Upright Citizens

How to Learn New Music Fast (And Make It Sound Like You've Always Known It!)

You got the call. The music is deep, the deadline is short - you've got maybe a day, maybe a car ride, before you're expected to play it like you've known it for years.

Why Your Bass Lines Don't Swing (The Ron Carter Secret!)

You're playing all the right notes - the changes, the time, everything. So why does your bass line still feel like it's just not dancing? Bob and Reuben break down the

Should You Practice In All 12 Keys?

‘Practice in all  12 keys’…It’s advice we often hear, but do we really need to??? ★ Support this podcast ★

Playing with Our Heroes

"Any musician always dreams of getting to play with their heroes, and we also have our own unsung personal heroes in our lives as well. Join Reuben and Bob for a candid d

Leading from the Bass

"What does it mean to lead a band from the bass? What's different, what's the same, and what do two professional bassists think about what it takes? Listen in to this dis

Be You, Be the Music

"Your life is your greatest musical asset - so go live it. In this episode of Upright Citizens, we're talking about why the best thing you can do for your playing might h

Mistakes are a Gift

"In this episode, Bob and Reuben explore the hidden beauty inside musical “mistakes” - and why the notes we didn’t mean to play might be the ones that move us forward. Th

How Much Technique Do We Really Need?

"We do need to have good technique to play and say what we hear on the bass - but how much is enough? Can technique go too far, and what is essential? In this episode Reu

5 Things We Admire In Our Favorite Musicians

"There are always certain traits, habits, or even non-tangible elements that draw us to our favorite people and artists. Find out what those elements are to Bob and Reube

Nurture Your Relationships

"Music is all about connection, and nurturing your relationships is so important to keeping those connections happening! Hang with Bob & Reuben today as they discuss thei

Bassist Spotlight: Joe Sanders

"Bassist extraordinaire Joe Sanders is getting his flowers from the Upright Citizens this time. Nobody plays like Joe, and his writing and collaborations are always incre

Playing Melodically

"The role of the bass is support of course, but there's ways that we can be more or less 'melodic' with our playing. This episode dives into what it means to play 'melodi

Drums & Bass Teams Pt. 5

"We're back with another drum & bass teamup focus! This time we're celebrating the connection that Larry Grenadier and Jeff Ballard have, as well as the the incredible dr

Do Not Fear Mistakes

"Everybody makes "mistakes"...and there's no better way to learn! Join Bob & Reuben on this discussion of what's important to keep in mind when we have things go other th

Free Association - Bob's Turn

"In this episode Reuben mentions three names and has Bob respond on the spot with his thoughts. You'll have to listen to find out who gets mentioned...and to hear what Bo

Drum & Bass Teams Pt 4

"The connection between the bass and the drums is a deep one! In this episode we shine light on two of our favorite teams: Peter Washington/Kenny Washington and Robert Hu

Free Association - Reuben's Turn

"This is a fun one! Bob says three names, and Reuben shares his immediate thoughts on those folks. There's a theme here, but you have to listen to find out!" If you like

Bow Bros

"Finding the right bow is a very personal journey and can be daunting. Join the Citizens as they discuss Reuben's recent search for a bow while on tour..." If you like B

Do We Need Music Theory?

"Music 'theory'....Is it helpful? Is it a crutch? Can it make you a better player? Can it stifle your creativity? Come join the Upright Citizens as we kind of say 'yes' t

Atomic Habits: the Journey

The Upright Citizens are back! This time with some inspired ideas on creating new habits in your musical life that will set you up for success. We tend to focus so much o