brazil Terry Gilliam (director, writer); Charles McKeown, Tom Stoppard (writers); Sheila Reid, Jonathan Pryce (actors) - "Scene: What have you done with his body?" - Brazil Terry Gilliam (director, writer); Charles McKeown, Tom Stoppard (writers); Kim Greist, Jonathan Pryce (actors) - "Scene:How many actual actual terrorists have you met?" - Brazil Terry Gilliam (director, writer); Charles McKeown, Tom Stoppard (writers); Michael Palin, Jonathan Pryce (actors) - "Scene: I got the right man" - Brazil [The wrong man was delivered to me as the right man. Was it my fault Mr. Buttle's heart condition didn't appear on Mr. Tuttle's file?] David Cronenberg (director, writer); Jack Creley, actor - "Scene: I had a brain tumor" - Videodrome [The battle for the mind of North America will be fought in the video arena.] - "The Odd Couple opening" - Classic TV shows Tape 6 Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox - "Happy Days (extended non-TV version)" - Classic TV shows Tape 6 The Rembrants - "Friends Theme (instrumental)" - Classic TV shows Tape 6 Walt Disney - "Mickey Mouse March (Alma Matter Theme)" - Classic TV shows Tape 6 [with Jimmy Dodd & the Mouseketeers] Terry Gilliam (director, writer); Charles McKeown, Tom Stoppard (writers); Ian Richardson (actor) - "Scene: Welcome to the team, DZ-015!" - Brazil [You'll like it up here, send that back. We've got a crack team of are they kidding decision makers. Don't let Progress see those. Between you and me, Lowry, this no no department tell Records to get stuffed is about to be upgraded and ahhhhhhh, here we are: Your very own number on your very own door, and behind that door, your very own office. Congratulations, DZ-015, welcome to the team!] Bryce - "Bryce's show on WFMU June 26, 2004" Ken - "Identification" Zach Braff, director, writer, actor - "Scene: Family means people who miss the same imaginary place" - Garden State Ken - "Sometimes you're not listening" David Cronenberg (director, writer); Jack Creley, actor - "Therefore, television is reality, and reality is less than television" - Videodrome Brak - "I'm Forgettable" - The Brak Album [Pitch shifted] Bryce - "Bryce's show on WFMU June 26, 2004" Kim Kriswell - "You Can't Get a Man With a Gun" - Annie Get Your Gun Rick Prelinger - "Excerpt" - Panorama Ephemera Michel Gondry - "I'm So Tiny" - The Work of Director Michel Gondry Enya - "Eclipse" - Stars [3 copies] Phone caller - "Who is this? (It's Bob.)" Brak - "I'm Forgettable" - The Brak Album [Pitch shifted] David Cronenberg (director, writer); Jack Creley, actor - "Your reality is already half video hallucination" - Videodrome [Uncontrollable flesh] Harold Ramis (director, writer); Danny Rubin (writer); Bill Murray, Rick Ducommun (actors) - "Scene: I'm not going to live by their rules anymore" - Groundhog Day [I can see that, Phil.] Harold Ramis (director, writer); Danny Rubin (writer); Stephen Tobolowsky, Bill Murray (actors) - "Scene: It's me, needle-head Ned!" - Groundhog Day [Pitch shifted. Am I right or am I right or am I right? Right, right, right.] Zach Braff, director, writer, actor; Peter Sarsgaard, Natalie Portman, actors - "Scene: Screaming into ditch" - Garden State [More screaming, with Simon & Garfunkel] Ken's Last Ever Radio Extravaganza - "Excerpts from A Little Scream (of me)" - A Little Scream (of me) (11/9/04) Martha Coolidge (director); Neal Israel, Pat Proft, Peter Torokvei (writers); Chas Jankel (music) - "Scene: Study scene freakout" - Real Genius [Song "Number One" in background. Even more screaming, 3 copies] Martha Coolidge (director); Neal Israel, Pat Proft, Peter Torokvei (writers); Val Kilmer, Jon Gries (actors) - "Scene: Ice is nice!" - Real Genius [How did you do? I passed, but I failed! Then I'm happy and sad for you.] Martha Coolidge (director); Neal Israel, Pat Proft, Peter Torokvei (writers); Tommy Swerdlow (actor) - "Scene: I guess it goes from God to Jerry to you to the cleaners" - Real Genius [...right, Ken? (T edited out)] Cowboy Junkies - "Sweet Jane" - The Trinity Session [Loop] Bryce Ken - "Ending" Drahomira Song Orchestra - "Argentine" http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/77541

We chat with frequent podcast co-host John Grillo about a new project called Orchestra Confidential. This is a project that had been many years in the making, and if you'd like to be involved, contact John at grillo@contrabassconversations.com. Links to Check Out: The State of the Orchestra (podcast from 2009) The Orchestral Dream is Dead with Matt Waters past episodes featuring John John Grillo Recital Showcase (from 2007--the first music put out on the podcast) email John

This is a look back an an interesting conversation from 2009 that podcast co-host John Grillo and I had about my book Road Warrior Without an Expense Account.  Today we take a look back at: what has changed in the orchestra world what has changed for Jason personally and professionally since this original episode Check out the original episode here.

This is a “best of” episode from three classic Contrabass Conversations episodes. Back in the early days of the podcast, John Grillo and I recorded two episodes that dissected various excerpts. He and I talked through each excerpt and then played a recording of John performing it. These have been extremely popular resources over the years, but they came out not he podcast ten years ago. With so many episodes of this podcast and so many new listeners to the show, bringing these classic offerings to light is important to me, so I’m planning on doing a few rebroadcasts of this cornerstone content every now and again. Orchestra Excerpts Covered: Beethoven Symphony No. 9 Beethoven Symphony No. 5 Brahms Symphony No. 1 and 2 Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 Mozart Symphony No. 35 and 39 Mahler Symphony No. 2 Schubert Symphony No. 9 Strauss Ein Heldenleben Britten Young Person’s Guide Verdi Otello Opera Excerpts Covered: Strauss Salome Rosenkavalier Wagner Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg Die Walküre Britten Peter Grimes Verdi Otello Rigoletto Falstaff Weber Euryanthe Mozart Magic Flute Marriage of Figaro Beethoven Fidelio Humperdinck Hansel and Gretel Thanks to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance. Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings! Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which  offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

Dr. Don Greene is a sports psychologist and performance coach who has who has taught at The Juilliard School, New World Symphony, and The Colburn School. In 2016, Dr. Greene's students won positions with the San Francisco Opera, Montreal Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, National Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Virginia Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, his clients won 14 medals including 5 gold. We cover topics like: Don’s journey from the world of sports psychology into working with performing artists the latest research in muscle memory and myelination negative reinforcement and how it’s baked into much of classical music training mental rehearsal and visualization the five pillars of centering My longtime collaborator John Grillo and I chat with Don in this wide-ranging and fascinating conversation. Links to check out: Peak Performance Training School Don’s TED-Ed video (over 1.3 million views) Thanks to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance. Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings! Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which  offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome! This episode is also brought to you by Rosin Saver, a revolutionary storage device that keeps bass rosin feeling as fresh as the day it was made. Rosin Saver is used by members of the New York Philharmonic, the MET orchestra, the Los Angles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, and many others. Use the promo code 'HEATH' at checkout for 10% off any and all orders from rosinsaver.com. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

Thank you. Really, I don't know what else to say. Thank you to each and every one of you who have taken your precious time these past ten years to listen to these episodes.  You've written in.  You've suggested guests.  You've shared your passion and energy with me and with the wider community. Thank you to the hundreds of guests who have lent their valuable time to this crazy project.  Through the gift of your time, energy, and experience, you've helped thousands of people across the globe. Thank you to John Grillo, who co-hosted this and so many other episodes with me.  John, Win Hinkle, Jonathan Stefaniak, Kells Nollenberger, other folks have guest interviewed people for the podcast, for which I am so grateful. Thank you to D'Addario Strings, Bass Capos, Discover Double Bass, Upton Bass, The String Emporium, Riccardi's Violin Shop, Classic Contrabass, and Douglas Mapp Music for their support as sponsors over this past decade.  I am grateful to each and every one of you for your support with keeping this juggernaut going. And finally, thank you to Lloyd Goldstein, Mitch Moehring, Szymon Marciniak, Tracy Friedlander, Jay Stark, Adam Booker, and Justin Locke for calling in and contributing to this 10th anniversary episode! Here's to another 10 exciting years! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to your inbox! Learn how you can support the show at contrabassconversations.com/support Thanks to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut. Hosting for Contrabass Conversations is provided by Bass Capos.  Bass Capos are an excellent choice for any bass player using or looking to implement a double bass extension. Easy to install and adjust, cheaper and more reliable than hand-built latches, also lighter and quicker in operation.

