Here is a great shot courtesy of Greg Sarchet featuring the great double bass pedagogue Franz Simandl in full ceremonial dress. I especially like the sword he has on his belt. That Simandl was one fearsome bass teacher–one false move in your bass lesson with him...
I just got an e-mail from my friend John Grillo, and I realized that I have never mentioned him on the bass blog. This is surprising, because John is one of the most interesting and original musicians I have ever met. John performs frequently with the Pittsburgh Opera...
Double bassists looking for a great comprehensive reference for the life and times of Serge Koussevitzky should visit his excellent Wikipedia page. The former music director of the Boston Symphony and double bass soloist left quite a footprint on both the double bass...
Having recently resigned from two adjunct university positions, I feel the urge to share some of my concerns about how such positions are administrated at many universities in the United States. These concerns are based on my own experiences as an adjunct double bass...
Greg Sarchet recently sent me a link to an NPR story about the difficulties Gary Karr recalls facing while flying with a double bass. Gary quit touring in 2001, just before security measures at airports started tightening. I haven’t flown since 2001 myself, and...
