In this episode, Alessandro Fongaro shares his fascinating journey from Italy to the Netherlands, where he fell in love with the vibrant jazz scene. He discusses his extensive experience with orchestral and jazz music, his shift from playing bass guitar to double bass, and his passion for composing. Alessandro also touches upon his involvement in R…

In this episode, Alessandro Fongaro shares his fascinating journey from Italy to the Netherlands, where he fell in love with the vibrant jazz scene. He discusses his extensive experience with orchestral and jazz music, his shift from playing bass guitar to double bass, and his passion for composing. Alessandro also touches upon his involvement in R…

We’re excited to introduce our podcast guest for today, Ben Ticknor! A versatile artist, Ben is the bassist for the band Never Come Down who recently released their new album. He's not just an accomplished musician but also an educator, having studied bass under Jeff Johnson at Portland State University. Currently, he's the Principal Bass of the Or…

We’re excited to introduce our podcast guest for today, Ben Ticknor! A versatile artist, Ben is the bassist for the band Never Come Down who recently released their new album. He’s not just an accomplished musician but also an educator, having studied bass under Jeff Johnson at Portland State University. Currently, he’s the Principal Bass of the Or…

America's Got Talent Favorite, and Las Vegas Headliner, Murray SawChuck sits with the fellas! Support the Show.By Michael Shapiro & Kevin Sucher

In this episode, we're excited to bring you a conversation with Dr. Renata Soares Cáceres. Originally from Brazil, Renata began her journey in music as an electric bassist at age 11. She has since studied and performed in the US, obtaining a Master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, an Artist Diploma Certificate from Texas Christ…

In this episode, we’re excited to bring you a conversation with Dr. Renata Soares Cáceres. Originally from Brazil, Renata began her journey in music as an electric bassist at age 11. She has since studied and performed in the US, obtaining a Master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, an Artist Diploma Certificate from Texas Christ…

On this episode, we welcome accomplished bassist and Professor of Double Bass and Jazz Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Peter Dominguez. Peter started his career in Milwaukee and has also taught at Michigan State University, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and performed with various artists globally. Peter's contributions include …

On this episode, we welcome accomplished bassist and Professor of Double Bass and Jazz Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Peter Dominguez. Peter started his career in Milwaukee and has also taught at Michigan State University, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and performed with various artists globally. Peter’s contributions include …

The AMAZING Christine Shebeck joins the dudes for a chat! Support the Show.By Michael Shapiro & Kevin Sucher

Tour Manage of the Stars - Ben Varela joins the guys for a chat today. Support the Show.By Michael Shapiro & Kevin Sucher

Guitarist and Musical Director Shonn Hinton - who has played with Mary J Blige, Jill Scott, John Legend, Lil Wayne - joins the guys for a chat about life and music. Support the Show.By Michael Shapiro & Kevin Sucher

Our guest, Mike Gaisbacher, is a Nashville-based bow maker who specializes in bass bows. He started his journey in bow making in 2022 after graduating from Berklee in 2015 and learning how to rehair from Sue Lipkins. Mike has since dedicated himself to perfecting the craft, studying with experts like Sue Lipkins, Matt Wheling, and attending Rodney …

Our guest, Mike Gaisbacher, is a Nashville-based bow maker who specializes in bass bows. He started his journey in bow making in 2022 after graduating from Berklee in 2015 and learning how to rehair from Sue Lipkins. Mike has since dedicated himself to perfecting the craft, studying with experts like Sue Lipkins, Matt Wheling, and attending Rodney …

Sam Suggs is the first solo bassist in 36 years to join the Concert Artists Guild roster, and was recently recognized with an award for Extraordinary Creativity at the 2017 Bradetich Foundation International Double Bass Competition. We dig into his unique path from a strong piano background in Buffalo, through Northwestern University, where he stud…

Sam Suggs is the first solo bassist in 36 years to join the Concert Artists Guild roster, and was recently recognized with an award for Extraordinary Creativity at the 2017 Bradetich Foundation International Double Bass Competition. We dig into his unique path from a strong piano background in Buffalo, through Northwestern University, where he stud…