Welcome to Winning the Audition - a special series from Contrabass Conversations featuring advice from leaders in the field about preparing and executing auditions successfully.  This series is drawn from interviews conducted with dozens of bassists from orchestras like the Boston Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, National Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, and Houston Symphony, plus some of the most influential pedagogues in the field. This episode is sponsored by Discover Double Bass, and they have a course on bowing technique with Lauren Pierce that I highly recommend checking out. This course is divided into 37 HD lessons, and Lauren gives a short video overview of the three categories that these videos cover: the basics, bow control, and real world techniques. There’s also a free preview lesson on phrasing with the bow. Check out over 70 free lessons and much more at discoverdoublebass.com! About Winning the Audition This series provides actionable advice that you can use to take your auditioning to the next level, and while we’re speaking with bassists for these episodes, the advice can certainly be applied to other instruments and disciplines as well.   This series is divided into four episodes: Preparing for Audition Success, Practicing Techniques for Peak Auditions, Preparation Routines That Work, and Sealing the Deal.  Special thanks goes to John Grillo, who was my co-host for many of these interviews. Today's episode includes advice from dozens of major figures in the bass world, including Lawrence Hurst, Michael Hovnanian, Ranaan Meyer, Ian Hallas, Brandon Mclean, Robin Kesselman, Ira Gold, Max Dimoff, Jack Budrow, Andrew Anderson, Rob Kassinger, Peter Tambroni, Greg Sarchet, Andrew Raciti, Marc Ramírez, Gaelen McCormick, Joseph Conyers, Colin Corner, Ju-Fang Liu, Jeffrey Turner, Owen Lee, Brad Opland, Alex Hanna, and Ed Barker.

Welcome to Winning the Audition - a special series from Contrabass Conversations featuring advice from leaders in the field about preparing and executing auditions successfully.  This series is drawn from interviews conducted with dozens of bassists from orchestras like the Boston Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, National Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, and Houston Symphony, plus some of the most influential pedagogues in the field. Our sponsor for this episode is Discover Double Bass. This site is run by Geoff Chalmers and provides lessons and step-by-step courses on a variety of double bass areas of study. They’ve got free articles, string reviews and a show called Ask Geoff and Lauren where they answer questions from the double bass community. Geoff does great work and has built this into a tremendous resource for bassists everywhere. Check out over 70 free lessons and much more at discoverdoublebass.com! About Winning the Audition This series provides actionable advice that you can use to take your auditioning to the next level, and while we’re speaking with bassists for these episodes, the advice can certainly be applied to other instruments and disciplines as well.   This series is divided into four episodes: Preparing for Audition Success, Practicing Techniques for Peak Auditions, Preparation Routines That Work, and Sealing the Deal.  Special thanks goes to John Grillo, who was my co-host for many of these interviews. Today's episode includes advice from dozens of major figures in the bass world, including Lawrence Hurst, Michael Hovnanian, Ranaan Meyer, Ian Hallas, Brandon Mclean, Robin Kesselman, Ira Gold, Max Dimoff, Jack Budrow, Andrew Anderson, Rob Kassinger, Peter Tambroni, Greg Sarchet, Andrew Raciti, Marc Ramírez, Gaelen McCormick, Joseph Conyers, Colin Corner, Ju-Fang Liu, Jeffrey Turner, Owen Lee, Brad Opland, Alex Hanna, Links from the episode: Performance Success Audition Success Fight Your Fear and Win Flow

I’m thrilled to bring you this episode featuring Joe Conyers.  Joe is the assistant principal bass for the Philadelphia Orchestra and is the founder of Project 440, a nonprofit organization that brings music to young people in Philadelphia.  We’re joined on this episode by John Grillo, my longtime podcast collaborator. John and I talk with Joe about topics such as: growing up in Savannah studying with Hal Robinson at Curtis the audition circuit becoming comfortable with your own playing  the mission of Project 440  conducting Philadelphia’s All-City Orchestra Enjoy!

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 instruments have been utilized by Jeff Turner of the Pittsburgh Symphony, James Van Demark of the Eastman School of Music, Scott Haigh of the Cleveland Orchestra, and many others. John Grillo has been frequenting the Kolstein shop for years, and it was great to have John in on the conversation.  This was a great chat about all sorts of bass-related topics. About Barrie Kolstein: 1967-1971 Kolstein basses State University of New York at Albany Obtained a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration and Marketing. 1967-1973 Formally studied the Double Bass under the pedagogues: Frederick Zimmermann, Assistant Principal of the New York Philharmonic; Orin O’Brien, New York Philharmonic; Georges Andre, Metropolitan Opera; Robert Gladstone, Principal Bassist Detroit Symphony; Samuel Hollingsworth, Principal Bassist Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; David Holland, renowned Jazz artist. 1971-1974 Served in formal apprenticeship for instrument and bow restoration, construction and appraisals, under the expert auspices of renowned violin and bow maker, restorer, and appraiser, Samuel Kolstein. 1974-1978 Served as staff instrument and bow restorer as well as making numerous new violin and celli with Samuel Kolstein. 1979 Promoted to head violin master in the shop of Samuel Kolstein. 1981 Assumed full business responsibilities for operating all aspects of Samuel Kolstein & Son, Ltd. and Kolstein Music, Inc. 1981 to present Head violin maker, restorer, and appraiser with a staff of nine violin makers working under his supervision. Published numerous technical articles on restoration and appraisals in the International Society of Bassists with feature article published in the Strad, February 1991; presently editor of the “Luthier Corner” in the International Society of Bassists magazine restoration and repair forum; published regularly in the Double Bassist magazine and the Strad magazine, both of London, England, since 1996. These articles have ranged form interviews with makers and performers, technical articles on repair/making, and expert appraisal articles on historic master makers; featured in the violinmaking segment of Robin Lehman’s documentary, Young Peoples Guide to the Orchestra; contacted to appear in the upcoming educational video on “Careers in Music”. On the expert appraisers staff of Art Conservation fine arts adjusters as a String Instrument and Bow Expert. Barrie Kolstein has completed well over one hundred instruments (Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass Violins) utilized by renowned players including Jeffrey Turner, Pittsburgh Symphony; Robert Gladstone, Detroit Symphony; James Van Demark, Professor of Double Bass Eastman School of Music and world famous soloist; Charles Urbont, Metropolitan Opera; James Clute, Minnesota Symphony Orchestra; David Sheets, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Lou Norton, New York Philharmonic; Caitlyn Kamanga, Hong Kong Philharmonic;, Scott Haig, Assistant Principal Bassist, Cleveland Orchestra; Hienrich Joachim, renowned soloist and former member of the New York Philharmonic; Lew Norton, New York Philharmonic; Barbara Yendell, Hong Kong Philharmonic, to name a few! Mr. Kolstein is a member of: Appraisers Association of America, 1994 to present International Society of Bassists, 1979 – present Violin Society of America, 1980 – present Viola Congress, 1983 – present Cello Congress, 1982 – present Listed in The Violin Makers of the United States, by Thomas J. Wenberg, Mount Hood Publishing Company, 1986.

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 singing and Andrew Hauze on piano. In addition to being our third interview guest for the podcast way back in 2007 (almost ten years ago at this point!), John and I have co-interviewed many prominent bassists over the years, including Lawrence Hurst (which we re-released a few weeks ago in a newly edited format), Ed Barker, Max Dimoff, and many others. We’ve also featured quite a bit of John’s bass playing here, including a complete recital featuring music of Bach, Schubert, Dave Anderson, and Stanley Chepaitis. We also featured a couple of really interesting episodes covering orchestra excerpts and opera excerpts with an analysis of each excerpt followed by a performance from John of that excerpt. these are extremely useful practice guides—definitely check these out if you haven’t before—it's episode 41 for the orchestra excerpts and episode 62 for the opera excerpts. If you have the app, just search for “John Grillo” and you’ll find all of these episodes. I hope you enjoy this, and stay tuned for more from John in the future!

