"This time the Citizens celebrate one of the greatest, and perhaps underrated, bassists of all time - Percy Heath. He played and recorded with everyone from Bird to Dizzy and was a crucial component to the Modern Jazz Quartet. Join us as we listen and learn more about the great Percy Heath!" UC - Percy Heath Playlist If you like Bass - you're in th…

Many upright bassists start on the electric first - we both did! They are very different instruments that often function in similar ways, but there is a lot of technical considerations that must be addressed. In this episode we share our thoughts and suggestions for electric bassists looking to make 'The Switch!' If you like Bass - you're in the ri…

As musicians, our ears are one of the most important tools we use! They are instruments unto themselves and we have to practice listening to grow in our musicianship. In this episode we delve into our thoughts on how to get "Better Ears"... If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open St…

We're back with another 'Guess THAT Bassist' episode! This time Reuben will say a few bits of trivia about some well-known jazz bassists, and let's see how quickly Bob can figure it out. Can you guess before he does? 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…

"We love the electric bass here at Upright Citizens, and most especially the great Marcus Miller! A true pioneer of music, Marcus is just as well-known for his writing, producing, arranging, and is a leader in so many facets in the music biz. In this episode, Bob and Reuben share some of their favorite Marcus tracks, as well as their thoughts and s…

Let's play a nerdy bass game. Bob will say a few bits of trivia about some well-known jazz bassists, and let's see how quickly Reuben can figure it out. Sounds like fun! 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 …

"The Citizens are back for part 2 of the Bass Blindfold Test! This time Reuben is in the hot seat trying to guess who's playing. See if you can name the bassists that Bob is choosing before Reuben does!" 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 …

Watch on YT: https://youtu.be/9EXP9KX6vmI If you've been told you have hip dysplasia and that you need PAO surgery to fix your hip pain, watch this video. We'll dive into the research on hip dysplasia. We'll look at the prevalence of hip dysplasia, the connection to hip pain and hip arthritis, and we'll look at the long-term results of periacetabul…

"We all know the classic 'blindfold test' - well, here's the Upright Citizens "bass-centric" version with Bob in the hot seat first! Reuben has picked a few bassists and will play a snippet of a recording and then we're off to guess who is playing and talk about what we hear..." If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music…

Watch on YT: https://youtu.be/IiEh5tRmSPg Doctors told Cindy she needed foot surgery and that she needed to give up hiking. She delayed following their advice for 10 years when foot pain became too much. When she finally got the foot surgery, things went terribly wrong. Here is the story of her recovery from foot surgery, hip surgery, and how she f…

Watch on YT: https://youtu.be/w2XwnriJNW0 You're looking for good physical therapy for hip impingement...but you keep getting frustrated with PT sessions that don't seem to help. Even when physical therapists want to help you avoid surgery for FAI, they are limited by systemic issues that leave you frustrated. Learn 3 big secrets physical therapist…

Can you get more flexible if you sit a lot? Will sitting all day stop you from improving your flexibility? Is sitting the new smoking? Let's dive deep with a physical therapist with the brain, body, and experience to answer these flexibility questions. Watch on YT: https://youtu.be/l0PyB7O9zAw 👉🦵Rebuild Your Hips at Home!: https://www.uprighthealth…

Doctors told Erica her hip pain was from hip dysplasia and a hip labral tear. Her hip pain got so bad she had to walk with a cane. The surgery to fix hip dysplasia sounded brutal, so she tried to heal her hip pain without surgery. This is her story of recovery from hip pain, a hip labral tear, and hip dysplasia. Watch on YT: https://youtu.be/JgOqnR…

"The Upright Citizens are celebrating the release of their 100th episode in style with very special guest and bass legend, John Patitucci. The conversation goes from 'doubling' to football, and Instagram to Larry Graham...listen to the end to find out what John thinks would surprise his fans to know about him!" If you like Bass - you're in the righ…

"We all know the phrase 'One man's trash is another man's treasure' and the Citizens are here this time to talk about letting go of the things we don't really need. Not just for ourselves, but for others." 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 an…

"We open up with a great T.K. Coleman quote about what success is and understanding what that means for ourselves. Give yourself some grace and start working towards who you are for yourself..." 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…