Stephanie Patterson specializes in teaching adult learners and has been playing in community orchestras for decades. We talk about the joys and community benefits of participating in community orchestras, Stephanie’s role in the Abington Festival Strings, and highlight various community orchestra activities and events, including rehearsals, concert…

Stephanie Patterson specializes in teaching adult learners and has been playing in community orchestras for decades. We talk about the joys and community benefits of participating in community orchestras, Stephanie's role in the Abington Festival Strings, and highlight various community orchestra activities and events, including rehearsals, concert…

World famous singer Stephanie Calvert joins the guys to talk about music, life, and cooking! Support the Show.By Michael Shapiro & Kevin Sucher

World famous illustrator Neal Portnoy sits down with the guys today! Support the Show.By Michael Shapiro & Kevin Sucher

Photo courtesy of the Houston Symphony Robin Kesselman is the author of Bow Speed Geography, which elegantly explores concepts of bow speed geography in string playing, focusing on the importance of evenness in bow speed, control, and the application of bow speed. We dig into life for Robin in the eight years since our past interview, the inspirati…

Robin Kesselman is the author of Bow Speed Geography, which elegantly explores concepts of bow speed geography in string playing, focusing on the importance of evenness in bow speed, control, and the application of bow speed. We dig into life for Robin in the eight years since our past interview, the inspiration behind the book, and all kinds of to…

Paul Thompson is a bassist and educator in the Pittsburgh metro area. He also runs a successful YouTube Channel under the name pdbass. This interview discusses content creation challenges, audience management, social media usage, balancing creative goals with audience expectations, and YouTube’s influence on careers. It emphasizes music passion, co…

Paul Thompson is a bassist and educator in the Pittsburgh metro area. He also runs a successful YouTube Channel under the name pdbass. This interview discusses content creation challenges, audience management, social media usage, balancing creative goals with audience expectations, and YouTube's influence on careers. It emphasizes music passion, co…

Canadian royalty, and bassist of the stars - Stuart Watkins - sits down with the dudes for this titillating chat. Support the Show.By Michael Shapiro & Kevin Sucher

In this episode, we delve into a fascinating conversation with Dana Saba David from Israel and Carlos Pino from Colombia, the duo behind the bass duet Between the Bass. They share their unique approach to the double bass and electric bass, blending tradition with innovation in a way that redefines the possibilities of these instruments. Thank you t…

In this episode, we delve into a fascinating conversation with ​Dana Saba David​ from Israel and ​Carlos Pino​ from Colombia, the duo behind the bass duet ​Between the Bass​. They share their unique approach to the double bass and electric bass, blending tradition with innovation in a way that redefines the possibilities of these instruments. Thank…

Legendary Las Vegas Headliner Kelly Clinton-Holmes sits down with the fellas. Support the Show.By Michael Shapiro & Kevin Sucher

Peter Doubrovsky and Brandino are both renowned musicians and fans of the 5-string double bass. Peter Doubrovsky, aside from his work with the Pasadena Symphony and POPS orchestra, is a highly sought-after recording musician. His illustrious career spans over twenty years, during which he has recorded for countless feature film soundtracks. Some no…

Peter Doubrovsky and Brandino are both renowned musicians and fans of the 5-string double bass. Peter Doubrovsky, aside from his work with the Pasadena Symphony and POPS orchestra, is a highly sought-after recording musician. His illustrious career spans over twenty years, during which he has recorded for countless feature film soundtracks. Some no…

World famous music video director Philly Fly Boy joins us for today's chat. Support the Show.By Michael Shapiro & Kevin Sucher

Timothy Connolly AKA Sonny Calzone AKA Ukulele Hero stops by to hang with the fellas. Support the Show.By Michael Shapiro & Kevin Sucher

Alejandro Arenas is a versatile musician, composer, producer, and educator who has performed with various bands and genres, co-founded award-winning Jazz ensemble La Lucha and World Music ensemble Orilla, and worked as a freelance bassist for numerous artists. He also serves as an adjunct professor of bass at St. Petersburg College for the Music In…

Alejandro Arenas is a versatile musician, composer, producer, and educator who has performed with various bands and genres, co-founded award-winning Jazz ensemble La Lucha and World Music ensemble Orilla, and worked as a freelance bassist for numerous artists. He also serves as an adjunct professor of bass at St. Petersburg College for the Music In…