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 was broadcast in the early days of this show in three separate parts, and we are pleased to present the complete and uninterrupted interview on this week's show.  This episode was co-hosted by John Grillo.  Enjoy! About Lawrence Hurst: Lawrence Hurst began his musical studies on the piano accordion at the age of four. At 13, he started studying the double bass through the public school system of his hometown, Norfolk, Virginia. After serving two years with the Seventh Army Symphony, he started his professional career as principal bassist with the Dallas Symphony under Sir Georg Solti. He joined the music faculty at the University of Michigan School of Music in 1964. During his tenure at Michigan, he chaired the String Department and was Associate Dean and Director of the University Division of the National Music Camp at Interlochen, Michigan. In 1986 he joined the faculty of the Jacobs School of Music of Indiana Universtiy and was the chair of the String Department from 1987 until 2012. In 1967, he joined the summer faculty of the famed National Music Camp (now the Interlochen Arts Camp) and has taught there every summer since. His students can be found in orchestras and musical venues all over the world, including the orchestras of Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Indianapolis, Atlanta, The Metropolitan Opera, St. Louis, and Milwaukee, to name a few. In 2005 he was given the American String Teacher's Association Artist/Teacher of the Year Award, and, in 2006, the International Society of Bassists (of which he is past president) gave him the Distinguished Teaching Award. In JUne, 2013, the ISB also awarded him the Distinguished Achievement Award. He retired from the Jacobs School of Music in June 2012, whereupon his former students initiated an endowment scholarship and medal for double bassists in his name. email: feedback@contrabassconversations.com phone (call-in number--we'll play your message on the show!): 415-952-5643

Here's another popular episode from the Contrabass Conversations archives.  If you haven't check this episode out before (or even if you have), you'll be in for a real treat as we explore the world of the double bass with Mr. Barker. We’re featuring Boston Symphony Principal Bassist Ed Barker on this week’s Contrabass Conversations episode. Conducted by Contrabass Conversations co-host John Grillo, this episode features John chatting with Ed about his early years on the bass, his schooling and time spent in the Chicago Symphony prior to his appointment with the Boston Symphony, and in-depth look at articulation on the bass, and a discussion on practicing. We hope you enjoy this conversation with this modern master performer and teacher of the double bass! About Ed Barker: Edwin Barker is recognized as one of the most gifted bassists on the American concert scene. Acknowledged as an accomplished solo and ensemble player, Mr. Barker has concertized in North America, Europe, and the Far East. Edwin Barker has performed and recorded with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Chamber Players, and with the contemporary music ensemble Collage, a Boston – based contemporary music ensemble, and is a frequent guest performer with the Boston Chamber Music Society. Mr. Barker gave the world premiere of James Yannatos’ Concerto for Contrabass and Chamber Orchestra and of Theodore Antoniou’s Concertino for Contrabass and Chamber Orchestra ; he was the featured soloist in the New England premiere of Gunther Schuller’s Concerto for Double Bass and Chamber Orchestra, conducted by the composer with The Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Barker graduated with honors from the New England Conservatory in 1976, where he studied double bass with Henry Portnoi. That same year, while a member of the Chicago Symphony, he was appointed at age 22 to the position of principal double bass of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. His other double bass teachers included Peter Mercurio, Richard Stephan, Angelo LaMariana, and David Perleman. Mr. Barker was invited to inaugurate the 100th anniversary season of the Boston Symphony Orchestra with a solo performance of the Koussevitzky Bass Concerto; other solo engagements have included appearances at Ozawa Hall (Tanglewood), Carnegie Recital Hall’s “Sweet and Low” series, and at major universities and conferences throughout the world, as well as concerto performances with the Boston Classical Orchestra, the Athens State Orchestra (Greece) and with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Boston and Europe. He was a featured premiere soloist with the Boston Symphony of John Harbison’s Concerto for Bass Viol and Orchestra at Tanglewood’s 2007 Festival of Contemporary Music. Mr. Barker is an Associate Professor at the Boston University College of Fine Arts where he teaches double bass, orchestral techniques, and chamber music. His other major teaching affiliations include the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Tanglewood Music Center, where he is Chairman of Instrumental and Orchestral Studies. Edwin Barker’s solo CD recordings include Three Sonatas for Double Bass, on Boston Records, James Yannatos’ Variations for Solo Contrabass, on Albany Records, and Concerti for Double Bass, on GM Recordings, which includes bass concerti by Gunther Schuller and Theodore Antoniou. Concerti for Contrabass also includes his highly praised performance of Tom Johnson’s Failing , which was recorded live at Harvard University’s Sanders Theater. Edwin Barker’s latest solo offering on CD is a recently released performance of James Yannatos’ Concerto for Contrabass with Collage. This episode originally aired on June 6, 2009. Enjoy!

Cowboy Junkies - "Sweet Jane (live)" - The Trinity Session [Velvet Underground/Lou Reed cover] Ken's Last Ever Radio Extravaganza - "Give the Drummer Radio live stream" Lou Reed - "Perfect Day" - Transformer Jonathan Pryce, Michael Palin - "I got the right man" - Brazil Jonathan Pryce, Michael Palin - "Interrogate Tuttle at the same voltage as Buttle" - Brazil Oscar Quitak or Harold Innocent or John Grillo or Ralph Nossek or David Gant - "Reading of charges" - Brazil Jonathan Pryce, Sheila Reid - "What have you done with his body?" - Brazil the grizzly swat - "dream interviews vol. I" - Computer Rock 2013 the grizzly swat - "dream interviews vol. I" - Computer Rock 2013 Ian Richardson - "Welcome to the team, DZ-015" - Brazil Kim Greist, Jonathan Pryce - "Have you ever met any actual terrorists?" - Brazil Matthew Broderick, Ally Sheedy - "You're really into computers, huh?" - Wargames Russell Brand on Jeremy Paxman's Newsnight show - "Interview" [August 2013] Phone - "Brief, probably live WTJU feed" Lou Reed - "Street Hassle" - Street Hassle the grizzly swat - "dream interviews vol. I" - Computer Rock 2013 Negativland - "Time Zones" - Escape From Noise [By request from two weeks ago] Cowboy Junkies - "Sweet Jane (live)" - The Trinity Session [Velvet Underground/Lou Reed cover] Llewellyn ap Gruffydd - "A Shaft of Light Enters the Room" Noam Chomsky - "propaganda and control" Llewellyn ap Gruffydd - "the trees" Disneyland - "Huck's Attic" - CircleVision - American Journeys Llewellyn ap Gruffydd - "the trees" Negativland - "Methods of Torture" - Escape From Noise Negativland - "Yellow, Black and Rectangular" - Escape From Noise Lou Reed - "Street Hassle" - Street Hassle Vangelis - "Titles" - Chariots of Fire Negativland - "Christianity is Stupid" - Escape From Noise Vangelis - "Titles" - Chariots of Fire David Gilmour - "Excerpt about radio" Tori Amos - "Frog on My Toe" Brad Fiedel - "Sarah's Destiny" - The Terminator [Reversed] Lou Reed - "Perfect Day" - Transformer George W. Bush - "Mankind is led into the darkness" - Space Shuttle Columbia speech [You're not alone] Michael Jackson - "Man in the Mirror" - Bad Michael Jackson - "Man in the Mirror" - Bad Judy Garland - "One Two Three Four Five" - Judy Garland Speaks! - Disc 2 Judy Garland - "One Two Three Four Five" - Judy Garland Speaks! - Disc 2 Judy Garland - "They took me for a ride" - Judy Garland Speaks! - Disc 2 Disney - "Yo, Ho (A Pirate's Life For Me)" - The Music Of Disney - A Legacy In Song 3 Ken's Last Ever Radio Extravaganza - "Following the Leader" - Following the Leader: 4/24/04, show #308 [https://lastever.org. With Whitney Houston and Judy Garland] https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/52975

