439: Kevin Smith on Willie Nelson and Texas slap bass

I had a wonderful time talking with Kevin Smith for the podcast!  Kevin is Willie Nelson's bassist and has some of the best stories from the road that I've heard.  You'll love this conversation with Kevin--enjoy!

About Kevin Smith: Currently on tour with Willie Nelson and Family, Smith has toured with High Noon, Ronnie Dawson, Dwight Yoakam and the Brian Setzer Orchestra.

Smith received a Grammy nomination for 2009's "Willie And The Wheel" and has recorded with Willie Nelson and Family, Kris Kristoferson, Dwight Yoakam, Pam Tillis, Dan Hicks, Dale Watson, Asleep At The Wheel, Heybale!, and many other Americana, Rockabilly, and Country acts.

Links to Check Out: Kevin Smith Spotify Playlist Kevin's D'Addario Artist Page Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle!

Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: D'Addario Strings

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.

Robertson & Sons Violins

For more than four decades, Robertson & Sons has specialized in providing the highest quality stringed instruments and bows to collectors, professional musicians, music educators, and students of all ages. Their modern facility is equipped with three instrument showrooms as well as a beautiful Recital Hall available to our clients to in their search for the perfect instrument and/or bow.

 

Upton Bass String Instrument Company

Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players.

The English Double Bass Book

The English Double Bass Book examines the great English double bass makers of the 18th and 19th Century, illustrating in fine detail the incredible work they produced. It also explores the fascinating story of how the double bass came to England, its development guided by the great Venetian virtuoso Domenico Dragonetti, and the rise and fall of the English double bass makers. To pre-order your limited-edition copy, please visit www.theenglishdoublebass.com.

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