I first met Patrick Neher when I was an 18-year-old student at Northwestern University, and I've followed along with his career ever since.   Honestly, I can't believe that it has taken me this long to interview him for the podcast! After teaching at the University of Arizona for 28 years, Patrick has relocated to Bellingham, Washington.  He is immersed in composing new works... including two new double bass concertos! We dig into all kinds of things: growing up in New Mexico attending Juilliard and studying with David Walter (be ready for a funny story about this!) taking his bass on the subway and surviving blackouts in New York City meeting François Rabbath and switching rom a block technique to an open hand technique how the right hand is core to Rabbath’s approach Patrick's “natural tempo, natural forms” approach We also feature several excerpts from Patrick's wonderful solo albums.  It was a pleasure to spend some time with this active artist who has contributed so much to the double bass! Links to check out: Patrick's website Patrick demonstrating "natural forms" approach (YouTube) Patrick discussing pivoting (YouTube) Recordings from Patrick: Ensemble Soliloquy Music 4 Friends Music for Friends, Two! Thanks to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Helicore strings, which are are designed, engineered, and crafted at the D’Addario string factory in New York and come in orchestral, hybrid, pizzicato, and solo string sets. Enter our latest string giveaway for Helicore strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings! Hosting for Contrabass Conversations is provided by Bass Capos.  Bass Capos are an excellent choice for any bass player using or looking to implement a double bass extension. Easy to install and adjust, cheaper and more reliable than hand-built latches, also lighter and quicker in operation.