Cowboy Junkies - "Sweet Jane (live)" - The Trinity Session [Velvet Underground/Lou Reed cover] Ken's Last Ever Radio Extravaganza - "Give the Drummer Radio live stream" Lou Reed - "Perfect Day" - Transformer Jonathan Pryce, Michael Palin - "I got the right man" - Brazil Jonathan Pryce, Michael Palin - "Interrogate Tuttle at the same voltage as Buttle" - Brazil Oscar Quitak or Harold Innocent or John Grillo or Ralph Nossek or David Gant - "Reading of charges" - Brazil Jonathan Pryce, Sheila Reid - "What have you done with his body?" - Brazil the grizzly swat - "dream interviews vol. I" - Computer Rock 2013 the grizzly swat - "dream interviews vol. I" - Computer Rock 2013 Ian Richardson - "Welcome to the team, DZ-015" - Brazil Kim Greist, Jonathan Pryce - "Have you ever met any actual terrorists?" - Brazil Matthew Broderick, Ally Sheedy - "You're really into computers, huh?" - Wargames Russell Brand on Jeremy Paxman's Newsnight show - "Interview" [August 2013] Phone - "Brief, probably live WTJU feed" Lou Reed - "Street Hassle" - Street Hassle the grizzly swat - "dream interviews vol. I" - Computer Rock 2013 Negativland - "Time Zones" - Escape From Noise [By request from two weeks ago] Cowboy Junkies - "Sweet Jane (live)" - The Trinity Session [Velvet Underground/Lou Reed cover] Llewellyn ap Gruffydd - "A Shaft of Light Enters the Room" Noam Chomsky - "propaganda and control" Llewellyn ap Gruffydd - "the trees" Disneyland - "Huck's Attic" - CircleVision - American Journeys Llewellyn ap Gruffydd - "the trees" Negativland - "Methods of Torture" - Escape From Noise Negativland - "Yellow, Black and Rectangular" - Escape From Noise Lou Reed - "Street Hassle" - Street Hassle Vangelis - "Titles" - Chariots of Fire Negativland - "Christianity is Stupid" - Escape From Noise Vangelis - "Titles" - Chariots of Fire David Gilmour - "Excerpt about radio" Tori Amos - "Frog on My Toe" Brad Fiedel - "Sarah's Destiny" - The Terminator [Reversed] Lou Reed - "Perfect Day" - Transformer George W. Bush - "Mankind is led into the darkness" - Space Shuttle Columbia speech [You're not alone] Michael Jackson - "Man in the Mirror" - Bad Michael Jackson - "Man in the Mirror" - Bad Judy Garland - "One Two Three Four Five" - Judy Garland Speaks! - Disc 2 Judy Garland - "One Two Three Four Five" - Judy Garland Speaks! - Disc 2 Judy Garland - "They took me for a ride" - Judy Garland Speaks! - Disc 2 Disney - "Yo, Ho (A Pirate's Life For Me)" - The Music Of Disney - A Legacy In Song 3 Ken's Last Ever Radio Extravaganza - "Following the Leader" - Following the Leader: 4/24/04, show #308 [http://lastever.org. With Whitney Houston and Judy Garland] http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/52975

This week on Contrabass Conversations, we're bringing you rare footage of Serge Koussevitzky performing a few selections. Enjoy this trip back in double bass history, brought to you by double bassist John Grillo!

We’re featuring practice tapes from the hugely influential double bass performer and pedagogue Frederick Zimmermann on this week’s Contrabass Conversations episode. Co-host John Grillo unearthed and transferred these tapes of Zimmermann practicing, and he and I briefly chat about how these tapes helped to shape John’s concept of sound on the double bass. Enjoy! About Frederick Zimmermann: Frederick Zimmermann was an American double bassist and teacher. He played in the New York Philharmonic from 1930-1966 serving as assistant-principal and principal and taught at the Juilliard School, Mannes College of Music, Columbia University, Manhattan School of Music, and New York University. He is considered by many to be the most influential American double bass teacher of the 20th century.

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.

We’re featuring Boston Symphony Principal Bassist Ed Barker on this week’s Contrabass Conversations episode. Conducted by Contrabass Conversations co-host John Grillo, this episode features John chatting with Ed about his early years on the bass, his schooling and time spent in the Chicago Symphony prior to his appointment with the Boston Symphony, and in-depth look at articulation on the bass, and a discussion on practicing. We hope you enjoy this conversation with this modern master performer and teacher of the double bass! About Ed Barker: Edwin Barker is recognized as one of the most gifted bassists on the American concert scene. Acknowledged as an accomplished solo and ensemble player, Mr. Barker has concertized in North America, Europe, and the Far East. Edwin Barker has performed and recorded with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Chamber Players, and with the contemporary music ensemble Collage, a Boston – based contemporary music ensemble, and is a frequent guest performer with the Boston Chamber Music Society. Mr. Barker gave the world premiere of James Yannatos’ Concerto for Contrabass and Chamber Orchestra and of Theodore Antoniou’s Concertino for Contrabass and Chamber Orchestra ; he was the featured soloist in the New England premiere of Gunther Schuller’s Concerto for Double Bass and Chamber Orchestra, conducted by the composer with The Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Barker graduated with honors from the New England Conservatory in 1976, where he studied double bass with Henry Portnoi. That same year, while a member of the Chicago Symphony, he was appointed at age 22 to the position of principal double bass of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. His other double bass teachers included Peter Mercurio, Richard Stephan, Angelo LaMariana, and David Perleman. Mr. Barker was invited to inaugurate the 100th anniversary season of the Boston Symphony Orchestra with a solo performance of the Koussevitzky Bass Concerto; other solo engagements have included appearances at Ozawa Hall (Tanglewood), Carnegie Recital Hall’s “Sweet and Low” series, and at major universities and conferences throughout the world, as well as concerto performances with the Boston Classical Orchestra, the Athens State Orchestra (Greece) and with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Boston and Europe. He was a featured premiere soloist with the Boston Symphony of John Harbison’s Concerto for Bass Viol and Orchestra at Tanglewood’s 2007 Festival of Contemporary Music. Mr. Barker is an Associate Professor at the Boston University College of Fine Arts where he teaches double bass, orchestral techniques, and chamber music. His other major teaching affiliations include the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Tanglewood Music Center, where he is Chairman of Instrumental and Orchestral Studies. Edwin Barker’s solo CD recordings include Three Sonatas for Double Bass, on Boston Records, James Yannatos’ Variations for Solo Contrabass, on Albany Records, and Concerti for Double Bass, on GM Recordings, which includes bass concerti by Gunther Schuller and Theodore Antoniou. Concerti for Contrabass also includes his highly praised performance of Tom Johnson’s Failing , which was recorded live at Harvard University’s Sanders Theater. Edwin Barker’s latest solo offering on CD is a recently released performance of James Yannatos’ Concerto for Contrabass with Collage.

Double bassist and Contrabass Conversations co-host John Grillo recently recorded in the first of a new series of audio programs about the past, present, and future of the professional symphony orchestra. In this first episode, John interviews me about my book Road Warrior Without an Expense Account, which I hope you’ll find interesting. I also recorded a screencast of my Keynote presentation about this book, which I did in Sioux Falls, South Dakota during the summer of 2008. I wrote the blog posts that this book is based upon in early 2007. Enjoy! Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Email

Contrabass Conversations Co-host John Grillo and Jason conclude their interview with Cleveland Orchestra Principal Bass Max Dimoff this week. Before winning his job with the Cleveland Orchestra, Max served as Principal Bass of the San Antonio Symphony and Section Bass for the Grant Park Symphony and Seattle Symphony. In this second segment of our interview with Max, we cover the use of rhythms in practicing solo and orchestral music, why he finds warm-up exercises useful, standing versus sitting, and audition preparation advice. Max's Warm-Ups Max Dimoff Warm-Up Packet (PDF) In addition to serving as Principal Bass with the Cleveland Orchestra, Max is on faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music along with Jeff Bradetich, his former teacher from Northwestern University. Max and Jeff team teach the CIM bass studio in a very interesting arrangement which we discuss during our interview.

Contrabass Conversations Co-host John Grillo and Jason interview Cleveland Orchestra Principal Bass Max Dimoff this week. Before winning his job with the Cleveland Orchestra, Max served as Principal Bass of the San Antonio Symphony and Section Bass for the Grant Park Symphony and Seattle Symphony. In this second segment of our interview with Max, we cover the use of rhythms in practicing solo and orchestral music, why he finds warm-up exercises useful, standing versus sitting, and audition preparation advice. Max's Warm-Ups Max Dimoff Warm-Up Packet (PDF) In addition to serving as Principal Bass with the Cleveland Orchestra, Max is on faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music along with Jeff Bradetich, his former teacher from Northwestern University. Max and Jeff team teach the CIM bass studio in a very interesting arrangement which we discuss during our interview.

