Episodes
"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 favorite bassists - Milt Hinton, Gary Peacock, Charlie Haden, Ron Carter, Reggie Workman, and Christian McBride" If you like Bass - you're in the...
Published 04/30/24
"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 Grenadier, Henry Grimes, Pablo Menares, Dave Holland, and Kiyoshi Kitagawa are featured in this 1st of a 2-part series." Here's a bonus Spotify...
Published 04/16/24
Published 04/16/24
"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 and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more by world-class bassists like Reuben Rogers, Ron Carter,...
Published 04/02/24
"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? 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...
Published 03/19/24
"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." 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 sessions and masterclasses by Open Studio Artists like Reuben Rogers, Bob DeBoo, Peter Martin, Adam Maness, and many more. ...
Published 03/05/24
"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 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 sessions and masterclasses by Open Studio Artists like Reuben Rogers, Bob DeBoo, Peter Martin, Adam Maness, and many...
Published 02/20/24
"2024 is here and the Upright Citizens are putting their energies towards growth! What is on your list of ways to grow this year?"  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 sessions and masterclasses by Open Studio Artists like Reuben Rogers, Bob DeBoo, Peter Martin, Adam Maness, and many more. ★ Support this podcast ★
Published 02/06/24
"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✌️" 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 sessions and masterclasses by Open Studio Artists like Reuben Rogers, Bob...
Published 12/26/23
"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 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...
Published 12/12/23
"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 the Upright Citizens John Clayton Playlist! Interested in more music advice? Check out the Open Studio courses and online practice community that is...
Published 11/28/23
Published 11/14/23
"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." 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 sessions and masterclasses by Open...
Published 10/31/23
"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." 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 sessions and masterclasses by Open...
Published 10/17/23
"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!" 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 sessions and masterclasses by Open Studio Artists like Reuben Rogers, Bob DeBoo, Peter Martin, Adam Maness, and many more. ★ Support this podcast ★
Published 10/03/23
"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..." 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 sessions and masterclasses by Open Studio Artists...
Published 09/19/23
"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..." 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 sessions and masterclasses by Open Studio Artists like Reuben Rogers, Bob DeBoo, Peter Martin, Adam...
Published 09/05/23
"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 awareness muscle..." Interested in more music advice? Check out the Open Studio courses and online practice community that is Open Studio...
Published 08/22/23
"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..." 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 sessions and masterclasses by Open Studio Artists like Reuben Rogers, Bob DeBoo, Peter Martin, Adam Maness, and many more. ★ Support this...
Published 08/08/23
"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..." 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 sessions and masterclasses by Open Studio Artists like Reuben Rogers, Bob DeBoo, Peter Martin, Adam Maness, and many more. ★ Support this podcast ★
Published 07/25/23
"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..." 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 sessions and masterclasses by...
Published 07/11/23
"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..." Interested in more music advice? Check out the Open Studio courses and online practice community that is Open Studio Pro...where you'll find...
Published 06/27/23
"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 Pro...where you'll find regular live guided practice sessions and masterclasses by Open Studio Artists like Reuben Rogers, Bob DeBoo, Peter Martin,...
Published 06/13/23
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 immense talent that is Avishai Cohen!   Our Avishai Cohen PlaylistHave feedback or a suggestion? Email the Upright Citizens:...
Published 05/30/23
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 Upright Citizens: [email protected] Interested in more music advice? Check out the Open Studio courses and online practice...
Published 05/16/23