Upright Citizens

Come hang with some effortlessly cool professional jazz bassists who have a lot to say about music, life, and of course...the bass! Great interviews with legendary artists, funny road stories, playing and practicing advice, listening suggestions, and much more await you on your journey with the Upright Citizens.

On the Gig Challenge!

"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 Rogers, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Bob DeBoo and more. Reach out to the Upright Citizens anytime at uprightcitizenspodcast@gmail.com ★ Support this podcast ★

05-28
12:18

Why Do We Study the Masters?

"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 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 podcast ★

05-14
09:58

Sax Trio Brilliance! (Part 2)

"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 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 podcast ★

04-30
28:18

Sax Trio Brilliance! (Part 1)

"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 Playlist with some of our favorite Sax Trios. Let us know what YOU like!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 podcast ★

04-16
25:33

Versatility: Virtue or Vice???

"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, Christian McBride, Bob DeBoo and more. Reach out to the Upright Citizens anytime at uprightcitizenspodcast@gmail.com ★ Support this podcast ★

04-02
18:17

Linda Oh Interview

"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 and more. Reach out to the Upright Citizens anytime at uprightcitizenspodcast@gmail.com ★ Support this podcast ★

03-19
46:30

Trial & Error

"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 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 podcast ★

03-05
17:44

The Genius of Scott Colley

"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' PlaylistIf 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 podcast ★

02-20
30:41

6 Ways to Grow in 2024

"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, Christian McBride, Bob DeBoo and more. Reach out to the Upright Citizens anytime at uprightcitizenspodcast@gmail.com ★ Support this podcast ★

02-06
25:15

2023 Retrospective

"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 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 podcast ★

12-26
29:12

Xmas Party 2023!

"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 PlaylistInterested 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 ★

12-12
42:33

The Joy of John Clayton

"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!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 podcast ★

11-28
49:33

Having Grace with Your Process

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 podcast ★

11-14
19:50

Make Better Music with Vulnerability

"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 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 podcast ★

10-31
22:27

Going Deep with Rufus Reid

"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 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 podcast ★

10-17
34:12

The Art of the Duo (Part 2)

"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 like Reuben Rogers, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Bob DeBoo and more. Reach out to the Upright Citizens anytime at uprightcitizenspodcast@gmail.com ★ Support this podcast ★

10-03
36:27

Art of the Duo (Part 1)

"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 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 podcast ★

09-19
26:54

Always Be Learning

"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'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 podcast ★

09-05
20:03

Details Matter

"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..."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 podcast ★

08-22
25:31

Bassists as Leaders: Matt Penman

"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-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 podcast ★

08-08
24:51

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