We’re concluding our interview (check out part 1 here) with Metropolitan Opera Orchestra bassist Dan Krekeler this week on the podcast. John Grillo and I co-interviewed Dan, which was particularly cool since we’ve both known Dan for many years. I played with Dan in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and John went to Indiana University with him as an undergraduate. It’s great to see an old friend have such great professional success, and it was a lot of fun to catch up with Dan and hear about his experiences on the road to a major orchestral position. In our conversations about audition prep, Dan brings up musician coach Don Greene, and I realized that we’ve never actually talked about Don before on any blog posts or podcasts. This is surprising, since I’m a big fan of Don’s concepts and strategies for successful auditioning, so we’ll have to delve more into that topic at a later date. Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Email

We've finally reached 100 episodes of Contrabass Conversations! In this special episode, we hear how many of our guests from our first two years of podcasting began playing the bass. Today, you'll be hearing excerpts from the following guests. Complete episodes featuring all of these guests (and many more!) can be found at the Contrabass Conversations website, along with complete biographies and links to guest websites: 1. Andy Anderson – Lyric Opera of Chicago 2. Phillip Serna – teacher and early music specialist 3. John Grillo – former New World Symphony, co-host of CBC 4. Bjorn Berkhout – composer 5. Kate Nettleman – principal bass of Hong Kong Philharmonic, newest member of Minnesota Orchestra 6. Weldon Anderson – freelance bassist and composer 7. Ira Gold – National Symphony 8. Francois Rabbath – soloist 9. Greg Sarchet – Lyric Opera of Chicago 10. Lawrence Hurst – Indiana University bass professor 11. Eric Hochberg – jazz bassist 12. Michael Hovnanian – Chicago Symphony 13. Rob Kassinger – Chicago Symphony 14. Jeff Turner – Pittsburgh Symphony 15. Ranaan Meyer – Time for Three 16. Guy Tuneh – soloist and chamber musician 17. Peter Tambroni – teacher and author 18. Colin Corner – former member Minnesota Orchestra 19. Brad Opland – Chicago Symphony 20. Scott Rosenthal – Theater/Broadway musician 21. Donovan Stokes – soloist and professor 22. Virginia Dixon – Suzuki bass 23. Peter Seymour – Project bassist, former New World Symphony and Cleveland Orchestra 24. Steve Reinfranck – luthier and teacher 25. Owen Lee – Cincinnati Symphony 26. Lynn Seaton – jazz bassist, UNT jazz bass professor 27. Anthony Stoops – soloist and professor 28. Chris Threlkeld-Weigand – luthier 29. Barrie Kolstein – luthier 30. Dave Anderson – Louisiana Philharmonic, composer 31. Kristin Korb – jazz bassist and vocalist 32. Barry Lieberman – University of Washington, former L.A. Philharmonic

We’re concluding our interview with the multi-talented bassist Dave Anderson on this week’s episode of Contrabass Conversations. In addition to serving as Principal Bass of the Louisiana Philharmonic, Dave is a prolific composer, active teacher, and electric bassist. He serves as Principal Bass of the Britt Festival Orchestra in southern Oregon, and he plays in metropolitan New Orleans and beyond in a variety of bands. We began this interview on episode 75 of the podcast, and we also featured Dave’s music on Eclectic Bass episode 2. Dave’s compositions span the gamut from solo double bass to full symphony orchestra, and his Concerto for Double Bass was commissioned and premiered by Hal Robinson and the Philadelphia Orchestra. He is a former board member of the International Society of Bassists, and his Capriccio No. 2 served as the required solo competition piece at the 1997 ISB convention. Check out Dave online atwww.myspace.com/symphonyboy. Scores to Dave’s compositions have been recently re-released, and you can now purchase copies online. Visit the following link to check out many of these compositions: http://www.reallygoodmusic.com/rgm.jsp?page=composers2&compid=128028 Also, my co-host John Grillo has a recording of the complete Double Bass Duets by Dave with Pittsburgh Symphony bassist Peter Guild. You can check them out here (there are links to each individual duet through the following link): http://contrabassconversations.com/2007/02/12/john-grillo-recital-showcase/ Topics discussed: meeting and taking lessons with Jaco Pastorius Hurricane Katrina New Orleans after the disaster impact of Katrina on the Louisiana Philharmonic reassembling Dave’s music after the hurricane Dave’s compositions and performance activities About Dave: Dave Anderson is a professional double bassist, joined the Louisiana Philharmonic in New Orleans in September of 1996 after winning their Principal Bass audition. Prior to that appointment, he performed and recorded regularly with the Louisville Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, among others. Since 1994, he has served as Principal Bassist in the Britt Festival Orchestra in Oregon. He has performed extensively with many diverse ensembles including, the Aspen Festival, Chautauqua (NY) Festival, Colorado Philharmonic (NRO), Colorado Music Festival, the LaSalle Quartet, and as a soloist with Richard Stoltzman, Gene Bertoncini, Nigel Kennedy, Bobby McFerrin, Doc Severinsen and many others. He has served as Bass Instructor for the Music School at Loyola University and also on the Board of Directors of the International Society of Bassists (ISB) as bassist/composer. Mr. Anderson began his pursuits in composition in 1984, recognizing that the solo repertoire for his instrument was limited. The influence of Frank Proto, one of his finest teachers, also led him to turn to involved composition. Since then, his published work has expanded to other solo instruments, as well as for chamber orchestras and small ensembles. He has published bass duets and quartets, including a bass quartet that was performed to acclaim at the Chamber Music Festival at Indiana University in 1993. Anderson won first prize in the 1995 Allen Ostrander International Trombone Composition Competition, sponsored by Ithaca college, for Elegy for Van, a work for solo bass trombone and brass choir, which he composed as a tribute to the late Lewis Van Haney, former trombonist with the New York Philharmonic. Several years ago, Anderson completed a concerto for Bass Trombone, commissioned by his father, Edwin Anderson, former bass trombonist with the Cleveland Orchestra. His Concerto for Double Bass, Strings & Harp, commissioned by Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Bassist Hal Robinson was premiered at the ISB Convention in June of 1997 and performed on the 1997-98 subscription series of the Philadelphia Orchestra season, Wolfgang Sawallisch conducting. His current work includes a second symphony, as well as several commissions. Also a prolific electric bassist, Anderson loves playing with pedal steel guitarist, David Easley. The group known as the Anderson/Easley Project perform original music of many genres including free jazz, funk, bop, minimalist and many wonderfully unique approaches to dynamics and expression. Anderson also plays with Algorhythm Method, and SOFA KING BIG SOUL, bands that fuse many different styles including hard rock, funk, blues, jazz, and New Orleans R & B. Anderson has jammed with The Radiators, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Roy Pope, Darryl Brown, and many other great New Orleans musicians including a killer performance with guitarist Brian Stoltz of the Funky Meters as a main highlight of the French Quarter Festival 2002. In 1984-85, Anderson played for and took lessons with the legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius in New York, who firmly encouraged the idea of being able to cross over between classical and jazz. Here is some of what the Press has said in Anderson’s past: Review of Anderson’s Quintet for Oboe, Clarinet, Violin, Viola & Bass, Louisville Courier Journal music critic Andrew Adler wrote: “Anderson’s new work is splendidly fresh and provocative, ingenious in how it distributes material … the jazzy syncopations and ethnic flavorings reflect a diverse, expertly distilled inspiration. Thoroughly absorbed by yesterday’s performance, the piece offered sustained pleasure.” Reviews of Anderson’s Bass Concerto: Houston Chronicle music critic Charles Ward : “ … thoroughly appealing … his rich scoring of the orchestra and expansive solo melodies came from a composer exuberantly in love with music.” Lesley Valdes, Philadelphia Inquirer: “ … a melodious work, whose moods cohere… the thoughtful, the nostalgic, the provocative. Ideas are fertile and cohesive.” Thomas May, Washington Post: “Anderson shows a gift for fashioning readily accessible music from unusual combinations of timbres.” Featured Music: Blew Cheeze with Dave Anderson and Dave Easley  