"Can you practice away from the bass? Of course you can! In this episode the Upright Citizens answer 'why' you might want to practice without your instrument, and then offer some great advice on 'how' to creatively do just that!" If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...wher…

"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 R…

"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 …

Suzette’s life fell apart when knee surgery stopped helping her knee pain. She couldn't move anymore. She couldn't stay active. She couldn't do the things she loved. She gained massive weight and no longer recognized the face in the mirror. Then she made a discovery that strated to turn things around. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dlAX3IJYfOA …

"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 fav…

"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 G…

"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 an…

With a knee meniscus tear, the choice to treat your knee pain may seem straightforward. But should you jump into surgery for a knee meniscus tear? What does the research say? Can you heal a knee meniscus tear without surgery? We’ll dive into these questions and cover a story about knee pain out of Portugal. HELPFUL LINKS YT video: https://youtu.be/…

Doctors will often tell you that knee pain is inevitable as you age. They’ll tell you that there’s nothing you can do to relieve knee pain besides rest and wait until your knees hurt so much that you need a knee replacement. These stories will give you hope for your knee pain. HELPFUL LINKS YT VIDEO: https://youtu.be/b5sY3NSW7Jo Asymptomatic Knee M…

"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? Chec…

"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 mor…

Playing in the NFL may seem like a dream come true, but it comes with its own set of challenges. In this video, former NFL player shares his experience with hip pain and the toll it takes on players' bodies. Get an inside look into what it's really like to play in the NFL. After more than a dozen orthopedic surgeries and he still had hip pain.. You…

"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 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…

"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, Christi…

If you're tired of feeling frustrated and confused about how to improve your body, this video is for you! We'll break down a super simple concept that will help you eliminate all the guesswork and start making progress. Say goodbye to frustration and hello to a stronger, pain-free body. Video available here: https://youtu.be/O7Pn26m49D4 SUPPORT THE…

"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 o…

"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 Intere…

"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 th…

What are the real limits of old age? Are you doomed to muscle loss, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis as you get older? What can you do to stay young for as long as possible? HELPFUL LINKS Too Old to Jump? https://youtu.be/wxBNKqN4i74 Fight Muscle loss with Aging:https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/physical-medicine-rehabilitation/news/slow…

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 podcas…

"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…

What can astronauts teach us about your joint pain? This popular way to heal cartilage to fix hip or knee pain from “osteoarthritis” needs a serious look. Doctors recommend it all the time, and if it does work, will it actually relieve your hip and knee pain? What about in your spine? Let's look at what happens when you rest and what happens to ast…

"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 i…

"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 …

"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 p…

If you don't recognize and root out this fallacy, your body will be doomed. Learn how to stop the damage from this very human weakness. HELPFUL LINKS YT Video: https://youtu.be/yYrBE4hG66U Cut This Before You Cut Your Body: https://www.uprighthealth.com/blog/screens-cause-chronic-pain Screen Time Limits and Phone Addiction (audio): https://www.upri…

"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'l…

"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 …

Is Feldenkrais a scam? Is the Feldenkrais Method of somatic education powerful or just a money grab for the naive? In this video, I'll share my experiences and thoughts on Feldenkrais and whether it's something worth trying. This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CXtUru2dXUs HELPFUL LINKS How to Stretch for Flexibility: https://www.youtube.com/w…

Don't be blind to this simple truth about your body. If you remain clouded with ignorance, you'll be hurting, frustrated, and helpless. Once you understand this key idea, you'll be able to help relieve yourself of back pain, hip pain, knee pain, and shoulder pain. "Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know." Pema Chödrön On…

"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-c…

Physician John Sarno wrote a book called "Healing Back Pain" that introduced the idea of tension myositis. Does this theory of chronic pain make sense? What about when doctors tell you that your pain is all in your head? Do you need to heal your emotions before you can heal your back pain, hip pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, etc.? HELPFUL LINKS Hip…

"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…

What to do about tension headaches? Is swimming good exercise? Can't feel one side of your glutes (gluteal amnesia)? Barefoot shoes for small feet? A big day of questions! Splay (affiliate link): https://splayshoes.com/?ref=3ismzdrjvjxr Vivobarefoot(affiliate link): https://bit.ly/uprightvivo Kids barefoot shoes video: https://www.youtube.com/watch…