"The Upright Citizens are celebrating the release of their 100th episode in style with very special guest and bass legend, John Patitucci. The conversation goes from 'doubling' to football, and Instagram to Larry Graham...listen to the end to find out what John thinks would surprise his fans to know about him!" If you like Bass - you're in the righ…

"We all know the phrase 'One man's trash is another man's treasure' and the Citizens are here this time to talk about letting go of the things we don't really need. Not just for ourselves, but for others." If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses an…

"We open up with a great T.K. Coleman quote about what success is and understanding what that means for ourselves. Give yourself some grace and start working towards who you are for yourself..." If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more…

"Can you practice away from the bass? Of course you can! In this episode the Upright Citizens answer 'why' you might want to practice without your instrument, and then offer some great advice on 'how' to creatively do just that!" If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...wher…

"In a rut? Feeling uninspired when you play? Try out these 5 'on the gig' challenges that just might open up some new pathways for your musicianship today!" If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more by world-class bassists like Reuben R…

"We have often heard that we should transcribe and study the Masters - we're talking about Ray Brown, Ron Carter, Paul Chambers, and many more - but the deeper question was brought up by our recent special guest Linda Oh: "WHY should we transcribe the Masters?" Well, that's what we're here to talk about...the WHY!" If you like Bass - you're in the …

"We heard from so many of you after our last release that you dug the 'Sax Trio Brilliance' episode - so we are back with more of Bob and Reuben's favorite Sax Trios! As a bassist, the freedom and transparency that happens in a chord-less saxophone trio can lead to inspiring new territory. We'll dig in this time to cuts that feature some of our fav…

"Sax Trios have long been an engaging and explorative vehicle for bassists. Think the freedom of Wilbur Ware on "A Night at the Village Vanguard", Oscar Pettiford on "Freedom Suite", or Ray Brown on "Way Out West"...yeah, we love Sonny Rollins! In this episode Bob and Reuben share and rap about some of their favorite Sax Trios 'situations'. Larry G…

"Versatility. That word gets used a lot when talking about being 'marketable' as a musician. While it is a positive attribute when balanced being too versatile can potentially hinder us as well. Bob and Reuben discuss their thoughts on finding that balance in this episode..." If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music an…

"Linda May Han Oh is one of the premier bassists and composers in the world. In this episode the Upright Citizens discuss everything from advice for students, hearing and singing what you play, emotional aspects of her compositions, and so much more..." If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Chec…

"Why is the 'Trial & Error' process so important for creative musicians? We need to be fearless and embrace our mistakes to grow, so that's where we'll start in this episode of Upright Citizens." If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much mor…

"Bassist Scott Colley has been in high demand for decades, and for good reason! Come hang with the Upright Citizens as we listen to and discuss his bass brilliance..." Upright Citizens 'Scott Colley' Playlist If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses…

"2024 is here and the Upright Citizens are putting their energies towards growth! What is on your list of ways to grow this year?" If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more by world-class bassists like Reuben Rogers, Ron Carter, Christi…

"Well here we are at the end of another great year of Upright Citizens. In this episode Reuben and Bob take a look back of some of the bright moments of 2023 and say "peace" until next year. Happy Holidays and a Joyous New Year from Bob and Reuben✌️" If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check o…

"It's here, it's here! It's Christmas time again, and the Upright Citizens are back with more of their favorite Christmas recordings and memories. Let's get in the spirit with sounds from some of our favorite bassists including John Clayton, Charlie Haden, Milt Hinton, Gary Peacock, Larry Grenadier!" Upright Citizens Xmas Party 2023 Playlist Intere…

"Maestro John Clayton has been a looming and positive presence on the scene for decades. Inspiring audiences and musicians all over the world with his playing, writing, and gracious personality is his forte...and in this interview we get to hear about what inspires him! You might be surprised to hear that YOU are an inspiration to him..." Here's th…

If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more by world-class bassists like Reuben Rogers, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Bob DeBoo and more. Reach out to the Upright Citizens anytime at uprightcitizenspodcast@gmail.com ★ Support this podcas…

"Vulnerability. Easier said than done, right? What does it take to tear down those walls we build around our egos in search of being more creative in our improvisation? In this episode, Bob and Reuben discuss the power of vulnerability and how to use it to do just that and much much more." If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in…

"Maestro Rufus Reid has been on the frontlines of the bass world for decades. He is a most prolific performer, composer, arranger, and educator...and now he can add being a guest on the Upright Citizens Podcast to his incredible resume! Join Reuben and Bob as they get deep with Rufus Reid." If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested i…