We’re continuing our chat (check out part one on episode 73) with Michigan State University and Interlochen Arts Academy double bass instructor Jack Budrow this week on Contrabass Conversations. In addition to helping place students in major orchestras across the globe, Jack has had a very distinguished performance career as a former member of the Houston Symphony, Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, and as Principal Bass of the North Carolina Symphony.  Jack discussed several topics of great interest to double bass students and performers with co-host John Grillo and me, including: musical leadership and qualities of good principal bassists qualities found in good conductors how music students are seeing fewer and fewer concerts emotion in music – country music’s got it limitations of rock music in conveying emotion body maintenance and how to stay healthy as a bassist We also feature music from double bass performer and composer Peter Askim. Learn more about Peter at his websitewww.peteraskim.com. Enjoy! About Jack Budrow:Jack Budrow is professor of music and co-chair of the string area at the Michigan State University College of Music.He has enjoyed a long and varied career in double bass performance and teaching. Budrow has been a member of the Houston Symphony, and principal bass of the North Carolina Symphony, Santa Fe Opera, and the American National Opera orchestras. A well-known teacher, Budrow’s students play in many of America’s symphony orchestras, including Cincinnati, San Francisco, Atlanta, Houston, Charleston, San Antonio, the Michigan Opera, and the Army Band. Internationally, he has placed students in the Oslo Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, Munich Radio Orchestra, and the Caracas Symphony.Each summer, Budrow teaches at Interlochen Center for the Arts and Indiana University. He serves on the board of directors of the International Society of Double Bassists, and was a judge for their most recent International Solo Bass Competition. Budrow has presented master classes throughout the United States, including the Cleveland Institute, Florida State University, University of Houston, Indiana University, University of Michigan, Peabody Conservatory, and University of Texas. In addition, he served as the bass section coach at the National Orchestral Institute and New World Symphony. Budrow received his B.M. from Bowling Green State University. About Peter Askim: Active as a composer, conductor and double bassist, Peter Askim is the Music Director and Composer-in-Residence of the Idyllwild Arts Academy. He has been a member of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra and served on the faculty of the University of Hawaii-Manoa, where he directed the Contemporary Music Ensemble and taught bass, theory and composition. He has had commissions and performances from such groups as the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, the Honolulu Symphony, Orchestra Asia-Japan, the International Society of Bassists, the Yale Symphony Orchestra, the Idyllwild Arts Orchestra, the Portland Chamber Music Festival, and Serenata Santa Fe, as well as by performers such as flutist/ conductor Ransom Wilson, Metropolitan Opera soprano Lauren Flanigan and Grammy-nominated soprano Judith Kellock. His compositions are published by Liben Music Publishers, Discordia Music and the International Society of Bassists, and his music is recorded on the Gasparo and Albany labels. Musical Selection: Edge for Solo Double Bass – written and performed by Peter Askim

We’re featuring the multi-talented bassist Dave Anderson on this week’s episode of Contrabass Conversations. In addition to serving as Principal Bass of the Louisiana Philharmonic, Dave is a prolific composer, active teacher, and electric bassist. He serves as Principal Bass of the Britt Festival Orchestra in southern Oregon, and he plays in metropolitan New Orleans and beyond in a variety of bands. Dave’s compositions span the gamut from solo double bass to full symphony orchestra, and his Concerto for Double Bass was commissioned and premiered by Hal Robinson and the Philadelphia Orchestra. He is a former board member of the International Society of Bassists, and his Capriccio No. 2 served as the required solo competition piece at the 1997 ISB convention. Check out Dave online atwww.myspace.com/symphonyboy. Scores to Dave’s compositions have been recently re-released, and you can now purchase copies online. Visit the following link to check out many of these compositions: http://www.reallygoodmusic.com/rgm.jsp?page=composers2&compid=128028 Also, my co-host John Grillo has a recording of the complete Double Bass Duets by Dave with Pittsburgh Symphony bassist Peter Guild. You can check them out here (there are links to each individual duet through the following link): http://contrabassconversations.com/2007/02/12/john-grillo-recital-showcase/ Topics discussed: Dave’s early years studying with Frank Proto, Barry Green, Stuart Sankey, and Warren Benfield his compositional style and how he got into composing talking about composing with Maxim Shostakovich meeting and taking lessons with Jaco Pastorius About Dave: Dave Anderson is a professional double bassist, joined the Louisiana Philharmonic in New Orleans in September of 1996 after winning their Principal Bass audition. Prior to that appointment, he performed and recorded regularly with the Louisville Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, among others. Since 1994, he has served as Principal Bassist in the Britt Festival Orchestra in Oregon. He has performed extensively with many diverse ensembles including, the Aspen Festival, Chautauqua (NY) Festival, Colorado Philharmonic (NRO), Colorado Music Festival, the LaSalle Quartet, and as a soloist with Richard Stoltzman, Gene Bertoncini, Nigel Kennedy, Bobby McFerrin, Doc Severinsen and many others. He has served as Bass Instructor for the Music School at Loyola University and also on the Board of Directors of the International Society of Bassists (ISB) as bassist/composer. Mr. Anderson began his pursuits in composition in 1984, recognizing that the solo repertoire for his instrument was limited. The influence of Frank Proto, one of his finest teachers, also led him to turn to involved composition. Since then, his published work has expanded to other solo instruments, as well as for chamber orchestras and small ensembles. He has published bass duets and quartets, including a bass quartet that was performed to acclaim at the Chamber Music Festival at Indiana University in 1993. Anderson won first prize in the 1995 Allen Ostrander International Trombone Composition Competition, sponsored by Ithaca college, for Elegy for Van, a work for solo bass trombone and brass choir, which he composed as a tribute to the late Lewis Van Haney, former trombonist with the New York Philharmonic. Several years ago, Anderson completed a concerto for Bass Trombone, commissioned by his father, Edwin Anderson, former bass trombonist with the Cleveland Orchestra. His Concerto for Double Bass, Strings & Harp, commissioned by Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Bassist Hal Robinson was premiered at the ISB Convention in June of 1997 and performed on the 1997-98 subscription series of the Philadelphia Orchestra season, Wolfgang Sawallisch conducting. His current work includes a second symphony, as well as several commissions. Also a prolific electric bassist, Anderson loves playing with pedal steel guitarist, David Easley. The group known as the Anderson/Easley Project perform original music of many genres including free jazz, funk, bop, minimalist and many wonderfully unique approaches to dynamics and expression. Anderson also plays with Algorhythm Method, and SOFA KING BIG SOUL, bands that fuse many different styles including hard rock, funk, blues, jazz, and New Orleans R & B. Anderson has jammed with The Radiators, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Roy Pope, Darryl Brown, and many other great New Orleans musicians including a killer performance with guitarist Brian Stoltz of the Funky Meters as a main highlight of the French Quarter Festival 2002. In 1984-85, Anderson played for and took lessons with the legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius in New York, who firmly encouraged the idea of being able to cross over between classical and jazz. Here is some of what the Press has said in Anderson’s past: Review of Anderson’s Quintet for Oboe, Clarinet, Violin, Viola & Bass, Louisville Courier Journal music critic Andrew Adler wrote: “Anderson’s new work is splendidly fresh and provocative, ingenious in how it distributes material … the jazzy syncopations and ethnic flavorings reflect a diverse, expertly distilled inspiration. Thoroughly absorbed by yesterday’s performance, the piece offered sustained pleasure.” Reviews of Anderson’s Bass Concerto: Houston Chronicle music critic Charles Ward : “ … thoroughly appealing … his rich scoring of the orchestra and expansive solo melodies came from a composer exuberantly in love with music.” Lesley Valdes, Philadelphia Inquirer: “ … a melodious work, whose moods cohere… the thoughtful, the nostalgic, the provocative. Ideas are fertile and cohesive.” Thomas May, Washington Post: “Anderson shows a gift for fashioning readily accessible music from unusual combinations of timbres.” Featured Music: “Teen Town” by Jaco Pastorius Surf Ride from Yule Loggs for 4 basses Schweik Fahrt with Hal Robinson and Dave Anderson

