Zoltan Dekany - Interview and Performance 2

This week, we’re featuring Zoltan Dekany’s second interview and performance with us, this time talking about a really popular topic. Lots of people, including Geoff and Zoltan, start their bass journey learning the bass guitar, and soon find that they want to swap over to the double bass (if that’s you - good decision!). Although making the switch might seem simple, there are key differences to each instrument that you should be aware of when learning to play them. Zoltan is a teacher of both electric and upright bass, made the switch himself, and encouraged Geoff to switch, too! That’s why we invited him to talk about why he made the switch, and talk us through the common problems and techniques that you should be aware of. Plus, Zoltan tells us what double bass, strings, and amp he uses.

At the end of the interview, there is also a fantastic solo performance by Zoltan of 'I Hear a Rhapsody' by George Fragos, Jack Baker, and Dick Gasparre.

Zoltan Dekany is a renowned double bassist and educator who has played with many of the world’s best artists and bands such as Rick Zunigar, Terry Lynne Carrington, BBC Big Band, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Peter King, Tim Garland, Jamie Cullum, Paloma Faith as well as for numerous West End shows. As an educator, Zoltan has taught at California Institute of the Arts (Cal Arts), The Players School of Music with Jeff Berlin and is currently the Principal Lecturer of jazz double bass at Leeds College of Music in the U.K.

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Timecodes:

00:00 Introduction
01:00 Why did you switch from bass guitar to upright bass?
03:53 What are the common problems when switching?
05:56 Right-hand technique tips
08:14 Zoltan's Bass
11:24 Strings
12:25 Amplifier
14:35 Advice for switching
18:29 Solo performance of 'I Hear a Rhapsody' by George Fragos, Jack Baker, and Dick Gasparre