"We're back this time for part 2 of our focus on the art of the duo. Jimmy Blanton, Gary Peacock, Charlie Haden, and Red Mitchell get some much-deserved love this time!" If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more by world-class bassists …

"Playing in a duo is one of the most intimate musical experiences, and we've picked out some of our favorite duo situations involving some of our favorite bassists. Christian McBride, Ron Carter, NHOP, and Dave Holland open up the first part of our conversation on duos..." If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and p…

"Having a love of learning and a growth mindset is a great way to live, and as musicians we are always aiming to grow and learn more about our craft. Let's talk about some creative ways to grow as a person and musician..." If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'l…

"In modern society, where we are bombarded with information constantly, it can be challenging to slow down and absorb glorious details that surround us in depth. This relates directly to our music life as well, so we better pay attention! In this episode Reuben and Bob discuss their thoughts on why details matter, and what you can do to build your …

"Bassist and Composer Matt Penman has long been a favorite of the Upright Citizens. In this episode we rap about his sound, writing, playing, wine-making prowess, and so much more..." If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more by world-c…

"Massimo Biolcati: bassist extraordinaire and creator of the widely-popular app, iRealPro, joins the Upright Citizens to talk bass, life, tech, AI, and much more..." If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more by world-class bassists like…

"Bob Hurst has been inspiring the music world for decades, and it's time for the Upright Citizens to do our part to shine some light on him for this 'Bassist Spotlight' episode. Come listen to a few of Bob and Reuben's favorite tracks featuring Mr. Hurst, and hear them share their thoughts..." If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Intereste…

"Master Luthier David Gage has been THE guy in the NYC scene for decades. He's worked with all of our bass heroes and has been an innovator in bass technology like his ubiquitous "Realist Pickup" and the famous flight cases. In this interview the Upright Citizens pick his brain about all things bass and talk about what's in store for the future..."…

"Bob and Reuben discuss the pros and cons of playing one main instrument, versus playing many different basses. There are some perhaps unexpected benefits to both and the Upright Citizens share the down-low on both 'situations'..." Interested in more music advice? Check out the Open Studio courses and online practice community that is Open Studio P…

Bassist Avishai Cohen is truly beyond category. Known for playing the upright and electric bass at an extremely high levels, but equally celebrated for his writing and arranging. The epitome of a 'Bassist as Leader,' he has 22 solo albums out and runs his own record label - Radaz Recordz. Join the Upright Citizens as they scratch the surface of the…

Bassists will often find themselves busy as soon as they are on a scene, the demand is always there...but that doesn't always put us in a highly creative or engaging situation. In this episode the Citizens discuss balancing being a creative artist, as well as being a "working bassist" that has bills to pay. Have feedback or a suggestion? Email the …

This episode is all about advice buying your first Upright Bass, or perhaps even your 2nd or 3rd! There's a lot of details that go into finding and buying an upright bass, but don't worry - Reuben and Bob are here to share their stories and thoughts on the process. Have feedback or a suggestion? Email the Upright Citizens: uprightcitizenspodcast@gm…

Bassist and composer Steve Swallow is a true original. After gaining prominence on the upright in more traditional situations he had an 'epiphany' that led him to develop his unique voice on the electric bass. Sit back, get comfortable, and let's listen and learn a bit about the great Steve Swallow! Our Steve Swallow Playlist Interested in more mus…

This episode is being released on April 4, 2023 (4/4 day!) so the Upright Citizens are taking it as an opportunity to once again talk about 'Walking'...a very common practice for jazz bassists. This time, however, we'll take a look back to the pioneers of the artform and investigate where "modern-day" walking bass comes from... Early Walking Bass P…

In this episode the Upright Citizens show love to one of our favorite bassists and early jazz adopters of the electric bass, the one-and-only Mr. Bob Cranshaw! (Bob Cranshaw Playlist) Interested in more music advice? Check out the Open Studio courses and online practice community that is Open Studio Pro...where you'll find regular live guided pract…

Reuben and Bob get into it with their own personal 'pet peeves' this week. See if you have some in common, or if perhaps you've been a culprit! (Opinions do not reflect OpenStudioJazz.com and are solely the thoughts of the Upright Citizens! LOL) Interested in more music advice? Check out the Open Studio courses and online practice community that is…