We’re continuing our chat with Cincinnati Symphony principal bassist Owen Lee today on Contrabass Conversations. Check out the first segment of this conversation on episode 55 of the program. Owen played for the New World Symphony and the Houston Symphony prior to his appointment with the Cincinnati Symphony, and it was a real pleasure to do this interview along with Contrabass Conversations regular collaborator John Grillo. John, Owen, and I chat about Owen’s experiences recording his solo CD, key selection for the Bach Suites and his use of solo tuning for the recording, his performances of the less popular but extremely engaging Bottesini Concerto No. 1, performing the Tubin Concerto with orchestra, the Harbison Bass Concerto project (which Owen performed with the Cincinnati Symphony), and his practicing habits and exercises. We also feature the first movement from the Cello Suite No. 5 by Johann Sebastian Bach from Owen’s Boston Records CD, plus listener feedback, bass news, and a link of the week. Find Owen Lee on Twitter here. Enjoy!   About Owen: Described as “a true virtuoso” by legendary pianist Gary Graffman and praised by The New York Times for his “deft and virtuosic solo performance” at his New York debut at Alice Tully Hall, double bassist Owen Lee has earned acclaim as a soloist, chamber musician and since 1996, at the age of 26, as Principal Bass of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Lee is heard regularly as a soloist with orchestras including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Paavo Järvi and Jesús López-Cobos, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra under John Harbison, and the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson-Thomas in Miami and on tour to New York’s Lincoln Center. During the 2006-07 season, Mr. Lee and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, along with a consortium of other soloists and orchestras, will present the world premiere of John Harbison’s Concerto for Bass Viol and Orchestra. Mr. Lee’s prizes in competitions include First Prize at the 1995 International Society of Bassists Competition and Fourth Prize at the 1992 Irving M. Klein International String Competition in San Francisco. He has been presented in recitals throughout the United States, and in Geneva. For the Boston Records label, he has recorded the Misek Sonata No. 2 and Bach Unaccompanied Suites No. 3 and No. 5. American Record Guide praised this disc for its “tasteful phrasing, polish and verve” while The Strad wrote “Owen Lee is a fine player with strong musical ideas. A dark and austere sound is produced for Suite No. 5 and the architecture of each suite is carefully considered and shaped. I look forward to his next recording.” Mr. Lee’s extensive international chamber music experience includes three summers as the bassist of the Marlboro Festival. While there, he performed extensively with such artists as Richard Stoltzman, Midori, Nobuko Imai, Bruno Canino, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, and members of the Beaux Arts Trio, Guarneri Quartet and Juilliard Quartet. He also collaborated with composers Gyorgy Kurtag, Leon Kirchner and Richard Danielpour preparing performances of those composers’ works. Mr. Lee has also performed with the Tokyo String Quartet on tour to Mexico, John Browning, Anne-Marie McDermott, Jaime Laredo, Ida Kavafian, Steven Tenenbom, Peter Wiley, Eugenia Zukerman, the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, San Diego’s Mainly Mozart Festival, Ojai California Festival, Chamber Music L.A. Festival, Tanglewood Festival, Texas Music Festival, and on tour throughout China. With the Rossetti String Quartet he performed the world premiere of Melinda Wagner’s Concertino at the 2005 Bravo! Vail Festival. Mr. Lee was born in Berkeley, California in 1969 to Chinese parents. He began playing bass at age 15 after previous study of the piano. A graduate of the University of Southern California, Mr. Lee’s principal teachers were Dennis Trembly, Edwin Barker and Paul Ellison. Prior to his appointment in Cincinnati, Mr. Lee was a member of the Houston Symphony under Christoph Eschenbach. In addition to his position with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Lee serves as Principal Bass of the Shanghai Festival Orchestra. Owen is married to CiCi Lee. He enjoys bicycling, snowboarding, cigars, auto repair and playing drums and writing songs with his rock band Toe (Eric Bates, CSO 2nd Assistant Concertmaster is Toe’s guitarist and lead singer, and Ted Nelson, CSO cellist is Toe’s bassist).  

Contrabass Conversations regular contributor John Grillo and I recorded a follow-up episode to our recent Opera Excerpt Breakdown episode. In this episode we chat a little more generally about opera bass playing and how it differs from orchestral bass playing. John has played for numerous opera companies in the past, including the Pittsburgh Opera and Spoleto Festival die Due Mondi in Italy. He recently performed Wagner’s Ring Cycle as the only bass player (!). Learn more about John on his Contrabass Conversations page, check out his virtual recital, listen to the Opera Excerpt and Orchestra Excerpt breakdowns

his week’s Contrabass Conversations episode features an in-depth analysis of the double bass opera excerpts most commonly requested at auditions. Double bassist (and regular Contrabass Conversations guest and co-host) John Grillo discusses each of these excerpts–stylistic considerations, differences in articulation and bow strokes, and suggestions for effectively learning them–and then performs them. We believe that this project will be a highly valuable resource for bassists worldwide, and we’d love your feedback on this project! John and I created an excerpt breakdown for the most commonly requested orchestra excerpts back on CBC 41, and this has proven to be a highly popular and extremely useful resource to double bassists worldwide. Our hope is that this opera excerpt episode will do the same for the less familiar but wonderfully challenging double bass operatic literature. Opera excerpts covered on this episode: Strauss Salome Rosenkavalier Wagner Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg Die Walküre Britten Peter Grimes Verdi Otello Rigoletto Falstaff Weber Euryanthe Mozart Magic Flute Marriage of Figaro Beethoven Fidelo Humperdinck Hansel and Gretel

We’re speaking with Cincinnati Symphony principal bassist Owen Lee today on Contrabass Conversations. Owen played for the New World Symphony and the Houston Symphony prior to his appointment with the Cincinnati Symphony, and it was a real pleasure to do this interview along with Contrabass Conversations regular collaborator John Grillo. Find Owen Lee on Twitter here. Enjoy!  About Owen: Described as “a true virtuoso” by legendary pianist Gary Graffman and praised by The New York Times for his “deft and virtuosic solo performance” at his New York debut at Alice Tully Hall, double bassist Owen Lee has earned acclaim as a soloist, chamber musician and since 1996, at the age of 26, as Principal Bass of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Lee is heard regularly as a soloist with orchestras including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Paavo Järvi and Jesús López-Cobos, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra under John Harbison, and the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson-Thomas in Miami and on tour to New York’s Lincoln Center. During the 2006-07 season, Mr. Lee and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, along with a consortium of other soloists and orchestras, will present the world premiere of John Harbison’s Concerto for Bass Viol and Orchestra. Mr. Lee’s prizes in competitions include First Prize at the 1995 International Society of Bassists Competition and Fourth Prize at the 1992 Irving M. Klein International String Competition in San Francisco. He has been presented in recitals throughout the United States, and in Geneva. For the Boston Records label, he has recorded the Misek Sonata No. 2 and Bach Unaccompanied Suites No. 3 and No. 5. American Record Guide praised this disc for its “tasteful phrasing, polish and verve” while The Strad wrote “Owen Lee is a fine player with strong musical ideas. A dark and austere sound is produced for Suite No. 5 and the architecture of each suite is carefully considered and shaped. I look forward to his next recording.” Mr. Lee’s extensive international chamber music experience includes three summers as the bassist of the Marlboro Festival. While there, he performed extensively with such artists as Richard Stoltzman, Midori, Nobuko Imai, Bruno Canino, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, and members of the Beaux Arts Trio, Guarneri Quartet and Juilliard Quartet. He also collaborated with composers Gyorgy Kurtag, Leon Kirchner and Richard Danielpour preparing performances of those composers’ works. Mr. Lee has also performed with the Tokyo String Quartet on tour to Mexico, John Browning, Anne-Marie McDermott, Jaime Laredo, Ida Kavafian, Steven Tenenbom, Peter Wiley, Eugenia Zukerman, the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, San Diego’s Mainly Mozart Festival, Ojai California Festival, Chamber Music L.A. Festival, Tanglewood Festival, Texas Music Festival, and on tour throughout China. With the Rossetti String Quartet he performed the world premiere of Melinda Wagner’s Concertino at the 2005 Bravo! Vail Festival. Mr. Lee was born in Berkeley, California in 1969 to Chinese parents. He began playing bass at age 15 after previous study of the piano. A graduate of the University of Southern California, Mr. Lee’s principal teachers were Dennis Trembly, Edwin Barker and Paul Ellison. Prior to his appointment in Cincinnati, Mr. Lee was a member of the Houston Symphony under Christoph Eschenbach. In addition to his position with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Lee serves as Principal Bass of the Shanghai Festival Orchestra. Owen is married to CiCi Lee. He enjoys bicycling, snowboarding, cigars, auto repair and playing drums and writing songs with his rock band Toe (Eric Bates, CSO 2nd Assistant Concertmaster is Toe’s guitarist and lead singer, and Ted Nelson, CSO cellist is Toe’s bassist).  

This week's Contrabass Conversations episode concludes our chat with Time for Three bassist Ranaan Meyer. CBC guest and co-host John Grillo joins us in this interview, and the three of us had a very engaging conversation. You can check out the first part of our interview plus CBC video episodes featuring Ranaan on his Contrabass Conversations page here, and visit Time for Three's website at www.tf3.com.

