Bob Nieske teaches at Brandeis University and the New England Conservatory. He has worked with George Russell, Stephane Grappelli, and many other jazz luminaries. As bassist, composer, and bandleader, his projects include a suite for his jazz trio, and the Lydian String Quartet, documented on his critically acclaimed CD Simplicity. We dig into many topics, including: why we shouldn’t be watching the left hand as we play intonation and the jazz bassist Bob's journey from bass to tuba to composition to classical guitar and finally back to bass George Russell and how he looked at modes linear lines through the chord changes and getting away from being so root-bound Brandeis jazz band shirts - front says “what if?” and back says “why not?" Follow along with all of our jazz content at contrabassconversations.com/jazz! Links to check out: Bob's Bass Book (free and full of great content) Maine Jazz Camp (where Bob teaches in the summer) Thanks to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance. Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings! Thank you also to the Bass Violin Shop, which  offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome! This episode is also brought to you by Rosin Saver, a revolutionary storage device that keeps bass rosin feeling as fresh as the day it was made. Rosin Saver is used by members of the New York Philharmonic, the MET orchestra, the Los Angles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, and many others. Use the promo code 'HEATH' at checkout for 10% off any and all orders from rosinsaver.com. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!