Mark Dresser is a Grammy-nominated, internationally renowned bass player, improviser, composer, and interdisciplinary collaborator. At the core of his music is an artistic obsession and commitment to expanding the sonic, musical, and expressive possibilities of the contrabass. He has recorded over one hundred forty CDs, including three solo CDs and…

Mark Dresser is a Grammy-nominated, internationally renowned bass player, improviser, composer, and interdisciplinary collaborator. At the core of his music is an artistic obsession and commitment to expanding the sonic, musical, and expressive possibilities of the contrabass. He has recorded over one hundred forty CDs including three solo CDs and …

Über talented Las Vegas headliner Kelly Vohnn joins the fellas for today's podcast. Support the Show.By Michael Shapiro & Kevin Sucher

Gustavo Lorenzatti is an Argentine double bass player, composer and long standing member of the Symphony Orchestra of Córdoba. He has a background in jazz, improvised and classical music, tango and Argentine folklore. He formally studied at the Rotterdam Conservatory of music with the soloist of the Netherlands Philharmonic, Hans Roelofsen. We dig …

Gustavo Lorenzatti is an Argentine double bass player, composer and long standing member of the Symphony Orchestra of Córdoba. He has a background in jazz, improvised and classical music, tango and Argentine folklore. He formally studied at the Rotterdam Conservatory of music with the soloist of the Netherlands Philharmonic, Hans Roelofsen. We dig …

Join the guys as they shoot the shit with Production Manager of the STARS - Bryan "Froggy" Cross. Support the Show.By Michael Shapiro & Kevin Sucher

Anne Luna recently launched a series on her YouTube Channel called Bass Bites, which explore various aspects of double bass technique. Anne is an experienced performer and educator with an extensive background in bluegrass, and these videos are a great exploration into her approach to teaching the bass. We talk about her aspiration for the channel,…

Anne Luna recently launched a series on her YouTube Channel called Bass Bites, which explore various aspects of double bass technique. Anne is an experienced performer and educator with an extensive background in bluegrass, and these videos are a great exploration into her approach to teaching the bass. We talk about her aspiration for the channel,…

We have a legitimate Las Vegas superstar join the podcast today. Zowie Bowie is Las Vegas Entertainment Royalty. Check out this stuff he dishes with Michael & Kevin - on episode 7!! Support the Show.By Michael Shapiro & Kevin Sucher

Matt Rybicki has performed with renowned artists like Wynton Marsalis and played at esteemed venues from The Village Vanguard to international concert halls. He balances an active performance schedule with his roles as a faculty member at The Juilliard School and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Matt recently started a YouTube Channel …

Matt Rybicki has performed with renowned artists like Wynton Marsalis and played at esteemed venues from The Village Vanguard to international concert halls. He balances an active performance schedule with his roles as a faculty member at The Juilliard School and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Matt recently started a YouTube Channel …

We have a bonafide Broadway star joining us for Episode 6! Tune in! Support the Show.By Michael Shapiro & Kevin Sucher

We have a Bronx Wanderer on the show. Join us as we hang with the über talented Vincent John. Support the Show.By Michael Shapiro & Kevin Sucher

Dominik Wagner is one of the world’s leading double bassists and has built a remarkable career as a soloist and educator. He has begun hosting long-form interviews on his YouTube Channel with bassists such as Christoph Wimmer and Jeff Bradetich. We cover Dominik’s latest projects, the inspiration for these long-form interviews, working through foca…

Dominik Wagner is one of the world’s leading double bassists and has built a remarkable career as a soloist and educator. He has begun hosting long-form interviews on his YouTube Channel with bassists such as Christoph Wimmer and Jeff Bradetich. We cover Dominik’s latest projects, the inspiration for these long-form interviews, working through foca…

Bassists Ari Folman-Cohen, Michael Isvara Montgomery, Ran Livneh, and Scott Colberg make up the Adnata Ensemble, which has just released their debut album Oku. We dig into the story behind this bass quartet, coming together in the park in 2020, how these collaborations led to this album, and much more. Check out Oku here, and be sure to give this q…