This week's Contrabass Conversations episode features an in-depth analysis of the double bass orchestral excerpts most commonly requested at auditions.  Double bassist (and regular Contrabass Conversations guest and ho-host) John Grillo discusses each of these excerpts--stylistic considerations, differences in articulation and bow strokes, and suggestions for effectively learning them--and then performs them.  I believe that this project will be a highly valuable resource for bassists worldwide, and I'd love your feedback on this project! Check out all of John's previous Contrabass Conversations appearances here.   Excerpts covered: Beethoven Symphony No. 9 Beethoven Symphony No. 5 Brahms Symphony No. 1 Brahms Symphony No. 2 Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 Mozart Symphony No. 35 Mozart Symphony No. 39 Mahler Symphony No. 2 Schubert Symphony No. 9 Strauss Ein Heldenleben Britten Young Person's Guide Verdi Otello

This week's Contrabass Conversations podcast features the first part of our interview with double bassist Ranaan Meyer. John Grillo (a frequent guest and collaborator on the podcast) and I co-interviewed Ranaan, who is the bassist for the band Time for Three and has had a very interesting and multi-faceted career. In addition to hearing a few musical excerpts from Time for Three, this episode features music from German double bassist Guy Tuneh, Pittsburgh-based singer/songwriter Brad Yoder, Los Lonely Boys, and The Latin Soul Syndicate. Enjoy! Ranaan Meyer bio: Ranaan Meyer, double bassist and composer, began his musical studies at the piano at age 4; at age 11, he took up the double bass (once he was big enough to hold it). He attended the Manhattan School of Music and graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music in 2003. Beyond regular appearances with orchestras such as the Minnesota Symphony, Baltimore Symphony and The Philadelphia Orchestra, Mr. Meyer is also increasingly in demand as a composer, creating unique new works for his trio Time for Three as well as for solo bass and other ensembles. Most recently Mr. Meyer completed a commission, “My Zayda? (for Violin, Piano and Double Bass) for the Kingston Chamber Music Festival in Rhode Island. Other recently completed commissions include a solo double bass piece for the Network for New Music, a double bass and harp duet as well as a set of Time for Three pieces for Astral Artistic Services and a Time for Three composition for the City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Symphony, “Of time and three rivers?. All commissions have been expedited through the American Composer’s forum. Mr. Meyer, also an accomplished jazz musician, has performed with Jane Monheight, Victor Lewis, Jason Moran, Mark O’Connor, Ari Hoenig, Duane Eubanks, Mickey Roker and many more. Ranaan, at age 19 produced, directed and performed in the very first Washington Township Jazz Festival which was also broadcasted live on Philadelphia’s WRTI. Mr. Meyer, an avid teacher, has held adjunct Double Bass Professorships at both Princeton University and the University of Delaware. He has spent several Summers teaching alongside Hal Robinson (Principal Bass of The Philadelphia Orchestra) at the Strings International Music Festival in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He has also taught at the Intermountain Suzuki Camp in Sandy, Utah and Mark O’Connor’s String Camp in San Diego, California.

John started playing Double Bass at the age of 11. He attended The Julliard School during high school and was a scholarship student at Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana where he studied with Lawrence Hurst. After graduating from IU, he attended the Manhattan School of Music completing his Masters Degree with Timothy Cobb. Mr. Grillo performed at The Tanglewood Music Center from 1994 to 1996. Other festivals include the National Repertory Orchestra, Festival di Due Mondi in Italy, and Pacific Music Festival in Japan. John is Principal Double Bass of the Princeton Symphony and is a substitute with the Philadelphia Orchestra.  John was a member of the New World Symphony from 1999-2002. His other professional engagements include performances with the New Jersey Symphony, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera, Wheeling Symphony, Memphis Symphony, and the Sarasota Opera. John was a faculty member with The Pittsburgh Music Academy from 2002-2006. Future engagements include the Iris Orchestra, Philadelphia Virtuosi, Pennsylvania Ballet, The Princeton Festival, The Philly Pops, Opera New Jersey and the Princeton Symphony.   

We start this episode with Schgweik Farht, one of the movements from David Anderson's seven double bass duets.  You will also hear the Bach Gigue from the third cello suite and the second movement of the Schubert Arpeggione Sonata. John will be assisted by Peter Guild- Double Bass(member Pittsburgh Symphony) on the Anderson duets and by pianist Alaine Fink on the Schubert. In this second part of our interview with John Grillo, Jason and John discuss the gear John plays on, his thoughts on French and German bow, his experiences in the opera pit, and his experiences with freelancing.  John also offers advice to music school students on how to establish a freelance career in various metropolitan areas. About John: John started playing Double Bass at the age of 11. He attended The Julliard School during high school and was a scholarship student at Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana where he studied with Lawrence Hurst. After graduating from IU, he attended the Manhattan School of Music completing his Masters Degree with Timothy Cobb. Mr. Grillo performed at The Tanglewood Music Center from 1994 to 1996. Other festivals include the National Repertory Orchestra, Festival di Due Mondi in Italy, and Pacific Music Festival in Japan. John is Principal Double Bass of the Princeton Symphony and is a substitute with the Philadelphia Orchestra.  John was a member of the New World Symphony from 1999-2002. His other professional engagements include performances with the New Jersey Symphony, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera, Wheeling Symphony, Memphis Symphony, and the Sarasota Opera. John was a faculty member with The Pittsburgh Music Academy from 2002-2006. Future engagements include the Iris Orchestra, Philadelphia Virtuosi, Pennsylvania Ballet, The Princeton Festival, The Philly Pops, Opera New Jersey and the Princeton Symphony.   

This is a special Recital Showcase edition of Contrabass Conversations featuring the music of John Grillo.  John was interviewed on Contrabass Conversations episode 6.  This episode is a live performance of John's complete recital, which was performed in Pittsburgh, PA in 2006. Recital Program: Bach Suite No. 3 for Solo Violincello Allemande Sarabande Bourrees I and II Gigue John Grillo, Double Bass Schubert "Arpeggione" Sonata Allegro Moderato Andante Allegro John Grillo, Double Bass Alaine Fink, Piano David Anderson-Seven Double Bass Duets Kibbles & Kibitz Parade of the Politically Prudent Pigs Gustav's 11 O'clock Dance Schgweik Farht Lament Blue Cheeze Rush Hour Peter Guild- Double Bass(member Pittsburgh Symphony) John Grillo - Double Bass Stanley Chepaitis-Slow Dance Duet for Violin and Double Bass (Transcription-John Grillo) Stanley Chepaitis- Violin John Grillo - Double Bass Stanley is a violin professor at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Original piece written for violin and cello. About John: John started playing Double Bass at the age of 11. He attended The Julliard School during high school and was a scholarship student at Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana where he studied with Lawrence Hurst. After graduating from IU, he attended the Manhattan School of Music completing his Masters Degree with Timothy Cobb. Mr. Grillo performed at The Tanglewood Music Center from 1994 to 1996. Other festivals include the National Repertory Orchestra, Festival di Due Mondi in Italy, and Pacific Music Festival in Japan. John is Principal Double Bass of the Princeton Symphony and is a substitute with the Philadelphia Orchestra.  John was a member of the New World Symphony from 1999-2002. His other professional engagements include performances with the New Jersey Symphony, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera, Wheeling Symphony, Memphis Symphony, and the Sarasota Opera. John was a faculty member with The Pittsburgh Music Academy from 2002-2006. Future engagements include the Iris Orchestra, Philadelphia Virtuosi, Pennsylvania Ballet, The Princeton Festival, The Philly Pops, Opera New Jersey and the Princeton Symphony.   

This week's Contrabass Conversations episode features an interview and musical performances from double bassist John Grillo. John has got some great insight into the world of the bass, and this interview was both a lot of fun to do and very informative and interesting. About John: John started playing Double Bass at the age of 11. He attended The Julliard School during high school and was a scholarship student at Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana where he studied with Lawrence Hurst. After graduating from IU, he attended the Manhattan School of Music completing his Masters Degree with Timothy Cobb. Mr. Grillo performed at The Tanglewood Music Center from 1994 to 1996. Other festivals include the National Repertory Orchestra, Festival di Due Mondi in Italy, and Pacific Music Festival in Japan. John is Principal Double Bass of the Princeton Symphony and is a substitute with the Philadelphia Orchestra.  John was a member of the New World Symphony from 1999-2002. His other professional engagements include performances with the New Jersey Symphony, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera, Wheeling Symphony, Memphis Symphony, and the Sarasota Opera. John was a faculty member with The Pittsburgh Music Academy from 2002-2006. Future engagements include the Iris Orchestra, Philadelphia Virtuosi, Pennsylvania Ballet, The Princeton Festival, The Philly Pops, Opera New Jersey and the Princeton Symphony.  Double bass tracks for this episode consist of excerpts from David Anderson's Seven Double Bass Duets and Slow Dance by Stanley Chepaitis. Complete information: David Anderson-Seven Double Bass Duets Kibbles & Kibitz Parade of the Politically Prudent Pigs Gustav's 11 O'clock Dance Schgweik Farht Lament Blue Cheeze Rush Hour Peter Guild- Double Bass(member Pittsburgh Symphony) John Grillo - Double Bass Stanley Chepaitis-Slow Dance Duet for Violin and Double Bass (Transcription-John Grillo) Stanley Chepaitis- Violin John Grillo - Double Bass Stanley is a violin professor at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Original piece written for violin and cello.