Episodes

Latest Episode
Preparing for Lessons

Preparing for Lessons

Episode 41 · · 19:36

This time Bob and Reuben discuss their thoughts, from the teachers' chair, on how to prepare for a lesson.

Advice for Freelance Musicians

Advice for Freelance Musicians

Episode 40 · · 32:13

Reuben and Bob are back for Season 2 of Upright Citizens! In this episode they discuss some of the wisdom they've gained over the years of being freelance musicians. We're talking mo...

Best Of 2021

Best Of 2021

Episode 39 · · 26:44

Best Of 2021 Retrospective. In this last episode of 2021, we look back to some of the more memorable moments from the first year of our podcast.

An Upright Citizens Christmas Spectacular!

An Upright Citizens Christmas Spectacular!

Episode 38 · · 36:19

With the holiday season in full swing, Bob and Reuben get festive and listen to their favorite Christmastime jazz tunes.

A Conversation With Kendrick Scott & Gerald Clayton (Part 2)

A Conversation With Kendrick Scott & Gerald Clayton (Part 2)

Episode 37 · · 21:42

Kendrick Scott and Gerald Clayton continue their discussion with Bob and Reuben as they discuss touring, playing in front of a live audience again, and what other band members want f...

A Conversation With Kendrick Scott & Gerald Clayton (Part 1)

A Conversation With Kendrick Scott & Gerald Clayton (Part 1)

Episode 36 · · 31:23

Kendrick Scott and Gerald Clayton join fellow Charles Lloyd Quartet member Reuben as they discuss touring, playing in front of a live audience again, and what other band members want...

Our 6 Favorite Ray Brown Tracks

Our 6 Favorite Ray Brown Tracks

Episode 35 · · 48:53

With such a long and illustrious career, it's hard to pick just 6 of the best Ray Brown tunes. Bob and Reuben try to whittle it down in this episode.

Growing Pains

Growing Pains

Episode 34 · · 21:04

Bob and Reuben cover some of the lessons they learned on their journeys to become professional musicians.

Mind, Body, Spirit... Bass

Mind, Body, Spirit... Bass

Episode 33 · · 15:51

After last week's episode about the physical conditioning for playing bass, what about the mental and emotional side of being a musician?

(Re)Building Strength

(Re)Building Strength

Episode 32 · · 19:25

The upright bass is a physically demanding instrument, so what happens if you haven't played a long gig with one in a while? Bob and Reuben are here to give you some tips.

The Value of Having a Teacher

The Value of Having a Teacher

Episode 31 · · 22:43

While it's of course possible to be completely self-taught, Bob and Reuben talk about some of the benefits you can only get from having a teacher.

The Art of Playing Ballads

The Art of Playing Ballads

Episode 30 · · 31:48

Reuben and Bob talk about the do's and don'ts of playing ballads, as well as some excellent examples of tunes worth emulating.

Surviving Life on the Road

Surviving Life on the Road

Episode 29 · · 34:02

Touring can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. Bob and Reuben provide some tips to help make life on the road a little more comfortable.

Playing in Chordless Situations

Playing in Chordless Situations

Episode 28 · · 18:14

What do you do when you're playing with nothing but chordless instruments? Bob and Reuben share their wisdom

Special Guest: Larry Grenadier (Part 2)

Special Guest: Larry Grenadier (Part 2)

Episode 27 · · 39:19

Bob and Reuben continue their conversation with one of the masters of jazz bass: Larry Grenadier

Special Guest: Larry Grenadier (Part 1)

Special Guest: Larry Grenadier (Part 1)

Episode 26 · · 27:57

Jazz bass extraordinaire Lenny Grenadier discusses his early days breaking onto the jazz scene, as well as some tips for what to do on and off the bandstand.

Special Guest: Ulysses Owens, Jr.

Special Guest: Ulysses Owens, Jr.

Episode 25 · · 48:00

Accomplished jazz drummer and educator Ulysses Owens, Jr. discusses his musical career and advice he would give to aspiring musicians.

Bass Standards (Part 4)

Bass Standards (Part 4)

Episode 24 · · 38:48

Bob and Reuben continue their exploration of some of the most recognizable bass licks in jazz music - this time, they break down tunes by Wayne Shorter and Oscar Peterson

How to Lock-in With Drummers: A Checklist

How to Lock-in With Drummers: A Checklist

Episode 23 · · 30:37

Bob and Reuben check off some of the most important things to keep in mind for this crucial musical partnership

Bass Standards (Part 3)

Bass Standards (Part 3)

Episode 22 · · 33:43

Bob and Reuben continue their exploration of some of the most recognizable bass licks in jazz music.