Okay, we're finally doing this! We're talking about odd-time signatures this week, and if you know Reuben's discography then you know he can speak to this as well as anybody! Interested in more music advice? Check out the Open Studio courses and online practice community that is Open Studio Pro...where you'll find regular live guided practice sessi…

The Upright Citizens are back and here to share their favorite 'aphorisms' - once they figure out what that word actually means! Bob and Reuben share their favorite short sayings that help them on their search for wisdom in music and life. Interested in more music advice? Check out the Open Studio courses and online practice community that is Open …

As 2022 winds down, the Upright Citizens take a look back at some of the highlights from 2022. Reuben and Bob pick some of their favorite moments, especially talking with Dave Holland and Bill Frisell... Interested in more music advice? Check out the Open Studio courses and online practice community that is Open Studio Pro...where you'll find regul…

In their latest adventure the Citizens are forced to choose 'Desert Island' album picks. An unenviable task for any music lover, but they managed to choose 3 albums each...of course with a bass-forward focus! Here's the Upright Citizens 'Desert Island' playlist Interested in more music advice? Go here to browse our catalog of jazz lessons and cours…

Joe Martin is one of the most in-demand bassists out there, and the Upright Citizens are here to give him his flowers! Check out our Joe Martin Playlist Interested in more music advice? Go here to browse our catalog of jazz lessons and courses available for purchase. Want some jazz courses taught by Reuben and Bob? Our Bass Access Pass includes eve…

The Upright Citizens share their thoughts on Jazz Bass Education...buckle up! Interested in more music advice? Go here to browse our catalog of jazz lessons and courses available for purchase. Want some jazz courses taught by Reuben and Bob? Our Bass Access Pass includes every bass course in one convenient place. Let us know what you think by leavi…

The legendary bassist Dave Holland joins the Upright Citizens for a very special conversation covering all kinds of aspects of Life and Music...and maybe a little Netflix Interested in more music advice? Go here to browse our catalog of jazz lessons and courses available for purchase. Want some jazz courses taught by Reuben and Bob? Our Bass Access…

The first installment of a series that the Upright Citizens will be getting into, a spotlight on the great bassists that are also great bandleaders. From the back to the front of the stage! Bob and Reuben's Oscar Pettiford "Bassist as Leaders" Playlist Interested in more music advice? Go here to browse our catalog of jazz lessons and courses availa…

This time we discuss some of the ins and outs of playing in groups without a drummer, which can change how we approach our playing. We also share some stories and a few of our favorite recordings without drums... Here's Reuben & Bob's "Drummerless Situations" playlist Interested in more music advice? Go here to browse our catalog of jazz lessons an…

This time Bob and Reuben share their thoughts regarding learning new music. Is it essential to be able to read? How does one REALLY learn new music in preparation for a rehearsal, performance, or recording....? Interested in more music advice? Go here to browse our catalog of jazz lessons and courses available for purchase. Want some jazz courses t…

The Upright Citizens sit down with the legendary guitarist Bill Frisell while on tour in Italy and discuss a wide range of topics from: Bill's first time playing with Thomas Morgan, his admiration of Ron Miles and Jason Moran, being comfortable in silence, how to let the music "take off," and more... Interested in more music advice? Go here to brow…

This time Reuben shares his 3 picks for our 2nd installment of "Guitar Trio Gems" Here's Bob & Reuben's 'Guitar Trio Gems' playlist Interested in more music advice? Go here to browse our catalog of jazz lessons and courses available for purchase. Want some jazz courses taught by Reuben and Bob? Our Bass Access Pass includes every bass course in one…

Guitar Love! This time Bob shares some of his favorite guitar trio tracks featuring Ben Tucker, Steve Swallow, and Dave Holland... Here's Bob & Reuben's 'Guitar Trio Gems' playlist Interested in more music advice? Go here to browse our catalog of jazz lessons and courses available for purchase. Want some jazz courses taught by Reuben and Bob? Our B…

In this episode the Upright Citizens share their love for the great Marc Johnson! Here's our Marc Johnson Playlist Interested in more music advice? Go here to browse our catalog of jazz lessons and courses available for purchase. Want some jazz courses taught by Reuben and Bob? Our Bass Access Pass includes every bass course in one convenient place…

"It is essential to be critical in order to get better, but it can be debilitating when it goes too far." This time the Upright Citizens discuss self-judgement and being self-critical, while remaining peaceful with yourself... Interested in more music advice? Go here to browse our catalog of jazz lessons and courses available for purchase. Want som…