1024: Hein Van de Geyn on his jazz bass journey

Contrabass Conversations

Hein van de Geyn is jazz double bassist, composer, teacher and band leader from the Netherlands. His groundbreaking Comprehensive Bass Method has influenced a generation of bassists and is widely regarded as one of the leading pedagogical works for jazz double bass.

We talk about Hein’s remarkable career, his time in San Francisco, writing his bass method, what life in South Africa has been like these last several years, and much more. Enjoy!

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Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:28 Getting to Know Hein van de Gein

01:50 Reminiscing About San Francisco's Jazz Scene

03:17 Exploring the Jazz Scene in South Africa

04:35 The Importance of Practice and Mastery

10:17 The Role of a Music Teacher

14:10 The Art of Improvisation and Composition

18:12 The Value of Consistent Practice

22:33 The Journey of Learning and Teaching Music

26:58 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

28:50 Discovering Pablo Records and Dreaming of Playing

29:09 Memories of Performing with Joe Pass

30:07 The Art of Musical Language and Influence of Charlie Hayden

31:14 The Impact of Michael Brecker and the Role of Charlie Hayden

32:03 Reflections on Early Musical Influences and Evolution

32:56 The Shift in Bass Playing and Amplification Over the Years

33:33 The Unexpected Impact of Jaco Pastorius

34:57 The Evolution of Bass Amplification and Sound

36:56 Memories of Playing with Jazz Legends

39:00 The Importance of Technique and Style in Bass Playing

42:10 The Transition from Jazz Musician to South African Entrepreneur

47:32 The Enduring Passion for Music and Jazz

52:31 Lessons Learned from Playing with Jazz Greats

53:55 Closing Thoughts on the Global Jazz Community