Upright Citizens - podcast cover

Upright Citizens

Reuben Rogers & Bob DeBoo
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.
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Episodes

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 mor...

Dec 26, 202329 minEp. 87

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 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 g...

Dec 12, 202343 minEp. 86

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 ...

Nov 28, 202350 minEp. 85

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 ★...

Nov 14, 202320 minEp. 82

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 Cart...

Oct 31, 202322 minEp. 81

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 Car...

Oct 17, 202334 minEp. 84

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 ...

Oct 03, 202336 minEp. 83

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 McB...

Sep 19, 202327 minEp. 80

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 ...

Sep 05, 202320 minEp. 79

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...

Aug 22, 202326 minEp. 78

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 uprightcitizenspodc...

Aug 08, 202325 minEp. 77

Bassist and iRealPro Creator: Massimo Biolcati Interview

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

Jul 25, 202343 minEp. 76

Bassist Spotlight: Bob Hurst

"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! 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 ...

Jul 11, 202326 minEp. 75

David Gage Interview

"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..." 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 mu...

Jun 27, 202330 minEp. 74

Bass Monogamy???

"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, Ad...

Jun 13, 202322 minEp. 73

Bassists as Leaders: Avishai Cohen

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 Playlist Have feedback or a suggestion? Email the Upright Citizens: uprightcitizenspodcast@gm...

May 30, 202324 minEp. 72

The Balance Between Art and Commerce

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: uprightcitizenspodcast@gmail.com Interested in more music advice? Check out the Open Studio courses and online practice community th...

May 16, 202322 minEp. 71

Bass Buying Advice

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@gmail.com Interested in more music advice? Check out the Open Studio courses and online practice community that is Open Studio Pro ...where you'll find ...

May 02, 202320 minEp. 70

Electric Bass Love (Part 2) - Steve Swallow

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 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 s...

Apr 18, 202322 minEp. 68

4/4 Day Special: the Pioneers of Walking Bass

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 Pioneers Playlist Interested in more music advice? Check out the Open Studio courses and online practice community that is Open Studio Pro ...where you...

Apr 04, 202324 minEp. 69

Electric Bass Love (Part 1) - Bob Cranshaw

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 practice sessions and masterclasses by Open Studio Artists like Bob DeBoo, Adam Maness, and many more. Let us know what you think by leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ r...

Mar 21, 202326 minEp. 67

Pet Peeves

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 Open Studio Pro ...where you'll find regular live guided practice sessions and masterclasses by Open Studio Artists like Bob DeBoo, Adam Maness, and ...

Mar 07, 202321 minEp. 66

Odd Times

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 sessions and masterclasses by Open Studio Artists like Bob DeBoo, Adam Maness, and many more. Let us know what you think by leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, or h...

Feb 21, 202321 minEp. 65

Aphorisms for a New Year

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 Studio Pro ...where you'll find regular live guided practice sessions and masterclasses by Open Studio Artists like Bob DeBoo, Adam Maness, and many m...

Feb 07, 202320 minEp. 64

2022 Retrospective

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 regular live guided practice sessions and masterclasses by Open Studio Artists like Bob DeBoo, Adam Maness, and many more. Let us know what you think by l...

Dec 20, 202230 minEp. 63

Desert Island Albums

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 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. L...

Dec 06, 202232 minEp. 62

Bassist Spotlight: Joe Martin

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 every bass course in one convenient place. Let us know what you think by leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, or head over to our YouTube channel . Follow us on Twi...

Nov 22, 202220 minEp. 61

Jazz Bass Education

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 leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, or head over to our YouTube channel . Follow us on Twitter | Instagram ★ Support this podcast ★...

Nov 08, 202221 minEp. 60

Getting Deep with Dave Holland

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 Pass includes every bass course in one convenient place. Let us know what you think by leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, or head over to our YouTube channel ...

Oct 25, 20221 hrEp. 59

Bassists as Leaders: Oscar Pettiford

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 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 kno...

Oct 11, 202223 minEp. 58
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